Central Coast Mariners

The surprise package of last season. Everything came together marvellously after years of wooden spoon finishes. Stajcic assembled a tactically astute, hard-working group with a fine blend of youth and experience. Only fatigue prevented them from a semi-final place. The squad has been ripped apart in pre-season. Boss Stajcic has left, replaced by club legend Montgomery, who is unproven as a manager. Powerful impact sub Kuol, key full-back Clisby (best player last season) , playmaker de Silva, reliable utility man Stensness, and right-back Nigro all left. Some good players have arrived. Müller is a very intelligent attacker, and they'll need him if they're to support Urena and Simon properly. Roux is a good attack-minded full-back but not so good defensively. N'Kololo is a good dribbler but not a great passer; wildcard. Goddard is expected to be the new de Silva; another wildcard. Moresche looks fast but inconsistent. Attack is their strongest area because of the understanding between Simon and Urena. There are major concerns as to whether Goddard, Müller. and N'Kololo will be able to support them; Müller should be the safest bet but the other two are random. The manager is their weakest area; inexperienced manager with a mostly young group of players. Question marks over the defence - new FBs, injury-prone Tongyik, dangerous Rowles. Huge problems breaking teams down; midfielders don't want to turn on the ball. Could be offset if they try N'Kololo through the middle instead of on the wing. Irreplaceable players - Birighitti, Tongyik, Simon.