THE STRENGTHS

City’s two main strengths are interconnected. The club has been able to retain a massive part of the title winning squad from last season as well as more than a few players from the seasons prior. That consistency is critical in the W-League when a good start to the season is necessary.

The balancing act between overseas based players and local ones is helped not only when the squad’s make up doesn’t change much but the players continue to play together when not in City colours.

While there is a joking air to talk about City’s apparent connection to NWSL side Seattle Reign, the fact of the matter is four of City’s five defensive players (Lydia Williams, Steph Catley, Lauren Barnes and Nielsen) spent the Australian off-season playing together in Seattle. The odd one out, Rebekah Stott, moved from Seattle to Sky Blue FC at the beginning of the season. It’s this valuable time together and familiarity with each other that can’t be undersold.

City also have the luxury of five Matildas in their ranks spread across the park. All of these bundles of players who are familiar with each other give City another string to its bow and, assuming they all come together coherently, City’s hopes of an unprecedented fourth straight title look good.

THE CHALLENGES

Fishlock’s departure presents a number of challenges. First and foremost, she is an exceptional player and her loan move to Lyon – arguably the best team in the world – only emphasises the quality that has been lost.

It is also without question that Fishlock came to symbolise City and was influential on and off the pitch, particularly in the last two seasons as she took on player-coaching and assistant coaching roles.

But perhaps less obvious is the impact Fishlock’s absence will have on the goals for column. The Welsh star scored 16 goals in her last two seasons, making her a two-time golden boot winner for the club.

City needs goal scorers and the contributions in front of goal from players like Jones, Spencer and Taylor as well as the likes of Butt, Simon and Rhali Dobson are vital.

The two internationals, in particular, raise interesting questions. Spencer has been signed as a forward but didn’t have the most prolific season in the NWSL with two goals in 23 appearances. However, many of those minutes were off the bench.

Taylor returns for another season but has again joined as a guest player meaning she can only play seven games. How Vidosic and the coaching staff utilise her remains to be seen.

KEY PLAYERS

Rebekah Stott (defender)

Taken by Rachel Bach (@bythewhiteline)

Stott is seemingly the unsung hero of the City defence. A W-League veteran who’s been in and around the league since 2010, Stott is a versatile defender and an important cog in the defensive unit.

Elise Kellond-Knight (midfielder)

Taken by Rachel Bach (@bythewhiteline)

She’s been away from the W-League for a little while but Kellond-Knight’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. The midfielder will go a long way in helping to steer a Fishlock-less midfield and will play an important role in front of the back four.

Kyah Simon (forward)

Taken by Rachel Bach (@bythewhiteline)

As Simon wears the City colours for the second season, she will be looking to get back to her best in preparation for the World Cup next year. The 27-year-old has been carrying injuries throughout the last few weeks including the Matildas matches against France and England after 18-months of football took their toll but will be looking to be fully fit come Sunday. Her passion and experience will be invaluable in a side trying to find someone to replace Fishlock when the team needs an extra push.

ONE TO WATCH

Adriana Jones (forward)

By no means a new face in the W-League, Jones will be one to watch in the context of City’s season and squad. An out and out striker, the former Adelaide and Newcastle player will be vital to the reigning champions up forward.

With no more Fishlock and plenty of players who can create opportunities, Jones needs to be the player who can finish chances. Hopefully, she can recreate her form from the 2016-17 season where she scored nine goals in 11 matches for the Reds.

SQUAD

Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, Tameka BUTT, Steph CATELY, Kyah SIMON, Helen CACERES, Adriana JONES, Yukari KINGA, Rebekah STOTT, Melissa HUDSON, Amy JACKSON, Sofia SAKALIS, Rhali DOBSON, Lydia WILLIAMS, Lauren BARNES, Jasmyne SPENCER, Jodie TAYLOR and Theresa NIELSEN