It is generally unwise to make sweeping predictions about a season after just one weekend. Nevertheless, there are a few signs that arose from the first weekend of A-League action that suggest this season will get interesting. As such, and against all sensible advice, here are my bold predictions for the season ahead:

Matches will be tight

Two of the five games were drawn, and the other three were each decided by a single goal. Not only that, but those three matches were all level as late as the 71st minute.

Melbourne Victory's draw against Sydney was more attacking and entertaining than any nil-all draw you'll have ever seen.

Further, the five games produced just nine goals, or 1.8 per game. Last season, the opening round produced 2.6 goals per game, and the season before that, 3.4. Make no mistake, I take this as a good thing. While goals are exciting, close games are too, and I believe that too many high-scoring games actually decreases the standing of a league.

If the low-scoring nature of the first round is a result of defences getting tighter, there should be far more close, tense matches in the future.

Glory's improvement should continue

Last season was a pretty dismal one for Perth Glory, who finished just four points clear of last place. However, just as the West Coast Eagles rose from the depths in the AFL this year, the Glory could be on the verge of a remarkable turnaround.

Glory heartened their fans with some impressive signings in the off-season, including goal machine Shane Smeltz, ex-Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller, and Brazilian playmaker Andrezinho. The trio all starred on Sunday as Glory opened the season with a win over Adelaide.

Although the scoreline was a modest 1-0, Glory totally dominated the match in a positive sign for things to come.

Rivalries will intensify

The Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC rivalry is set to intensify. The teams played out a tense draw in which tempers flared - there was a brief melee after Mark Bridge was sent off for a vicious elbow - in yet another chapter between the Dark and Sky Blue teams.

However, a new dimension was introduced as both teams felt the need to prove that their big-name Socceroo signing was worth the hefty price tag. Sydney fans rejoiced in singing "what a waste of money" after a wild Harry Kewell strike - a chant that came back to bite them when Brett Emerton's penalty was saved minutes later.

Across town, Melbourne Heart have drawn further ire from Victory fans by signing two former Victory players, including a favourite son. Mate Dugandzic and Fred are set to line up in red and white in the derby on October 22.

Dugandzic scored seven goals in his two seasons with Victory, while Fred was a revered figure. He had a stunning 2006/07 campaign which saw him top the league for assists, including four of Archie Thompson's five goals in the Grand Final. It will be interesting to see how Victory fans accept his return.

Attendances will rise

In week one, all five home teams recorded crowds that were up on their respective averages for last year. Admittedly, crowds tend to be higher early in the year and fall away as the season drags on. However, it appears that interest sparked by some big name arrivals has translated into bums on seats, and I see no reason why that would evaporate.

Further, I believe that interest in domestic soccer will spike as more people around the country get access to Foxtel. The new AFL television rights deal - every AFL match will be shown live on Foxtel from 2012 - will prompt many to acquire pay TV, and suddenly many more people will be able to see soccer on a regular basis. This should, in time, result in greater interest from the public and subsequently higher attendances.

The irony that this would result from the AFL's big-money deal is virtually tangible.

If these predictions are accurate, we're in for a tight and engaging season. Here's hoping I'm right!