Sydney FC the team to beat as A-League 2017/18 approaches

SYDNEY FC are expected to mount a strong title defence in the Hyundai A-League, which kicks off later this week.

Graham Arnold’s men coasted to the premiership last term before edging out Melbourne Victory in a tense championship decider to claim the double.

Punters are anticipating a similar scenario this time around, with the Sky Blues quoted at $3 in the outright market at Sportsbet.com.au.

Sydney open their campaign on Saturday with an A-League Grand Final rematch against the Victory, who hold the second line of betting at $5.

The Victorian giants have recruited some big names for the 2017/18 campaign, including Kosta Barbarouses, Mark Milligan and Rhys Williams.

They will vie with crosstown rivals Melbourne City ($6) for a place in the top two.

City are yet to fill the hole left by Aaron Mooy’s move to the UK, but gun recruit Ross McCormack could be the answer for Warren Joyce’s men as they chase a maiden A-League crown.

The best-laid plans of Western Sydney Wanderers ($8) were thrown into disarray on Sunday with coach Tony Popovic’s sudden departure only days out from the start of the season.

Hayden Foxe has stepped in as caretaker, although most reports are touting Socceroos assistant Ante Milicic – currently in Malaysia for Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Syria – for the top job at Wanderers.

Perth Glory ($10) have had a big cleanout over the winter, although questions remain about a defence that shipped a league-high 53 goals last season.

The likes of Mitch Nichols and Xavi Torres will add class and experience to the midfield, while teenage talent Jake Brimmer is poised for a breakout season after three years in the Liverpool academy.

Adelaide United ($12) finished second from bottom in a horror title defence last season, but they are expected to improve significantly after a busy off-season.

The rise of the Reds could come at the expense of Brisbane Roar ($13), who have lost a host of key players since May.

Doubts abound as to whether the likes of Massimo Maccarone and Corey Gameiro can cover the losses of Thomas Broich, Brandon Borrello, Jamie Maclaren and Tommy Oar as the Queenslanders chase an eighth consecutive finals campaign.

Newcastle Jets ($21) mimicked the NRL Knights by taking out the wooden spoon in 2016/17, and it is expected they will again be making up the numbers along with Central Coast Mariners ($34) and Wellington Phoenix ($36) this season.

2017/18 A-League title betting

$3 – Sydney FC

$5 – Melbourne Victory

$6 – Melbourne City

$8 – Western Sydney Wanderers

$10 – Perth Glory

$12 – Adelaide United

$13 – Brisbane Roar

$21 – Newcastle United

$34 – Central Coast Mariners

$36 – Wellington Phoenix

Market courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au