THE A-LEAGUE'S FIVE BIG QUESTIONS FOR 2019-20
* Can independence save the A-League?
Club owners know they have no more excuses having gained ownership of the league from the FFA. While the competition is still in transition to full independence, transforming the stagnating league into a sellable asset before a new broadcast deal has to be negotiated in the biggest challenge the competition faces.
* Will a Wanderers homecoming make them a force again?
Western Sydney's two seasons without a home while Bankwest Stadium was built hurt a club that has done such a great job of connecting with its community. The return to Parramatta may well be the biggest change for Markus Babbel in a crucial second season in charge.
* Can Robbie Fowler bring the Roar back?
There's no doubt Brisbane's coach has an amazing football pedigree but he remains an unknown quantity in his new role. The Liverpool great has had to bring together virtually an entire squad over the off-season and his profile will surely come with extra scrutiny if the Roar can't start the campaign well.
* What will happen at the Victory without Kevin Muscat?
Muscat's departure at the end of last season ended an association between man and club stretching back to the start of the A-League in 2005. The ex-Socceroo was vital in establishing Victory as a powerhouse. Ex-Adelaide boss Marco Kurz has a big job ensuring key elements of their culture don't evaporate with his departure while expansion club Western United has add a third team to the Victorian market.
* Can Perth recover from their grand final disappointment?
Tony Popovic's Glory were the dominant force until the grand final. That penalty shootout defeat to Sydney FC will have been stinging all off-season. Jason Davidson's departure to South Korea is a difficult to replace with the attacking left-back being a crucial part of Popovic's tactics last season but Uruguayan Bruno Fornaroli will have a point to prove after being frozen out last season at Melbourne City.