Most players are fresh from the international break for a set of evenly matched fixtures on paper. With the league so tight, results from this round could leave the A-League looking vastly different come Sunday evening.
Tonight
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Enough has been said on the Fred versus Victory clash, but Fred aside the Kiwis are travelling well and have moved to within striking distance of a finals place. It has been their home form which has been the base of the unlikely surge up the A-League ladder. With that in mind this could prove a tricky away tie for Melbourne, who are looking better every week. Merrick has a selection headache and offensive options any A-League manager would sell their Gran for.
Verdict: Wellington pick up a useful point
Sydney FC v Queensland Roar
The Sky Blues are in freefall and even if they hold onto their finals place they are unlikely to make much of an impact. Kossie (who I can see being replaced by Popa before the season is out) has been mixing and matching his selection and tactics in recent weeks, but the win in Melbourne aside it has been to little avail. Queensland finally managed to win at home and remain a formidable away outfit. Sydney left it late to grab a point against the Roar earlier in the season and there could be a similar outcome again.
Verdict: Bore draw
Saturday
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
A decent side at home, Perth will be looking to outgun an always offensive Central Coast side in this one. The Glory have two in a row at home, The Mariners and the Victory, and will need points from those games to keep their hopes of reaching the finals alive. The Mariners were unlucky against Melbourne last round and on another night could have won. They’ll go to Perth looking for goals and should do enough for the win.
Verdict: Mariners move closer to finals spot
Sunday
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
The Jets continue to struggle and this season is very much a transitional one for last season’s Grand Final winners. With both Joel Griffiths and Mark Milligan joining Gary Van Egmond in the stands, the Jets are there for the taking. Adelaide will be keen to clock up as many points as possible before jetting off to Japan for the Club World Cup and this tie is a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Verdict: Adelaide keep the pressure on at the top
Tonight
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Enough has been said on the Fred versus Victory clash, but Fred aside the Kiwis are travelling well and have moved to within striking distance of a finals place. It has been their home form which has been the base of the unlikely surge up the A-League ladder. With that in mind this could prove a tricky away tie for Melbourne, who are looking better every week. Merrick has a selection headache and offensive options any A-League manager would sell their Gran for.
Verdict: Wellington pick up a useful point
Sydney FC v Queensland Roar
The Sky Blues are in freefall and even if they hold onto their finals place they are unlikely to make much of an impact. Kossie (who I can see being replaced by Popa before the season is out) has been mixing and matching his selection and tactics in recent weeks, but the win in Melbourne aside it has been to little avail. Queensland finally managed to win at home and remain a formidable away outfit. Sydney left it late to grab a point against the Roar earlier in the season and there could be a similar outcome again.
Verdict: Bore draw
Saturday
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
A decent side at home, Perth will be looking to outgun an always offensive Central Coast side in this one. The Glory have two in a row at home, The Mariners and the Victory, and will need points from those games to keep their hopes of reaching the finals alive. The Mariners were unlucky against Melbourne last round and on another night could have won. They’ll go to Perth looking for goals and should do enough for the win.
Verdict: Mariners move closer to finals spot
Sunday
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
The Jets continue to struggle and this season is very much a transitional one for last season’s Grand Final winners. With both Joel Griffiths and Mark Milligan joining Gary Van Egmond in the stands, the Jets are there for the taking. Adelaide will be keen to clock up as many points as possible before jetting off to Japan for the Club World Cup and this tie is a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Verdict: Adelaide keep the pressure on at the top
