This season we have a new pre-round feature, asking the big questions ahead of each round. Read on to check out the talking points.
Every week we will ask five questions before the action kicks off and give our answers to them the following Monday, without further ado, here are what our editors see as the big questions heading into the opening week.
1. What does Ange have planned?
In an interview with Melbourne-s Herald Sun earlier this week, Ange Postecoglou gave away some information on his new tactics, something similar to the much-talked about “false 9”.
“I picked technical guys who weren-t confined to a set position,” he said, “so if they were a midfielder, they could be a holder or play further up.
“The system we-re trying to create is that there-s less set positions than normal.”
The Hyundai A-League has evolved rapidly tactically, much of it a result of Postecoglou-s success at Brisbane. Watching his next step at Victory will be fascinating.
2. How will ADP fit in?
Sydney FC-s marquee man has made the trip to Wellington, fuelling anticipation that he is ready to make his debut at the Cake Tin. What a place to start!
Ian Crook knew how he wanted his team set up before the Italian-s arrival, so how has he adjusted it to make room? How have his players adjusted their own game? And, perhaps most importantly, just how good will ADP be?
3. Are the Wanderers ready?
It-s been a short, hard slog for Tony Popovic, but in a matter of months he-s put together a team that should be capable of pulling off a few surprises this season.
But facing the Mariners first-up is a tough ask. Graham Arnold-s side are fast, powerful, consistent and extremely organised.
You want to see how long it takes to put a football team together? This fascinating game should give you a good idea.
4. Will the Reds be too tired?
Not only did Adelaide United have to fly to Uzbekistan midweek, but they also had to cope with draining conditions and a frantic period of extra-time.
John Kosmina had been eager to push his team-s match fitness due to their AFC ACL campaign – but has the last week pushed them beyond their limits? If so what will a player as physical as Emile Heskey be able to do to them?
5. How has Rado stepped up?
Brisbane Roar have made only a few staff changes since last season but perhaps the most important is the appointment of Rado Vidosic to head coach.
The former No.2 had plenty of involvement in Ange Postecoglou-s success, but that doesn-t necessarily mean he-s ready to replicate it.
Vidosic has said his Roar side will be more direct than his predecessor-s, which should make this already emotional grand final rematch something to behold.
