Ins: Bobo, Bernie Ibini (Club Brugge, loan), Danny Vukovic (Melbourne Victory), Josh Brillante (Fiorentina), Alex Wilkinson (Melbourne City), Michael Zullo (Melbourne City)

Outs: Ali Abbas (Pohang Steelers), Zac Anderson (released), Anthony Bouzanis (released), Jacques Faty (Central Coast Mariners), Andrew Hoole (Newcastle Jets), Alex Mullen (released), Christopher Naumoff (released), Ivan Necevski (released), Shane Smeltz (Kedah FC), Robert Stambolziev (released), Mickael Tavares (Central Coast Mariners), Jacob Tratt (released), Riley Woodcock (released)

Last season:

Just 12 months after making the A-League grand final the season prior, the Sky Blues finished in seventh position and didn't play finals football last season.

Sydney finished seven points out of the top six, which looked very unlikely when they were entrenched in the finals positions in February before an 11-game winless streak saw Sydney fall rapidly down the table.

Graham Arnold's men didn't score enough goals despite having a decent defensive record, as the loss of Marc Janko wasn't adequately replaced.

Key player: Alex Brosque

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 04: Alex Brosque of Sydney FC celebrates scoring a goal during the round nine A-League match between Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium on December 4, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 04: Alex Brosque of Sydney FC celebrates scoring a goal during the round nine A-League match between Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium on December 4, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Despite starting just 13 games last season, star striker and Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque is still one of the Sky Blues' most important players.

The 32-year-old scored five goals last season in a Sydney team that struggled to find the net, although if Brosque can stay fit this season his goal tally is sure to grow.

Brosque is joined by Brazilian import Bobo this season and their partnership is sure to be crucialย to just how far Sydney can go in this competition, so everyone will be looking the Sydney's leading man for guidance, and there's no doubt the left footer still has some good football ahead of him.

Why they'll win:

Last season's problems may turn into this season's biggest assests, as Sydney's strike power has been significantly increased over the off-season.

Brosque returns along with Matt Simon, Filip Holosko and George Blackwood up front, but the signings of two new faces should bring plenty of excitement to the Sydney FC fanbase.

Favourite son Bernie Ibini returns after two seasons overseas in Belgium, while Besiktas' all-time leading goalscorer Bobo makes the move to Sydney.

Their attacking third now puts them in conversations with the best attacks in the league, and if the Sky Blues can get production out of all six players they'll be making a surge up the table as the season goes on.

Why they won't:

Sydney FC players show disappointment during the round 24 A-League match between Sydney FC and Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium on April 4, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.
Sydney FC players show disappointment during the round 24 A-League match between Sydney FC and Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium on April 4, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.

Consistency was the problem for Sydney FC last season and despite adding new faces to the squad over the off-season, there's no guarantee they'll be able to perform week in and week out during the upcoming campaign.

The Sky Blues were third with 12 rounds remaining before going winless in their next 11 fixtures to slip down to seventh by season's end, as Graham Arnold's men missed out on the finals.

Sydney had good patches of form before their horrible end of season run, so consistency is something Arnold will be addressing before the season begins.

It's easier said then done when trying to become a consistent side as things take time, so despite the Sky Blues looking good for a spot in the finals series, they may not be able to build on that if last season is anything to go by.

Starting XI:ย (All starting XI's are default 4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Vedran Janjetovic

Defenders: Sebastian Ryall, Matthew Jurman, Alex Wilkinson, Michael Zullo

Midfielders: Milos Dimitrijevic, David Carney, Milos Ninkovic, Josh Brillante

Attackers: Alex Brosque, Bobo

Championship oddsย (courtesy of TopSport)

Predictions: 6th

There's no doubt the Sky Blues have strengthened their side ahead of the 2016-17 A-League season, but with many other sides doing so too this season is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

Sydney's midfield and defence were capable last season, but some key inclusions over the break have added much needed depth to those areas.

Despite a star studded attack that's where most of the questions of Sydney's play will surround, as goals were hard to come by just 12 months ago.

Sydney shouldn't have too much problems fitting themselves inside the top six come season's end, but unfortunately that's as far as we see them getting.