Official 2012 Season Preview

They've got a new strip and a new captain, but Underground FC's solid form should continue.

GAINS: Tim de Beer, Long Tran, Sam Foster, Charles Chu.

LOSSES: Carl Newby, Bentley Cottle, Reuben Theobald, Ben Senior.

INJURY WARD: Anthony Cluley (ankle)

FORM:
It's difficult to gauge the side's form given they've played just the one match in the pre-season, but that 5-2 victory against the Major League-winning CCNZ suggests they're on the improve.

Further pre-season matches against a club team from Whangarei and the CFA Sevens should ensure a more accurate gauge on the team's progress ahead of their opening match in Mid-April.

WHAT NEEDS TO GO RIGHT:
Goalkeeper Andy Speir was a revelation for the side and was a significant factor in the team's form reversal in the second half of the season.

Also key to this year's success will be the new attacking recruits. Sam Foster, who was in the extended squad last year and has earned a place in the 20-man squad in 2012, will need to ensure his linking with stalwarts Andrew Dunn, Andrew Hewat and Liam Badger is spot on, though signs are positive early on.

A change in formation should also see Long Tran receive plenty of goal scoring opportunities this season. The debutant will need to make the most to fend off other candidates within the squad, though the rumours have swirled he is the preferred candidate up front.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG:
Underground's defensive lapses last year cost them plenty of goals last season. They'll need to be alert from the opening whistle if they're to withstand the pressure - and the weather conditions - that will face them this season.

Though shored up by star recruit Tim de Beer, some clarity and synergy will certainly be needed if they're to get an up on their opponents.

Substitution management has often seen UFC lose momentum at key times and captain Hodgson will need to be able to juggle the needs of his players and the needs of the team overall. There's no I in team, after all.

DREAM HEADLINE: 'Underground humble Hillsborough'

PREDICTION:
Again, having only played the one pre-season match so far makes things difficult to gauge. However, UFC should prepare themselves for an easy top four finish and potential promotion in either half of the competition.

SQUAD:
Caleb Agent, Liam Badger, Charles Chu, Chris Chu, Anthony Cluley, Joseph Cottle, Ben Cullen, Tim de Beer, Nathan Dawson, Andrew Dunn (vc), Sam Foster, Joel Greatbatch, Andrew Hewat, Ryan Hodgson (capt) Jonno Korff, Andy Speir, Dave Stanyer, Long Tran, Malcolm Turner, Matiu Workman.