A-League of it's own!

The A-League is returning! Who to look out for and what to look forward to for the remainder of the 2020 season!  

The 16th of July has been noted in all football fans’ calendars, as the Australian soccer league is coming back. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the A-League postponed their season, with many believing the season may have to end early. After many patient waiting, all fans rejoiced as they heard the FFA announce that the season will be returning. With the season returning with Melbourne Victory vs Western United, many questions have been asked about the footballers, coaches and teams prior to the season restart. There is much to look forward to in the A-League, and it’s less than a month away.  

The Players 

Over the COVID-19 period, all footballers have been trying to keep in shape while self-isolating, but some are tipped to perform better than others in the remaining season games. Although most players have dodged the virus, an unnamed Newcastle Jets player tested positive, along with a staff member. This put the Newcastle Jets Football Club in lots of strife, with stars like Dimitri Petratos and Joe Ledley rumoured to have mixed with him. Top-scorers Besart Berisha and Bruno Fornaroli are expected to have a hot start in the season restart, as well as expected player of the season, Markel Susaeta.  

The Coaches 

During the coronavirus pandemic, the A-League coaches have been trying their best to keep in touch with their players, but for some it was much harder than others. In Melbourne Victory’s case, they will restart the season with a brand-new head coach, Grant Brebner. After playing for Manchester United in his footballing days, he clearly has much experience, and could help the Victory climb up the ladder. This is the same case for Adelaide United, with Gertjan Verbeek exiting the club over the isolation period. Although a new head coach hasn’t been appointed yet, the Reds are hoping for a hot start under interim coach, Carl Veart. It will be extremely critical for all teams to get a win in their first game back, to give all fans hope in the remaining regular season games. 

The Teams 

Although it may be tough to catch Sydney FC who are 8 points ahead, Melbourne City will be making a late comeback at the end of the season, to try and catch the reigning champions. It will certainly be intriguing to see how the A-League plays out for the remainder of the season, and which team will be victorious.