How will Sydney FC line-up ahead of the new season?

In a month and 8 days, Sydney FC will play Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium in the first game of the season. But how will they line up? 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1?

Class of 18/19

GOALKEEPER

The #1 spot is surely Redmayne's, with continuously solid performances and 12 clean sheets last campaign in the league. Cisak is a strong backup to have, with experience in the English leagues.

RIGHT BACK

Rhyan Grant returns from a long period on the sidelines, with him being the first choice right back for the upcoming season. Paulo Retre, Aaron Calver, and Joshua Brilliante have all played RB in the past and are solid choices for backup if needed. 

CENTRE BACK

Sydney FC have good options at the centre-half position. Whilst Wilkinson and Jop van der Linden will be first choice, Ben Warland and Aaron Calver are both talented at CB and have A-League and Asian Champions League experience each.

LEFT BACK

Michael Zullo is almost definitely the starting LB. The 30 year old has been a revelation at Sydney since arriving in 2016. Youngster Joel King will be the 3rd choice LB behind Ben Warland who has played LB for Sydney during preseason and the Asian Champions League

Youngster Chris Zuvela will be aiming for gametime

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Joshua Brilliante and Brandon O'Neill have formed a formidable partnership since the duo starting lining up together in 2016. Chris Zuvela and Ryan Teague will play back-up roles, whilst Paulo Retre has been seen to play at defensive midfield under Graham Arnold. Utility man Rhyan Grant can too be expected to be put in this position too.

RIGHT WING

Danny De Silva will be playing in a bit of the Mierzejewski role in the wing. Despite not being a natural winger, his playmaker abilities work well in the setup. Trent Buhagiar as the impact sub, with his blistering pace a major tool for Corica to utilise. Cameron Devlin is another choice as right wing.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD

It's yet to be seen if Sydney are going to be running a traditional attacking midfielder or more of a second striker role. Siem de Jong will be the starter in this position, but his tactical role is yet to be seen just yet. Captain Alex Brosque will be doing the "Simon" role of last year, coming on to terrorise tired defenders. Academy graduate Jerry Skotadis as third choice.

LEFT WING

Serbian Milos Ninkovic has been played as a left winger under Corica during the pre-season, and I can't see that changing much. Alex Brosque can too play as a left winger, and young Marco Tilio is a natural left winger.

STRIKER

Englishman Adam le Fondre is much more of a poacher than a target man, differing him significantly from Bobô. At 177cm I feel this means a lot of more of the goals scored this season will be from short passing football, with the ball being worked into the box. On the opposite end, Charles Lokolingoy will be in a make-it or break-it season. The young striker can be seen more as a target man and I see him as a "20 minutes to go, needing a goal, throw the kitchen sink at it" type of option for Corica.