A breakaway at the top of the Hyundai A-League has emerged with Perth Glory, Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC leaving the rest of the competition in their wake.
So after just seven rounds of the competition Fantasy A-League managers must start to contemplate whether their selection choices are bearing the fruit they envisioned.
Last season’s Grand Finalists Roar and Wanderers have just one win between them – with the former deciding to part ways with coach Mike Mulvey last Sunday.
Can Thomas Broich turn the Roar’s fortunes around? Is Tomi Juric going to fire for Tony Popovic’s men?Â
These are the types of questions which managers need to be asking.
Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners have struggled in the early part of the season – can you afford to have any of these players in your team?
So the lesson here is to pick players from the teams going strong? Not quite…
Michael McGlinchey has been superb for Phoenix this year while Jets winger David Carney has been consistent for a struggling Jets outfit.Â
Damien Duff has picked up four assists at a lacklustre Melbourne City FC outfit…
The key is to do your homework and etch out which players can do a job for you without necessarily having to pay an arm and a leg for them.
So if you’re not sure who you should have in your team or you’re simply looking for some tips – don’t fret – The Scout is here once again to lend a helping hand.
Star Man
Pablo Sanchez ($240,000) – The Spaniard has taken time to settle in the Hyundai A-League and faced stiff competition up-front at the Reds from Bruce Djite and Sergio Cirio. But with Djite out injured – Sanchez sprung to life on Sunday – netting a quick-fire brace to hand the Reds a rare away win against the Mariners. His haul of 14-points was an equal round best and at just $240,000 – he’s a bargain.
Dud of the week
Rob Wielart ($171,000) – The usually consistent defender had a poor game against Sydney FC highlighted by a shocking back-pass which allowed Marc Janko to net the decisive goal for the Sky Blues. He was exposed for Janko’s opening goal as well after leaving the big Austrian isolated against fellow City defender Patrick Kisnorbo. Not a happy night for the Dutchman.
Coach Killer
Ruben Zadkovich ($109,000) – Staggering…. Came on as a second half substitute for Glory against Phoenix and just seventeen seconds later was dismissed for an awful challenge on Vince Lia. Zadkovich is known for his enthusiasm and aggression but he took it a little too far on Friday night. Trade.
Value Pick
Daniel De Silva ($154,000) – The young prodigy has shown glimpses of his impressive pedigree this season but enjoyed a breakout game against the Phoenix. He netted his maiden Hyundai A-League goal in the opening two minutes and showcased his wonderful passing range in midfield. A fan favourite of the shed – expect the Italian bound youngster to see plenty of game time in weeks to come.Â
Pick of the week
Marcos Flores ($212,000) – The enigmatic Jets midfielder is slowly starting to find form after recovering from a knee reconstruction in the off-season. Flores is nearing full fitness and showed he still has an abundance of class with a neat finish against the Wanderers on Saturday afternoon. A fit and firing Flores spells trouble for opposition defences – and maybe the diamond in the rough you’ve been looking to fit in your team?
The Scout is sticking with the preferred 3-4-3 formation but has switched up the personnel to give the outfit a more attacking threat.
Isaias has been outstanding for Adelaide United this season but lacks a cutting edge in the final third. Therefore Socceroo midfielder Aaron Mooy has been drafted in to provide some x-factor in midfield.
OUT – Isaias > IN – Aaron Mooy
The Scout rates Glory midfielder Daniel De Silva but in order to fit Mooy into the squad he had to cut some wages and the young dynamo drew the short straw. Tough call – Andrew Hoole sits on the bench as midfield cover.
OUT – Daniel De Silva > IN – Andrew Hoole
Don’t forget to pick your team for the official Hyundai A-League Fantasy game
With weekly prizes and new leagues starting every week it’s never too late to start playing!
