If you have been hit hard by these omissions, you have three options. Firstly, if you still have your wildcard, now is a good time to use it. You can also overhaul your team in the process, moving on players that may be soon be relegated to the bench for their teams such as Jamie Maclaren, Steve Pantelidis and Steven Lustica. If not, then you have to weigh up whether you are going to take a points hit by trading or copping the zeros. It is worth considering that to break even when paying points for additional transfers, the player must score 3 points. So the players you want to bring in should be strong scorers, rather than bench fodder. Playing short is also a risk - if the rounds are low scoring, it won't hurt you too much; however, if the opposite is true it can be a disaster than costs you a shot at $10k. No matter what you choose to do, I wish you the best of luck.
Melbourne Heart v Western Sydney Wanderers
Wanderers unavailable: Youssouf Hersi (injured)
Captaincy options: Tomi Juric, Shinji Ono, Jerome Polenz, Michael Mifsud
Last Sunday saw a once again Harry Kewell-less Heart fail to win away for the 5674th time, falling 3-0 to the Roar. The Heart didn't offer much of interest to fantasy coaches on Sunday; the two busiest players in front of goal for the Heart were defensive midfielder Andrea Miglorini and centre back Patrick Gerhardt, who managed 3 shots (1 on target) each. Neither player should be considered a fantasy option (given the roles they play). Likewise the erratic Iain Ramsay, who also had 3 shots - all off target, one in particular criminally wasteful. Marquee striker Michael Mifsud struggled to get into the game, but still managed to fire off 2 shots and create a chance. Mate Dugandzic created 3 chances and had a shot on target - perhaps showing some signs he could be on the verge of finding some form. He's worth keeping an eye on given the Heart have 3 of the next 4 at home.
Meanwhile the Wanderers came from a goal down to see off Adelaide 2-1. Tomi Juric showed why so many rate him with a pair of quality goals. The Wanderers clearly missed Youssouf Hersi, who is out again this week. Brendon Santalab struggled to provide the drive on the right wing Hersi does, though substitute Tahj Minniecon certainly looked more likely to make something happen in that role. Shinji Ono had a quiet game by his standards, though he still managed to create 3 chances and had a shot off target. Jerome Polenz provided the assist for one of the goals, though his owners would have been frustrated by the Wanderers' failure to keep a clean sheet along with Polenz's attempt to break Mabil's leg - where he was extremely lucky for the second week in a row to escape a red card.
Last season the Wanderers swept the Heart, winning 2-1 and 1-0 at home and 3-1 away. Labinot Haliti scored a brace in the 3-1, while other scorers include Ono, Mark Bridge (who has been disappointing so far this season), Iacopo La Rocca, Golgol Mebrahtu and memorably Patrick Gerhardt, who seemed to forget which end the Heart were attacking. I think Juric is worth a shot for you captain, as may be Ono and Polenz. For the Heart, I think Mifsud is the most likely, against a team missing its talisman and having kept only 1 clean sheet so far (against an awful Sydney side).
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Glory unavailable: Daniel De Silva (injured)
Captaincy options: Jeremy Brockie
Last week the Phoenix almost lived up to their name, eventually going down 3-2 to the Victory despite being 3-0 behind after 30 minutes. Jeremy Brockie again showed that he is one of the top strikers in the competition, scoring the first goal while Paul Ifill netted another to give the Nix hope. Ifill is a great player but unfortunately he's very awkwardly priced and he seems to be restricted to the role of impact player off the bench - not really what you want to be spending a lot of money on. Carlos Hernandez was busy against his old side, getting an assist and creating a further 3 chances, as well as having 4 shots (all off target). Of course, with the bye looming next week, now is not the time to be investing in Wellington players. Look to do that from Round 7 and build towards their double fixture in Round 11.
Meanwhile Perth were lucky to see off Sydney 1-0 in a poor game. Only 3 Perth players managed a shot on target - scorer Steven McGarry, Sidnei and Ryo Nagai. Worryingly for owners of Jamie Maclaren (who was again quiet), he was subbed off 6 minutes before Shane Smeltz came on. Meanwhile, Ryan Edwards played a full 90 minutes, suggesting he will be the one to keep his spot in the team once Smeltz is ready to start. Unfortunately, at best he's bench cover given the way he plays despite being in a role normally associated with creating chances. Steve Pantelidis spot in the team may also be in doubt with William Gallas set to start against Adelaide next week. If he's in your team, now might be a good time to move him on. Also it means you can't rely on him for cover next weekend with all of the Mariners, Phoenix, New Zealand and Socceroos players out.
Last season the teams started with a 1-1 draw in Perth, before Wellington picked up a 1-0 at Eden Park and then won 2-1 in Perth. Brockie scored twice, while Nagai, Smeltz, Ifill and Stein Huysegems all notched a goal. It's hard to go past Brockie as captain if you have him; Smeltz may once again come off the Bunnings, while Hernandez will have to escape the attentions of the combative Perth midfielders to create chances.
Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets
Jets unavailable: Mitch Cooper (injured)
Captaincy options: Marcelo Carrusca, Jeronimo
After 2 tough games on the road both resulting in defeat, the pressure is on Gombau's men to get the points at home against a Jets side that is yet to impress. Adelaide were more ambitious against the Wanderers than the week previous; the inclusion of Marcelo Carrusca and Jeronimo were a big part of this, with the two combining for the opening goal. Carrusca was particularly influential for the Reds, managing 5 shots and creating 2 chances, while Jeronimo had 3 shots. The curse continues for Jeronimo, again failing to score away from Adelaide in the A-League. The Reds have another 3 on the road after this week, so perhaps best not to invest in Jeronimo - or any of his teammates - just yet. The return of Bruce Djite may impact on Jeronimo's role in the team, with him possibly moving to the right wing. That would be bad news for owners of Fabio Ferreira, who failed to create an chance or muster a shot on goal against the Wanderers. Similarly, when Michael Zullo returns from international duty in Round 7, he may find his spot at left back taken by Cassio. The inclusion of these two players makes things very interesting for the Reds from a fantasy perspective. Steven Lustica was surprisingly benched (Bunningsed?) against the Wanderers - as he's not even providing you with the safety of 2 points in bench cover, move him on if you have him for someone cheaper, like Andrea Migliorini.
The Jets got off to a good start against the Mariners, thanks in part to a hilarious mistake by Pasfield, who now will be looking over his shoulder at Reddy. However, the Jets fell prey to the Mariners' 'plan B,' and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw. Scott Neville no doubt delighted his owners with a goal - always nice when your cheapie defenders notch a goal. Fellow defensive cheapie Andrew Hoole had 3 shots at goal - as mentioned previously, he's worth picking if he holds his spot in the forward line. As poor as the Jets have been, it's hard to say no to such out of position goodness at that price. Really, aside from their cheap defenders the Jets aren't really worth looking at for fantasy. Adam Taggart looks tasty given his cheap price but he may find himself out of the side once Emile Heskey - again in the squad this week - is fit enough to start. Also he, like his teammates, is struggling for a goal. Ruben Zadkovich is continually mentioned to me, but really even with his move to #8 he's still highly unlikely to be a big or consistent enough scorer to justify starting him, and at that price he's not viable as bench cover.
Last season the Reds won 2-0 in Newcastle, before the sides drew there 0-0 and then 1-1 in Adelaide. Michael Bridges and Carrusca are the only surviving scorers, while Mark Birighitti was sent off in the 2-0 defeat. From this game I'd only recommend considering Reds as captain - and I'd nominate the two main attacking players, Carrusca and Jeronimo, now that he's back at Coopers.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Victory unavailable: Kosta Barbarouses (international duty)
Captaincy options: James Troisi, Archie Thompson, Alessandro Del Piero
Despite firing off 19 shots (8 on target), Sydney failed to overcome a refereeing mistake to salvage anything in Perth. Even Alessandro Del Piero off the Bunnings couldn't manage to find the spark needed to lift Sydney. His return likely means Nicky Carle (2 shots on target) will return to the #6 role, once again making him irrelevant to fantasy coaches - like virtually all of his teammates. Brett Emerton had the most shots of any player in the game with 3, however you'd want to see a lot more from him before jumping on. I can understand why coaches seem keen to pick Yairo Yau, who managed 2 shots in this game, however as he is likely to be limited to impact roles off the bench (especially once Corey Gameiro returns), I think your money can be put to much better use elsewhere.
The Victory were very much 'as you were' against Wellington for Muscat's first game in charge, as most of us expected. Early on it looked like the Victory would end up scoring as many as they wanted to, but ultimately they had to hang on for a 3-2 win. If anything, this tells us that we can't trust Victory's defence (and cheapies like Jason Geira and Adrian Leijer) to provide us with regular clean sheets. James Troisi did his chances of keeping his spot in the team no harm by adding 2 more goals to the 2 he'd already scored. For the time being, it looks like either Gui Finkler will be restricted to the Bunnings or Mitch Nichols will be the one to make way. Muscat could of course play all three for the next two weeks, with Troisi replacing Kosta Barbarouses (who was disappointing against the Nix despite his assist) on the wing. However, that role will probably be filled by Connor Pain. Archie Thompson finally got off the mark, then proceeded to scar viewers for life with his goal celebration. As Archie is very much a 'form' player he may be on the verge of another run of goals. His omission from the Socceroos team may spur him on as well.
Last season the Victory's 3-2 win in Sydney ended the tenure of Ian Crook as Sydney manager. The Victory followed up with a 3-1 win at AAMI Park, before the two teams shared the points at Allianz in a 1-1 draw. Andrew Nabbout scored a spectacular double in the 3-2 win, while Archie and Yau also scored twice in the fixtures. Mark Milligan is the only other surviving scorer from this fixture last season. Tiago (and the departed Fabio) was sent off in the 3-1 defeat, while ADP - yet to score against the Victory - missed a penalty in the 1-1 draw. Despite this, if you've spent the money on him ADP has to be considered as captain. He will start if anything remotely near full fitness, but there are still better options out there. For the Victory, I'd recommend considering the 'in form' Troisi and Thompson, as it's hard to see Sydney keeping a clean sheet in this game.
Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar
Roar unavailable: Besart Berisha, Shane Stefanutto, Liam Miller, George Lambadaridis (injured)
Captaincy options: Marcos Flores
If there was any doubt that Marcos Flores is not 'back,' this was put to rest last Saturday with the Argentine playmaker lifting the Mariners back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw. Flores cooly slotted a retaken penalty before inadvertently setting up Mile Sterjovski for the equaliser. Flores also picked up 3 more bonus points, of which he now has 8. Simply put, he's the must have player of the competition. However, before rushing to trade him in (does anyone not have him?) be wary of the bye next week - make sure you have sufficient cover. He's one of two players I'd recommend holding on to during Round 6, should you have the luxury of being able to do so without losing points. Storm Roux however may have to be traded out temporarily, given that he's now missing two weeks instead of one. Regardless, make sure you keep the fact that the Mariners double up in Round 11 in mind when making trades over the coming rounds. Daniel McBreen returns this week; given that he has been playing regularly in China he may be ready to start this week. This likely means Mitchell Duke will move to the right wing - the impact on his point scoring potential needs to be closely monitored if you have him or are considering him.
Meanwhile, Brisbane are again without Besart Berisha, Shane Stefanutto and Liam Miller, which may mean Ivan Franjic will have to fill Miller's role in midfield - not great for fantasy scoring. Despite the fact he'll also be missing next week, he's the other player I'd suggest holding onto. You otherwise may find it difficult to get back into your team, and by the time he returns the Roar should be close to full strength again. Berisha's continued absence means Henrique may get another run up forward. Like Yau, I'd suggest avoiding picking him despite his two goals last week. Once Berisha is back (likely next week) he'll be shifted to cover Franjic or Miller, meaning a spot on the wing or in midfield, where he was ineffective. After that, he'll be restricted to impact roles off the bench, so if you pick him under the expectation he's going to be a regular scorer you will have a problem.
Last season the Mariners won twice against the Roar at home, 2-1 and 1-0, while the teams drew 2-2 at Suncorp. McBreen is the only surviving or available goal scorer from those games, where Berisha scored a double (in the 2-2) and McGlinchey also found the back of the net. It's extremely hard to look past Marcos Flores for captain again this week, considering the Roar are still understrength, and the absence of McGlinchey puts more onus on Flores to be the one to make something happen. Franjic's potential positioning in midfield puts me off making him captain this week, while perhaps Broich can provide the spark and individual brilliance required for the Roar to get something from this game.