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The News
- The Young Socceroos have been eliminated early from the AFC Under 19 Championship; while this is terrible news for Australian football (as they will miss the World Cup next year), at least fantasy coaches can potentially look forward to the likes of Awer Mabil and Scott Galloway lining up in the A-League earlier than expected.
- New Zealand have announced their squad for the friendlies against China (14th November) and Thailand (19th November). This means Michael Boxall, Thomas Doyle, Louis Fenton, Storm Roux, Michael McGlinchey, Kosta Barbarouses, Tyler Boyd and Jeremy Brockie will all miss Round 6 and possibly Round 7.
- Round 1 standout Corey Gameiro is battling a calf injury according to Fox Sports News' Richard Bayless.
- The Wanderers have signed former Socceroo Nikita Rukavytsya; he is yet to be added to the game.
Talking Points
- Fabio Ferreira and Michael Marrone both came off the bench against Brisbane for Adelaide last week, while Cassio was a late omission from the squad. I'd guess it will be some time before any of the long-injured trio are ready to start.
- Osama Malik's return to the team could see Dylan McGowan's spot in doubt, though Nigel Boogaard is under an injury cloud.
- Both Adelaide and Victory suggested last week they are not over their defensive worries from last season; I'd expect goals at both ends on Friday night.
- Besart Berisha rewarded those who captained him last week - this week he comes up against an Adelaide side both he and Victory terrorised last season. Berisha scored all 5 of the Roar's goals against the Reds last season, while Victory racked up 9 goals in their three meetings. So fair to say he should be a popular pick again this week.
- Leigh Broxham was the shock top scorer in Round 1 with 14 points. Before jumping on 'the Brox,' it's worth noting that he's typically not a huge scorer thanks to the roles he plays in the side (2.1 points per game last season; 3 pro career goals). Also with the return of Mark Milligan from international duty he may not even have spot in the starting XI.
- After Kosta Barbarouses and Archie Thompson's performance last week, Connor Pain and Fahid Ben Khalfallah may have to make do with the bench for now.
- Central Coast were the only side to keep a clean sheet last week; they may do so again this week against a Wellington side that missed several chances against Perth.
- A few Mariners are coming into fantasy contention: Malick Mane, Matt Sim and Glen Trifiro among them. However, as the Mariners have the bye next week I'd suggest holding off on picking up any Mariners until that is out of the way.
- Richard Vernes didn't make the squad last week and isn't there again this week. He did play in midweek against Palm Beach however. If you have him, trade him, seeing as he's missing next week regardless.
- Kenny Cunningham will return to the Phoenix line-up after missing last week through suspension; it'll be interesting to see who drops out.
- As noted in the news, Corey Gameiro is under an injury cloud so be mindful of this before jumping on. Marc Janko has returned from international duty early and could start in place of George Blackwood, who has returned to the NYL squad. Expect shake ups from Round 1 with Shane Smeltz, Bernie Ibini and Ali Abbas all back in the squad.
- Seems as though Seb Ryall and Matt Jurman are preferred at full back ahead of Pedj Bojic and Alex Gersbach respectively; Gersbach's training has been affected by his studies.
- I wouldn't be trading in any Wanderers this week given they miss the next two rounds thanks to ACL commitments.
- Both Vitor Saba and Romeo Castelen started from the bench against Victory; I would not expect this to be a regular occurrence.
- Seyi Adeleke (yet to be added and not in the squad this week) has finally arrived in Australia, meaning Antony Golec's days at left back are numbered. His performance against Victory would not have helped either.
- Despite starting on the bench David Villa is already off the mark in the A-League. Even if restricted to the bench again this week I'd expect he's a good chance to score against the Jets as well.
- Frustratingly, Robert Koren was a late omission thanks to a calf strain last week. He could play this week however, so it's up to coaches whether they want to bite the trade bullet or hold onto him in the hope he plays. David Williams was another late withdrawal reportedly thanks to injury while NYL player Ross Archibald filled in for Jason Hoffman at right back. All 3 of last week's omissions are in the squad.
- While the Jets looked better than most would have thought last week, they still lost and were the only side who failed to score in Round 1. They face a tough start to the season with 4 away trips (Wellington and Perth are the remaining 2), so I would not be looking at any Jets at the moment (unless you want to be different).
- Adrian Madaschi is again listed as being 1-2 weeks away.
- Andy Keogh is already off the mark for Perth; I'd expect him to be one of the better forwards this season. His strike partner is currently Youssouf Hersi, who had been trialled in preseason at #10 (and played wide on the right for the Wanderers). Despite technically being 'out of position' in fantasy, I think he may struggle for points.
- Nebojsa Marinkovic (likely rushed into a lot of teams after it emerged Saba and Castellen were benched) was disappointing despite starting at #10 and his position in the side may soon come under threat. Mitch Nichols currently looks the pick of the Perth midfield.
- Mensur Kurtishi did not have the best debut against Adelaide, adding some evidence to the argument that he's not the lethal finisher Berisha was. I certainly would not be trading him in this week based on his showing against the Reds.
- James Donachie won the battle against Jack Hingert for the right back spot, however he had a poor game and conceded an own goal.
- As expected, Jamie Young started in goals ahead of Matt Acton. He's likely to remain there until Michael Theo is ready to play, unless he makes a number of mistakes perhaps.