TeleChoice Premier League Round 1 Preview

New comers Bonnyrigg White Eagles will need to hit the ground running as they open their campaign with a difficult tie at home against the ?newly named? Sydney Tigers.
Blagoja Kuleski?s White Eagles will look to the likes of experienced defender David Petrovic and new recruits Milorad Simonovic and Tayfun Devrimol to take the lead, as the Sydney Tigers, who have enjoyed a fine pre-season, aim to go a step further in 2009 following two consecutive fifth-spot finishes.
The Tigers will have Franco Parisi leading the front-line, meanwhile the rear-guard will be well-marshalled by Michael Galluzzo ahead of goalkeeper Phillip Zabaks.
Last season?s Grand-Finalist Sutherland Sharks travel to one of the competitions most consistent outfits in recent seasons, Manly United FC, in a mouth-watering tie at Cromer Park.
Phil Moss? Manly United will showcase former English Premier League defender Spencer Prior in his first TeleChoice Premier League match, meanwhile the attacking exploits of Josh Sama and Brodie Mooy pose the Sharks a feeling of ?entering the unknown?.
New Sharks? boss Robbie Stanton has his work cut out as the Sharks attempt to build on what was an exceptional 2008. Stanton has had to ?make do? without the likes of Brendan Gan and Pedj Bojic, though a fit Nick Stavroulakis in midfield with the experience in the form of George Souris in defence and Brad Boardman in attack will prove vital for a tough first-up road trip to the Northern Suburbs.
At Gabbie Stadium, Blacktown City Demons will attempt to start their 2009 campaign with a win against Sydney United following a disappointing 2008. The Demons have the experience of Luke Casserly to draw upon for the season opener as Sydney United great Ante Milicic will make his official debut as player/coach for the Reds. Ante Milicic?s presence from the first minute is still to be confirmed, though a Milicic-Luka Glavas front-pairing surely does pose a long evening for Casserly & Co. in the heart of the Demons? defence.
Bankstown City?s season kicks-off at Jensen Park when the ?new boys? Wollongong Community FC visit the current Tiger Turf Cup holders. Peter Tsekenis? side have much to improve on from last season?s disappointing League run, though off-season signings Tallan Martin, Samuel Mort and Salameh Hussein promise to add the ?killer-instinct? that deserted the Lions in-front of goal.
Wollongong?s first assignment under new head coach Tony Pace proves to be an extremely difficult proposition as the side ?s preparations for the campaign have been thrown into disarray. With the folding of Wollongong FC, Wollongong Community FC?s participation in the 2009 TeleChoice Premier League was jeopardised, leaving Pace and his players with a disrupted preparation. Experienced players Ilija Prenzoski and Ballamadou Conde will be key to their side?s chances in this difficult opening fixture.
Marconi Stallions welcome back coach Lee Sterrey in his first official match at the helm of the Bossley Park outfit after seven years. Sterrey will have the experience of Nahauel Arrarte and Italian import Andrea Merenda to draw upon, as expectations across the club are high following some very lean seasons in recent times.
Penrith-Nepean United will enter the match as underdogs, though boss Ian Gillan will be unfazed with that label. An element of surprise surrounds Penrith-Nepean as the side possesses a good mix of youth and experience, a mix that will keep the Stallions on edge heading into the Marconi Stadium encounter.
Pre-season favourite Sydney Olympic will be eager to avoid a repeat of their opening 2008 TeleChoice Premier League match where they, surprisingly, fell to the West Sydney Berries in the local derby. The Blues have the added benefit of an important pre-season tournament ?hit out? in Queensland, where Aytek Genc?s players experienced competitive fixtures in tournament play. Tolgay Ozbey will be key for the Blues as he seeks to regain his magical goalscoring touch following a slender 2008.
West Sydney Berries performed admirably in their first campaign last season and experienced midfielder Aheleas Kotsopoulos is confident his teammates can improve on their eighth-placed finish in that campaign.
As is the case with any football derby, expect fireworks on the playing surface at Belmore Sports Ground with kick-off set for 6.30pm.