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Wide open A-League race excites Troisi

3 minute read

Western Sydney Wanderers star James Troisi says an unpredictable start to this A-League campaign has set the platform for an exciting and wide-open season.

JAMES TROISI.
JAMES TROISI. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

The unpredictable start to the A-League season has Western Sydney star James Troisi eagerly anticipating a wide-open competition.

After three straight wooden spoons, Central Coast are the early frontrunners after a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Western United on Sunday put the Mariners three points clear with five wins from seven matches.

Hot on their heels is unheralded Brisbane, who have won four straight under coach Warren Moon and blew away struggling Melbourne Victory 5-2 at Redcliffe last Saturday.

The surprise packets are worthy of their lofty positions in Troisi's opinion and the former Socceroo feels it points to a thrilling season ahead.

"Anyone's title contenders at the moment," Troisi said.

"Mariners. Brisbane. Playing some fantastic football. It's what, five, six games now? They've been consistent.

"It's still a long way to go, there's still 20 or so games left in the season. It's still early doors but the way it's going I think it's exciting.

"It's fantastic to see clubs like that doing really well and, you know what? Playing some very good football as well."

Troisi's Wanderers have made a solid, if unspectacular, start to life under new coach Carl Robinson.

The Wanderers sit fourth on the ladder with two wins, three draws and just one defeat from six games after drawing 2-2 with newcomers Macarthur FC on Saturday.

They welcome Troisi's former club Melbourne Victory to Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday and the 32-year-old is wary of an opponent that will be smarting following a performance against the Roar that coach Grant Brebner slammed as "unacceptable".

"They have big expectations," said Troisi, who made over 100 appearances for Victory in two stints at the club.

"They are one of the biggest clubs in the league ... when you continue to lose in the manner they've lost it's hard to get yourself out of that hole but, in saying that, they still have some good quality players.

"That's something any team, obviously us playing them on Wednesday, we have to be aware of.

"If we go in to the game with not the right attitude or mentality or thinking it's going to be an easy game, it's definitely not."

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