Six games.
That's how long A-League Men players on the fringes of Socceroos selection have to make their case for a ticket to Qatar.
It is also the rapid-fire rush of fixtures competition chiefs hope can build momentum and interest in the league ahead of the World Cup.
The season is starting earlier to allow for a break between November 14 and December 8, for the World Cup group stage.
It means the league can start with its full complement of Socceroos, while players can make one last push for selection.
Central Coast pair Garang Kuol and Jason Cummings, Sydney FC stalwart Rhyan Grant and Macarthur FC recruit Daniel Arzani are among those jostling for spots.
The equation for all potential Socceroos is simple: perform now and give yourself a shot.
"If anything does happen in November and I do make the squad that'll be a consequence of my performance leading into that," Arzani told AAP.
"So that's where my focus is at."
The season starts in style, with a match up of last season's grand finalists Western United and Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Then, Sydney FC return to Allianz Stadium against traditional rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
On the pitch, reigning champions United remain among the favourites, alongside City and Victory, who now have high-profile marquee Nani on their books.
There has been little disruption to United's championship-winning squad, including their formidable defence, while veteran playmaker James Troisi is among their inclusions.
"We actually feel that we're in a much better position this season than we were last season," coach John Aloisi told AAP.
"We know it will still be tough because there's a lot of top sides and sides that are wanting to win it.
"But we're confident that we can be competitive again and hopefully, if everything goes well, be there at the end of the season challenging."
Meanwhile, Central Coast hope a squad dominated by young Australian talents can bolt up the table despite losing some experienced heads.
Their squad is headlined by teenager Kuol, who is tipped to light up the league before departing for Newcastle United in January.
"We've got a really young team, and a lot of them got the experience last season, so this season they're going to be even better," Cummings told AAP.
"It's really exciting. Obviously, we've got the wonder-child Garang as well.
"The average age is about 21. I'm one of the oldest, I'm 27 and I feel like an old man in the team.
"We're young, we're fresh and they're really hungry and really hard working so it's good."
