In what is the Western Sydney Wanderers 10th anniversary, they'll be desperate to avoid a fifth straight season without finals football.
After ending their first regular season as premiers, the Red and Black made the top six four times in their first five seasons as they cemented themselves as regular contenders.
They failed to cope with the departure on inaugural coach Tony Popovic, however, and have put their faith in Carl Robinson turning things around this campaign.
Sporting News looks at the burning questions surrounding the club ahead of the 2021-22 season...
Will Carl Robinson find a way back to the finals?
After being poached from Newcastle Jets before the start of last season, Robinson was supposed to guide the Wanderers back into finals contention.
The former Wales international fell short as the club slumped to an eighth-place finish and ultimately four points shy of the top six.
Western Sydney were an image of inconsistency last season winning consecutive A-League Men games just twice and failing to claim victory in four of their last five matches.
While the Wanderers attack managed to fire at times, they were defensively weak, particularly from set-pieces, and conceded 43 goals from 26 games.
Over the off-season, Robinson has looked to rectify this by bringing in experienced defensive duo Rhys Williams and Adama Traore, who should provide some much-needed steel.
Robinson bemoaned a lack of leadership from his team last season and has handed Williams the captain's armband - a player who looks ready to step up after a few years playing in Saudi Arabia.
Up front, Western Sydney may have also finally found a reliable goalscorer again after bringing in former Wellington Phoenix forward Tomer Hemed, who adapted quickly to the competition last season.
Should Robinson iron out those issues at either end, a stacked midfield should be enough to ensure the Wanderers find their way back to a spot in the top six.
Is this the best midfield in the A-League Men?
Western Sydney's midfield was already fairly strong last season and it has only been reinforced over the off-season.
Experienced Socceroos duo Terry Antonis and Dimitri Petratos have added another edge to the Wanderers in the middle of the park.
The club also still boast Australia's 2015 Asian Cup hero James Troisi, talented youngster Keanu Baccus and former Newcastle Jet Steven Ugarkovic, who impressed in a recent FFA Cup win over Broadmeadow Magic.
On paper, the Wanderers midfield is hard to beat this season and should give the club an ideal base to both defend and score from.
Antonis, Baccus and Ugarkovic can all roam effectively, while Troisi and Petratos should deliver the attacking spark when needed.
Steven Ugarkovic goes BANG! 💥
— FFA Cup (@FFACup) November 10, 2021
A first goal for @wswanderersfc.
🎥: @10FootballAU #FFACup #BMMvWSW pic.twitter.com/KGuE8vhjA7
Could Jack Rodwell prove a key signing?
Western Sydney's midfield could yet be further strengthened with Jack Rodwell training with the club and set to be handed a two-year contract.
The former Everton product has struggled in recent years but is still just 30 and could be a revelation if Robinson can get the best out of him.
Rodwell has previously struggled with injuries and hasn't played competitively since May 2020.
While that lengthy layoff is a concern, it may have given the Englishman a chance to get his body right and a starring role at the Wanderers might be the motivation he needs to reignite his career.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2021-22 quick facts
New signings: Adama Traore, Ramy Najjarine, Tomer Hemed, Rhys Williams, Terry Antonis, Johnny Koutroumbis, Dimitri Petratos, Keijiro Ogawa, Tomas Mejias
Last season: Eighth
Predicted finish this season: Third
Key player: Rhys WIlliams