Three Teams

In terms of options, this is the ugly stepchild but 13 could yet prove to be the FFA’s lucky number.

Just like the 11-team option, it brings the inclusion of a bye and likely midweek matches to cater for increased six-match rounds over a 26-round season.

However, it does tick the boxes for AFC Champions League inclusion, it also would likely keep Fox Sports happy and please the majority of those seeking inclusion in the A-League by including a team from Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney in this round of expansion.

It would also put pressure on Wellington Phoenix to meet the metrics set by the governing body and open the door for a potential 14-team season in 2020/21.

Likeliness of outcome: A darkhorse, but not the most likely of options.

Likely outcome: South West Sydney Macarthur, Team 11/West Melbourne and Canberra.

Four Teams

This option is one favoured by arguably the purists of the game, including our own editor, Kevin Airs, who has been advocating a 14-team season for the best part of 18 months (although not from this final six-bid FFA shortlist, as that would create four teams in Melbourne and/or Sydney - KA)

The argument is that if there are four bids ready for 2019/20, then strike while the iron is hot. Most sensibly you could announce four today, with two coming in next season (South Melbourne and Canberra for instance - and then bring in South-West Sydney and either Team 11 or West Melbourne, giving them an extra year to get their stadium built.)

However four all starting next season brings two extra rounds of football every month over 26 rounds, appeases the AFC and Fox Sports (although the latter might have some grumblings over having to spread their resources thin over the course of a seven-game round), and would satiate the thirst of expansion advocates whilst arguably providing the much-needed spark that this round of expansion already promises.

Spread of talent could become an issue however.

Likeliness of outcome: Tell us we're dreamin'...

Likely outcome: South West Sydney Macarthur, Canberra and two of Team11/West Melbourne/South Melbourne.

Delayed Expansion

Bedlam. Fire and brimstone. The four horsemen.

Even if none of the above occur, the sport will endure but the FFA board will have missed a golden opportunity not just stamp themselves in history as a decisive board, but also have missed capitalising on one of the most polarising and intriguing times in the history of the A-League.

Not since the inclusion of Melbourne City (nee Heart) and the awarding of the ill fated 12th provisional licence to the Sydney Rovers group followed by the subsequent creation of Western Sydney Wanderers has there been this much interest in the growth of the A-League.

The time is ripe for expansion and the fans have never been ravenous for it.

However, the FFA bid may abstain, and it truly is a very possible outcome as they may offer to give more time to prospective bids or even announce ‘preferred bidders’ for 2020/21.

The latter outcome is not preferred however and is almost universally disdained as a continuance of what many have dubbed a ‘staleness’ to the national competition.

Likeliness of outcome: Almost equally as likely as naming two teams for next season.

Likely outcome: We argue for another season about the virtues of each bid.