Football Season Guide

Despite opting to promote a lot of youngsters last season, Adelaide United started their season strongly. They ran out of energy toward the end. In typical Adelaide United fashion, they've lost more than they've gained in the transfer window. Juric's departure leaves them without an orthodox target man, and history shows they struggle without one. It also means they're over-reliant on injury-prone Yengi. Toure will be missed for his dribbling. Lost two utility men defenders. Spanish midfield controller Isaias has returned to the club to help them dominate possession more. Tratt and Ansell should improve their defence but Ansell must be bossed by CB partner or will make too many errors. Blackwood returned to the club as backup striker (target man) - he's seldom convincing. Ochsenham returned to the club only as an injury replacement due to Gauci's injury. Midfield is their strongest area. Two good young goalkeepers too. Defence looks good in the air but lacks cohesion; could be undone by pace. Attack is lightweight and injury-prone. Yengi and Toure are superb but injury-prone so too much will hinge upon Goodwin in tight spots, who is their only genuine match-winner. Very injury-prone team with little depth. However, has a strong history of ushering through talented youngsters, of which Oliveira is the latest, and is capable of surprising. Will always try to play good attacking football but often lacks penetration without a target man, or a “Plan B” for when things aren’t going as they should. Irreplaceable players - Goodwin, Mauk, Halloran, Isaias.