A-League Round 1 Preview

Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets - Friday 7:30pm

Team & Ladder Ranking: Sydney FC (finished 8th last seson)

Keep Up The Good Work: Del Piero. Scored an immense number of goals in a very poor side last year.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: They could have tried defending.

Team & Ladder Ranking: Newcastle Jets (finished last season 7th)

Keep Up The Good Work: HESKEY!

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: Everything really. They weren't that bad. They weren't that good. They were just average. Which in the A-League is good enough to get you close to a finals spot.

Prediction: HESKEYTIME! 4-2 Jets. Yes I know he's hurt.

Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers - Saturday 5:30pm

Team & Ladder Ranking: Central Coast Mariners (finished 2nd last seson)

Keep Up The Good Work: Graham Arnold. Keeps his club ticking along despite constant change and no money.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: Not lose to us in Gosford!

Team & Ladder Ranking: Western Sydney Wanderers (finished last season 1st)

Keep Up The Good Work: Ono, Shinji Ono! Dominated towards the end of last season, scoring vital goals against the likes of Melbourne Victory & Brisbane.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: If Tomi Juric can improve on Dino K then the Wanderers can win the title at a canter.

Prediction: 3-0 Wanderers.

Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne Heart - Saturday 7:45pm

Team & Ladder Ranking: Melbourne Victory (finished 3rd last seson)

Keep Up The Good Work: Archie Thompson is likely on his way to Brazil at the end of the season based on his ability to always get results.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: Defensive frailties saw their push for a Premiership or Championship title derailed, although they had the excuse of a first year under a new manager.

Team & Ladder Ranking: Melbourne Heart (finished last season 9th)

Keep Up The Good Work: Their members for continuing to show up despite how badly their team play.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: Not suck.

Prediction: 5-1 Victory.

Adelaide United vs Perth Glory - Sunday 4:30pm

Team & Ladder Ranking: Adelaide United (finished 4th last seson)

Keep Up The Good Work: Jerónimo Neumann is going to have to take a huge role in the success or failure of his team this season.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: They fell apart towards the end of the season, and never really pushed the league leaders enough to threaten for a title.

Team & Ladder Ranking: Perth Glory (finished last season 6th)

Keep Up The Good Work: Alistar Edwards performed a near-miracle after taking over from

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: Smeltz performing to his true ability, and less injuries.

Prediction: 1-0 Adelaide.

Wellington Phoenix vs Brisbane Roar - Sunday 5:30pm

Team & Ladder Ranking: Wellington Phoenix (finished 10th last seson)

Keep Up The Good Work: The new owners, for actually buying the club despite their rubbish status.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: Another example of 'everything'.

Team & Ladder Ranking: Brisbane Roar (finished last season 5th)

Keep Up The Good Work: Mike Mulvey is creating a new revolution at the Roar, and if his side continues to believe in his message they will go far.

Things They Could Have Done Better Last Year: Luke Brattan is at a crossroads, he needs to do more than just be "the guy Ange said is the best passer at the club."

Prediction: 10-0 Roar. Wellington are that bad.