Robbie Slater rates all the A-League teams ahead of the big season kick off on Friday night

Ahead of the new A-League season kick off on Friday night, Robbie Slater rates all 12 teams and predicts an amazing turnaround for a big gun who recently fell on tough times.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 10: Victory players react at full time during the A-League match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Melbourne Victory at Bankwest Stadium, on February 10, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Who can catch Melbourne City?

That’s the question being asked heading into the 2021-22 A-League season which kicks off on Friday night.

Socceroos great Robbie Slater has run his eye over each of the 12 clubs, and believes City’s biggest threat could come from their arch-rivals Melbourne Victory, who are starting from scratch under new coach Tony Popovic.

Adelaide legend Isaias is back.

Adelaide United

The Reds have brought back club legend Isaias but history has shown that it doesn’t always go as smoothly the second time around. Craig Goodwin needs to fire if they are to have any chance.

Prediction: Won’t make the top six.

Brisbane Roar

Warren Moon is an impressive young Australian coach who has done well with a limited budget. Loss of goalkeeper Jamie Young will sting.

Prediction: Won’t make the top six,

Central Coast Mariners

Alen Stajcic worked wonders with the Mariners last season, but he’s gone and so have key trio Alou Kuol, Danny De Silva and Gianni Stensness. Don’t expect a repeat under Nick Montgomery.

Prediction: Won’t make top six.

Macarthur FC

The Bulls will find it tougher in their second season, and something doesn’t seem quite right after a tumultuous off-season that included the sudden departure of former Socceroos skipper Mark Milligan.

Prediction: Top six.

Can Melbourne City repeat their heroics from last season?

Melbourne City

Added pressure on City now that they have won a title but they can handle it. They have added to their attacking arsenal with the arrival of Mat Leckie.

Prediction: Champions

Melbourne Victory

Tony Popovic is the man to turn around the fortunes of the fallen giants – he’s recruited well and there’s no reason why the Victory can’t lift themselves from the cellar to the penthouse in the space of a season.

Prediction: Top 3

Newcastle Jets

It’s great to see Arthur Papas finally getting a coaching chance at A-Level. He has worked under Ange Postecoglou, but it’s hard to see the Jets improving much from last season.

Prediction: Won’t make the top six.

Perth Glory

In former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, the Glory have snared a marquee player, and it’s a shame there aren’t more of them in the A-League. He hasn’t played much football in the past two years, but Sturridge has too much pride to treat this a holiday.

Prediction: Top six

Daniel Sturridge brings an impressive pedigree to the A-League.

Sydney FC

The Sky Blues look as stable as ever, and Milos Ninkovic remains key to their success. But there’s no doubting Sydney has an ageing squad – tough against Melbourne City for starters.

Prediction: Top 3

Wellington Phoenix

It’s been hard for the Phoenix being based in Australia for so long because of Covid, but coach Ufuk Talay has done a fantastic job keeping them strong. The losses of Ulises Davila, Tomer Hemed, Cameron Devlin and Steven Taylor hurt.

Prediction: Won’t make the top six.

Western Sydney Wanderers

After the disappointment of last season, Welshman Carl Robinson could be an early coaching casualty if the Wanderers start poorly. A lot is expected of midfielder Terry Antonis.

Prediction: Top six

Western United

It’s pleasing to see John Aloisi getting another coaching gig but he will find it tough at United, who are again playing home games at a host of different venues.

Prediction: Won’t make the top six.

Originally published as Robbie Slater rates all the A-League teams ahead of the big season kick off on Friday night