Football Federation Australia's board will dash the dreams of some A-League expansion hopefuls on Wednesday, but soften the blow for those who miss out on entry to the competition.
After a year-long process, football's governing body will meet in Sydney to make recommendations on expanding the league for the first time since 2012.
Two teams are expected to be chosen as 'preferred bidders' during the meeting.
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They are expected to become public on Thursday, although several scenarios are still possible.
FFA could lock those teams in unconditionally or give them time to confirm arrangements - such as seeking funding for a new stadium.
Teams could be brought in next season, which begins in October 2019, push them out a year or stagger entry over the next two seasons.
And, of course, there's the small matter of which teams are selected.
Melbourne's South-East and South-West Sydney are seen as frontrunners, while bids from Canberra, South Melbourne, Western Melbourne and Sydney's Southern expansion also on the table.
The 'x-factor' is how the A-League plans to deal with Wellington Phoenix.
The New Zealand club's license is conditional on meeting certain benchmarks by the end of the 2020 campaign - and signs aren't good.
FFA is likely to consider this issue, as well as its plans to arrive at a 16-team league in the medium term, on Wednesday.
That will mean giving the unsuccessful bids hope they could be admitted in the next phase of expansion.
It will also mean restoring hope to other consortiums - particularly from Brisbane - seeking entry.
FFA chiefs are eager to create a derby in the Queensland capital, but weren't able to shortlist a potential option from the original bids.
AAP
