Adelaide United

Did well last season but fell short in the latter stages of the campaign, suffering from fatigue/injuries. Had an uninspired pre-season, only bringing in midfield battle-axe Tunnicliffe to ease the burden on Isaias’ shoulders now that Juande has been cut loose and D’Arrigo has left, which ultimately means they’ll be relying on their kids even more than usual. Losing the likes of Kasumovic and Blackwood shouldn’t hurt them in general but probably will because they’ve not signed anyone. Bernardo Oliveira returning from long-term injury toward the end of their last campaign will count as a ‘new signing’ of sorts, and the same applies to van der Saag, but it’s not enough, especially not with club legend Goodwin having left, whom they’ve not seen fit to replace yet. They look incredibly short on depth right now (unless they happen to have another Irankunda or Toure up their sleeve) so a good campaign does not seem likely. They’re going to have to endure some really dark spells this season because if Ibusuki isn’t scoring, then then nobody will. Goodwin was their best match-winner by far; without him they won’t win their 50/50 matches very often. They’re lacking options in central midfield, and still don’t have actual left-backs. The only solid area of this team with depth is their goalkeepers. In short, they’re likely to struggle. Will be gunning for a play-off place finish but are likely to finish 7th or lower unless they make serious improvements to what is a very limited squad, which the rumour mill suggests is unlikely due to their financial position. Will find themselves in a whole world of pain when Ibusuki almost inevitably gets suspended/injured, or Halloran is out.