Last round witnessed Sydney throwing it away, the Mariners appointing themselves the league’s official come-back boys, Adelaide’s campaign taking its toll and Melbourne returning to winning ways. There was also more away day glory for the Roar and Perth won again at the Members Equity Stadium.
The Mariners and Adelaide meet during the international break next week, so only three ties this weekend.
Tonight
Sydney v Wellington
The Sky Blues should be raring to go in this one. The disappointment in the camp after throwing away two points against the Mariners was palatable and with an international break coming up afterwards, they will be determined to pick up maximum points against the league’s whipping boys. Phoenix have shown glimpses of form including wins in Round Six against Sydney and Round Eight against the Mariners, but they lack the quality for a full campaign. All eyes will be on the outbound Shane Smeltz, who I think will still score between now and the end of the season, but it won’t be enough here.
Verdict: Sydney comfortably
Saturday
Queensland Roar v Melbourne Victory
This is the battle of the A-League’s best travellers. Roar are unbeaten on the road, but winless at home, while Melbourne have only lost once on their travels. Quite why Queensland can’t win or even score at home is a real concern, and unless they remedy it soon Roar will find themselves outside of the top four come January. Victory strikers Archie Thompson and Ney Fabiano both return from suspension and will prove an exuberant handful.
Verdict: Fresh firepower fires Melbourne to victory
Sunday
Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Glory are turning into quite the surprise package from seemingly nowhere. They are looking for a third straight home win and were unlucky when they lost away to Adelaide in Round Nine. Nikita Rukavytsya’s lightning pace would worry any A-League backline, so you never know where Perth could finish this season. The Jets are in turmoil. The team that won the Grand Final last year are a distant memory, they have lost their marquee and confirmed they are losing Jade North. What might have seemed a pick-me-up fixture a few rounds ago might turn into yet another loss.
Verdict: Perth win again (bet you never thought you’d see that predicted)
The Mariners and Adelaide meet during the international break next week, so only three ties this weekend.
Tonight
Sydney v Wellington
The Sky Blues should be raring to go in this one. The disappointment in the camp after throwing away two points against the Mariners was palatable and with an international break coming up afterwards, they will be determined to pick up maximum points against the league’s whipping boys. Phoenix have shown glimpses of form including wins in Round Six against Sydney and Round Eight against the Mariners, but they lack the quality for a full campaign. All eyes will be on the outbound Shane Smeltz, who I think will still score between now and the end of the season, but it won’t be enough here.
Verdict: Sydney comfortably
Saturday
Queensland Roar v Melbourne Victory
This is the battle of the A-League’s best travellers. Roar are unbeaten on the road, but winless at home, while Melbourne have only lost once on their travels. Quite why Queensland can’t win or even score at home is a real concern, and unless they remedy it soon Roar will find themselves outside of the top four come January. Victory strikers Archie Thompson and Ney Fabiano both return from suspension and will prove an exuberant handful.
Verdict: Fresh firepower fires Melbourne to victory
Sunday
Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Glory are turning into quite the surprise package from seemingly nowhere. They are looking for a third straight home win and were unlucky when they lost away to Adelaide in Round Nine. Nikita Rukavytsya’s lightning pace would worry any A-League backline, so you never know where Perth could finish this season. The Jets are in turmoil. The team that won the Grand Final last year are a distant memory, they have lost their marquee and confirmed they are losing Jade North. What might have seemed a pick-me-up fixture a few rounds ago might turn into yet another loss.
Verdict: Perth win again (bet you never thought you’d see that predicted)
