Melbourne Victory

One thing that became apparent last season was that Popovic’s approach to A-League football no longer works as it once did. He’s been kept in charge but cannot afford another disappointing campaign like last season, especially with the players now at his disposal - they only just managed to finish second bottom! If Popovic can motivate these players (which looks unlikely for temperamental players like Machach and Arzani) then they’ll easily finish in the top six, which has to be their aim (although they’d no doubt tell their fans that they’re gunning for a top three finish). If Popovic cannot motivate these players then they’ll finish near the bottom because the players are generally not empowered with decision-making whilst he’s in charge; he wants them to be robots. Lost a lot of players pre-season but none that they’ll greatly miss. Should miss Brillante and Nani but the latter was inconsistent and injured, and the former was omitted more and more as the season progressed anyway. Have made some really impressive signings in Teague, Arzani, Machach, and the return of their former full-back Traore, and little integration should be required. A lot of weight on Arzani’s shoulders to make something happen in the final third for a predominantly static team. Should be helped by Ikonomidis and Folami but the former is injury-prone and the latter only plays well when confident. Will be in a lot of trouble if Brimmer, Fornaroli, or Da Silva/Miranda are out. Have definitely got good enough personnel to finish high up the ladder but it looks unlikely that they will; most players don’t seem to want to play for Popovic any more, based on body language and consistency.