IN: Nikola Mileusnic (Adelaide City), Henrique (unattached), Ben Garuccio (Melbourne City), Ryan Kitto (Newcastle Jets), Jesse Makarounas (Melbourne Victory), Marc Marino (Melbourne City), James Holland (unattached)
OUT: Bruce Djite (Suwon FC), Stefan Mauk (NEC), Eli Babalj (AZ Alkmaar - end of loan), Craig Goodwin (Sparta Rotterdam), Bruce Kamau (Melbourne City), Pablo Sanchez (released)
Last season:
The 2015-16 season couldn't have gone any better for Adelaide United, as a 3-1 defeat of Western Sydney on the final day saw the Reds crowned as A-League champions.
It was their first championship in their third decider, and there was no doubting Adelaide earned it after finishing the regular season as the minor premiers.
Key player: James Holland
Following a stint at the Newcastle Jets for two seasons between 2007-2009 that saw Holland bring an A-League championship to the Hunter Valley, the midfielder set off on a seven year journey around Europe.
Holland played in the Netherlands, Austria and Germany before making his return to Australia with Adelaide, and there's no doubt Holland brings vast experience to a now depleted side.
At just 27 years of age the midfielder has entered the peak of his playing powers, and a return to the Socceroos squad is one of Holland's main goals.
Playing under Ange Postecoglou's nose in Australia is sure to help Holland stake his national team claim, and if he can start the season in strong form, it'll be tough for Postecoglou to ignore.
Why they'll win:
Despite losing some key players, the majority of Adelaide's defence from last season has stuck around, and that was their strongest area of the park during their championship run.
No team conceded fewer goals than Adelaide United during the regular season, as Michael Marrone, Iacapo La Rocca, Dylan McGowan and Stefan Mauk were solid at the back all campaign.
Mauk's departure leaves a hole, but the acquisition of Ben Garuccio from Melbourne City should fill the void.
If United can replicate their strong defensive efforts from last season, then another deep finals push seems likely.
Why they won't:
A big target is firmly planted on Adelaide's back following their grand final win, so teams will be out to knock off the champions every chance they get.
That in itself already presents a problem for United, but given the loss of some of last season's most important players, this year just got a whole lot tougher.
Four of the Reds' seven top goalscorers last season exited the club over the winter break, as Bruce Djite (11 goals) and Pablo Sanchez (9) have moved on to different clubs.
Craig Goodwin and young gun Bruce Kamau also fled Coopers Stadium, and despite the Reds bringing in some key players, they surely haven't filled the void of those four men.
Guillermo Amor led Adelaide to championship success in his first season at the club last year, but this upcoming campaign is another massive challenge for the Spaniard, and one that may be too big to overcome.
Starting XI: (All starting XI's are default 4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Eugene Galekovic
Defenders: Michael Marrone, Dylan McGowan, Iacapo La Rocca, Tarek Elrich
Midfielders: Isaias, Marcelo Carrusca, James Holland, Jesse Makarounas
Attackers: Sergio Cirio, Henrique
Championship oddsย (courtesy of TopSport)
Predictions: 5th
United will find it much tougher this season to finish near the top of the league, as most of their rivals have strengthened while Adelaide haven't been able to replace all of their departing stars.
Their outgoing list looks much more impressive than the incoming list, although their fantastic defence from last season has mostly stayed the same.
The Reds will be thereabouts this season once again, but a first round exit in the finals looks likely for a side that just doesn't have that X-factor.
