NEWS » League, continuing his comeback from a kne

ADELAIDE UNITEDCoach: Guillermo AmorCaptain: Eugene GalekovicHome venue: Coopers StadiumLast season: ChampionsMarquees: James HollandKey ins: James Holland (MSV Duisburg, Germany), Sergi Guardiola (Granada, Spain), Ben Garuccio (Melbourne City), Henrique (Brisbane Roar)Key outs: Eli Babalj (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Bruce Djite (Suwon FC, Korea), Craig Goodwin (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Bruce Kamau (Melbourne City), Stefan Mauk (NEC, Netherlands), Pablo Sanchez (released)Coach says: We are working very well. Our team now is more humble ... the system is the same. Its a winners system.Star man Isaias says: The players that left were very important for us but the players that come in will also be very important, and from what I have seen very good.We say: A shell of the squad which claimed last seasons championship. Attacking ranks have been decimated and the Reds have already lost defender Jordan Elsey (knee) for the season. Amors tactical nous is unquestioned but, like last season, it will take time for his new players to gel.Predicted finish: 4thBRISBANE ROARCoach: John AloisiCaptain: Matt McKayHome venue: Suncorp StadiumLast season: 3rd, semi-finalistsMarquees: Brett Holman, Thomas BroichIns: Brett Holman (uncontracted), Thomas Kristensen (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands), Manuel Arana (Mallorca, Spain), Jacob Pepper (Western Sydney)Outs: Henrique (Adelaide), Devante Clut (Newcastle), Javier Hervas (Zeljeznicar, Bosnia), James Donachie (Melbourne Victory), Corona, Jerome Polenz, Jean Carlos Solorzano (all released)Coach says: I can understand why people would write us off because they saw what we were going through, but the off-field issues have made the group stronger again.Star man Brett Holman says: When I started my international career I looked up to John (Aloisi) and Craig (Moore). Now hearing Johns idea about how he wants this team to play says a lot to me.We say: The slimmed-down Roar have a solid first XI but from there the quality is questionable. Aloisi has shown his ability under pressure in his first season at the club and a top-half finish will be the aim. Theres quality in the final third but much could depend on new midfielder Thomas Kristensens adaptation to the A-League.Predicted finish: 7thCENTRAL COAST MARINERSCoach: Paul OkonCaptain: Nick MontgomeryHome venue: Central Coast StadiumLast season: 10thMarquees: NoneKey ins: Mickael Tavares, Jacques Faty, Ivan Necevski (all Sydney FC), Kwabena Appiah (Wellington).Key outs: Joshua Rose (Melbourne City), Mitch Austin (Melbourne Victory), Luis Garcia, Daniel Heffernan (both released)Coach says: Theres no mandate from (owner) Mike Charlesworth. Its try and win football games. For us its just about being better than yesterday, and this season must be better than last season.Star man Roy ODonovan says: Its a lot more positive with the new manager coming in. The style of play were trying to play I think will work a treat.We say: The entertainer Tony Walmsley is gone, and his replacement Paul Okon has been tasked with restoring pride and a winning mentality in Gosford. Challenging? Certainly. But the only way is up after the clubs first wooden spoon. Former Young Socceroos coach Okon is well-versed in mentoring young players and has a few more experienced faces to help him in Jacques Faty, Mickael Tavares and skipper Nick Montgomery.Predicted finish: 10thMELBOURNE CITYCoach: John van t SchipCaptain: Bruno FornaroliHome venue: AAMI ParkLast season: 4th, semi-finalistsMarquees: Bruno Fornaroli, Nicolas Colazo, Tim Cahill (guest)Ins: Tim Cahill (Hangzhou Greentown, China), Nicolas Colazo (Boca Juniors, Argentina), Michael Jakobsen (Esbjerg, Denmark), Luke Brattan (Manchester City, England), Bruce Kamau (Adelaide United)Outs: Aaron Mooy (Manchester City, England), Harry Novillo (Manisaspor, Turkey), Alex Wilkinson, Michael Zullo (both Sydney FC), Patrick Kisnorbo (retired)Coach says: Weve been making good progression but in that progression we missed trophies. This club is ready and I think we have the team to achieve that.Star man Tim Cahill says: We have a lot of players that have all signed for a minimum of two years ... were going on a journey now together to try and win something.We say: Van t Schip has stacked his deck towards his attack, with much depending on how Tim Cahill and Bruno Fornaroli gel. But perhaps more important is new Danish centre-back Michael Jakobsen. If the key defender goes down, City look short down back. But can anyone stop last years golden boot winner and the all-time Socceroos leading scorer?Predicted finish: 1stMELBOURNE VICTORYCoach: Kevin MuscatCaptain: Carl ValeriHome venue: AAMI Park / Etihad StadiumLast season: 6th, elimination finalistsMarquees: Oliver Bozanic, Besart BerishaIns: James Troisi (Liaoning Whowin, China), Marco Rojas (Stuttgart, Germany), James Donachie (Brisbane), Mitch Austin (Central Coast), Alan Baro (Ponferradina, Spain)Outs: Kosta Barbarouses, Gui Finkler (both Wellington), Archie Thompson (released), Matthieu Delpierre (retired), Thomas Deng (PSV, Netherlands), Danny Vukovic (Sydney FC)Coach says: Im really happy with the squad Ive assembled. Any new players would have to be something that really excites us.Star man Besart Berisha says: We have new players, great players, hungry players and we had a great pre-season. We didnt lose any games. We looked really sharp, especially up front.We say: Muscat has spent a lot of time stewing on last seasons misfortune and shortcomings and has recruited well to bring two fan favourites back to the club. He fell short in a chase for Ghana star Michael Essien but the squad looks strong, particularly if title-winning linchpin Carl Valeri stays fit.Predicted finish: 3rdNEWCASTLE JETSCoach: Mark JonesCaptain: Nigel BoogaardHome venue: Hunter StadiumLast season: 8thMarquees: NoneKey ins: Wayne Brown (SJK, Finland), Devante Clut (Brisbane Roar), Jack Duncan (Randers FC, Denmark), Andrew Hoole (Sydney FC), Aleksandr Kokko (RoPS, Finland)Key outs: Mark Birighitti (Swansea City), Enver Alivodic, Leonardo, Cameron Watson (all released)Coach says: Whats gone on is irrelevant. Youve got to work with what youve got, move forward and do the best you can.Star man Morten Nordstrand says: We need to work hard to change the mindset. I have a good feeling and I think we can do something. I think well be hard to beat.We say: Its been a tumultuous month for the Jets with the controversial sacking of coach Scott Miller just weeks out from round one. Instability is nothing new in the Hunter and Mark Jones faces a massive battle with limited time to return the club to finals football after six seasons in the doldrums. That said, a promising pre-season and relatively settled squad could lead to improvements.Predicted finish: 9thPERTH GLORYCoach: Kenny LoweCaptain: Rostyn GriffithsHome venue: nib StadiumLast seasons ladder: 5th, elimination finalistsMarquee: Diego CastroKey ins: Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough, England), Milan Smiljanic (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Liam Reddy (Western Sydney Wanderers), Rostyn Griffiths (Roda JC, Netherlands), Adam Taggart (Fulham, England)Key outs: Michael Thwaite (Liaoning Whowin, China), Gyorgy Sandor (Puskas AFC, Hungary), Ruben Zadkovich (retired), Ante Covic, Hagi Gligor and Guyon Fernandez (all released)Coach says: I think its probably the best squad weve started with in a season at the Glory.Star man Rhys Williams says: Hopefully here I can finish off things that I started before - winning games with this club, making a title push and showing everyone I can be a good player if I stay fit.We say: Glory are the only foundation club without silverware but have reason to be confident this term. Star trio Rhys Williams, Adam Taggart, and Rostyn Griffiths will bolster an already-powerful squad featuring Johnny Warren medallist Diego Castro, emerging Socceroo Josh Risdon and prolific striker Andy Keogh.Predicted finish: 5thSYDNEY FCCoach: Graham ArnoldCaptain: Alex BrosqueHome venue: Allianz StadiumLast season: 7thMarquees: Bobo, Filip HoloskoKey ins: Bobo (Germio, Brazil), Bernie Ibini (Club Brugge, Belgium), Josh Brillante (Fiorentina, Italy), Danny Vukovic (Melbourne Victory), Alex Wilkinson and Michael Zullo (both Melbourne City)Key outs: Ali Abbas (Pohang Steelers, Korea), Zac Anderson (Emirates Club, UAE), Jacques Faty and Mickael Tavares (both Central Coast Mariners), Andrew Hoole (Newcastle Jets), Shane Smeltz (Kedah FC, Malaysia)Coach says: As negative as last year was, Ive come out of it as a better coach and person. Its the best Ive felt since Ive been at Sydney and the players have come out stronger as well.Star man Bobo says: I want to win, and Filip (Holosko) told me this was the club to come to. This club will be searching for titles. I want to be a part of that.We say: After stuttering to seventh place last season, Graham Arnold has recruited well all over the park and, most crucially, bolstered an attack desperately lacking goals last campaign. Brazilian striker Bobo has the potential to be prolific, speedy winger Bernie Ibini is also back on board and with fit-again captain Alex Brosque re-signed, this could be the Sky Blues year.Predicted finish: 2ndWELLINGTON PHOENIXCoach: Ernie MerrickCaptain: Andrew DuranteHome venue: Westpac StadiumLast seasons ladder: 9thMarquees: NoneKey ins: Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses (both Melbourne Victory), Marco Rossi (Perugia, Italy)Key outs: Ben Sigmund (retired), Manny Muscat (Melbourne City), Blake Powell (Central Coast Mariners)Coach says: Were buzzing in Wellington because weve got such a strong squad. It would have to be the strongest since Ive been at the club.Star man Kosta Barbarouses says: Moving was easy. The tough part is going to be performing and doing the business on the field. Theres good excitement and we want to deliver.We say: It shouldnt be hard for the Phoenix to improve on last years dismal ninth placing, particularly with new acquisitions Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses up front. Wellington have also re-jigged an injury-hit back four which leaked 54 goals last season, signing Italian Marco Rossi to partner skipper Andrew Durante in central defence.Predicted finish: 8thWESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERSCoach: Tony PopovicCaptain: Nikolai Topor-StanleyHome venue: Spotless StadiumLast seasons ladder: 2nd, grand finalistsMarquees: Nicolas MartinezKey ins: Nicolas Martinez (Olympiacos, Greece), Kerem Bulut (Iraklis, Greece), Robbie Cornthwaite (Selangor FA, Malaysia), Jumpei Kusukami (Cerezo Osaka, Japan), Bruno Pinatares (Cerra, Uruguay)Key outs: Mark Bridge (Changrai United, Thailand), Scott Jamieson (IFK Goteborg, Sweden), Dario Vidosic (Liaoning Whowin, China), Alberto, Andreu, Romeo Castelen, Federico Piovaccari, Liam Reddy (all released)Coach says: I believe that come the turn of the year well have a strong squad that can get through the group stage of the Asian Champions League and be challenging for the title again.Star man Nicolas Martinez says: My goal is what the team wants: to win trophies. But we have to be consistent.We say: Another year, another off-season cleanout. Tony Popovic has put a third grand-final defeat in four years behind him and is set on challenging for silverware again. Latest recruits Jumpei Kusukami and Kerem Bulut should help while fans will hope Argentine marquee and playmaker-in-chief Nicolas Martinez is more successful than Italian striker Federico Piovaccari.Predicted finish: 6thNmd Schuhe Sale Deutschland . -- Canadian Andrew Wiggins got the ball on the wing, made a nifty spin move and then let go with a soft floater from about 10 feet that swished through the net in Allen Fieldhouse. Adidas Nmd Damen Deutschland . "Trying to breathe," he said with a grin. Bernier stopped 42 of 43 shots on Monday night, including all 22 in a hectic middle frame, his heroic performance propelling the Leafs toward an undue point in their final game before the Christmas break. http://www.nmdschuhesale.de/lite-racer-schuhe-deutschland.html . With Parker having a quiet game for once, Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw provided the scoring as France won its first major basketball title by beating Lithuania 80-66 on Sunday. It was a victory that ended a decade of frustration for Parker and a talented French generation, which lost the final against Spain two years ago and took bronze in 2005. Adidas Nmd Xr1 Deutschland . -- Linebacker Myles Jack ran for four touchdowns, defensive end Cassius Marsh caught a scoring pass, and No. Adidas Nmd Deutschland . -- Bryant McKinnie came out of his stance and lowered his shoulder into a practice squad player, causing a crisp thud to reverberate in the Miami Dolphins practice bubble.A look at whats happening all around the majors Monday:---MEET & GREETThe Chicago Cubs and Indians get to see each other during workouts at Progressive Field, a day before Cleveland hosts Game 1 of the World Series. Corey Kluber is set to pitch the opener for the Indians -- he started both games Cleveland played vs. the Cubs in spring training, giving up one run in eight innings. Cubs manager Joe Maddon hasnt yet announced his starter.AILINGThe Indians will see how second baseman Jason Kipnis is feeling as he recovers from a sprained left ankle. He was hurt last Wednesday as he celebrated with teammate Francisco Lindor after the final out of the AL Championship Series in Toronto. Manager Terry Francona says he expects Kipnis will be OK to play in Game 1.SWINGING BYCubs slugger Kyle Schwarber could play for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League, continuing his comeback from a knee injury that sidelined him most of this year.dddddddddddd He hit a team-record five homers in nine playoff games last season. The Cubs could put him on their World Series roster. If healthy, the 23-year-old would be an imposing lefty-swinging DH against the Indians righty-dominant pitching staff.START HIM UPThe Indians are deciding whether injured starter Danny Salazar can pitch against the Cubs. The All-Star righty hasnt thrown in a game since Sept. 9 because of forearm tightness but hes made major progress in the past week. The 26-year-old was 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA, striking out 161 in 137 1/3 innings. He threw from the mound Sunday during a workout in Cleveland. ' ' '