Last week was a cascade of shocks. Perth looked like they had a squad lobotomy as their pace and passing cut Sydney to shreds, Newcastle looked like champions again, and Wellington continued their resurgence, however the Roar were poor at home so there was some normality.
A great set of fixtures for Round Nine and the only thing you should be doing on the Friday and Saturday nights is watching the derby clash then the so-called “Big Two” showdown.
Seeing as so many people were quick to come forward with criticism of last week’s predictions, let’s all have a crack this week and start positing your Round Nine prophecies below……
Tonight
Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets
A Friday night derby - this could be a cracker if both play to their potential. The Mariners will be disappointed by their showing last round against Wellington, where they looked slightly flat, but they’ll be up for this one. On the other hand Newcastle were great against Melbourne and despite missing a penalty, Edmundo Zura looked the part. Throw Mark Milligan in too and the Jets can start feeling more optimistic. This is a tough one to call, so I’m not going to.
Verdict: Score draw
Saturday
Melbourne Victory v Sydney
1057 days. That’s how long it’s been since Sydney beat Melbourne back in December 2005. It’s a shame there’s a few players missing for this one and how the two teams handle those gaps in the squad is key. For the Victory Archie (who loves scoring against Sydney) is suspended, so it will be someone else’s turn to get sent off for Melbourne this week (short odds on Muscat I’m sure). However Sydney are hit hardest with a threadbare backline. With no Fyfe, Jurman and Popovic, holding back the A-League’s most free scoring attack is going to be tough. This clash is always tight and Sydney will be conscience of their weakened backline, because of that they may overcompensate and shut Melbourne out.
Verdict: Another 0-0
Sunday
Adelaide United v Perth Glory
The Reds will be flying high after reaching the ACL final and because they have a home fixture to Perth could look to give a few of their Asian adventure heroes a rest. Adelaide has maintained their A-League form in recent weeks and will fancy doing the same again. Perth were a totally different team last week and in the absence of Dadi, we saw Harnwell and Rukavytsya look good up front. Hayden Foxe at the back also tightened things up for the Glory, but consistence is key.
Verdict: Adelaide sneak past Perth by a single goal
Wellington Phoenix v Queensland Roar
Phoenix have been a different team in the last three rounds and if they remain stable can mount a serious top four challenge. An unthinkable concept based on how they started their campaign. Roar continue to fail at the Suncorp and look a different team away from home. I expect this one to be a low scoring affair.
Verdict: Draw. Again!
A great set of fixtures for Round Nine and the only thing you should be doing on the Friday and Saturday nights is watching the derby clash then the so-called “Big Two” showdown.
Seeing as so many people were quick to come forward with criticism of last week’s predictions, let’s all have a crack this week and start positing your Round Nine prophecies below……
Tonight
Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets
A Friday night derby - this could be a cracker if both play to their potential. The Mariners will be disappointed by their showing last round against Wellington, where they looked slightly flat, but they’ll be up for this one. On the other hand Newcastle were great against Melbourne and despite missing a penalty, Edmundo Zura looked the part. Throw Mark Milligan in too and the Jets can start feeling more optimistic. This is a tough one to call, so I’m not going to.
Verdict: Score draw
Saturday
Melbourne Victory v Sydney
1057 days. That’s how long it’s been since Sydney beat Melbourne back in December 2005. It’s a shame there’s a few players missing for this one and how the two teams handle those gaps in the squad is key. For the Victory Archie (who loves scoring against Sydney) is suspended, so it will be someone else’s turn to get sent off for Melbourne this week (short odds on Muscat I’m sure). However Sydney are hit hardest with a threadbare backline. With no Fyfe, Jurman and Popovic, holding back the A-League’s most free scoring attack is going to be tough. This clash is always tight and Sydney will be conscience of their weakened backline, because of that they may overcompensate and shut Melbourne out.
Verdict: Another 0-0
Sunday
Adelaide United v Perth Glory
The Reds will be flying high after reaching the ACL final and because they have a home fixture to Perth could look to give a few of their Asian adventure heroes a rest. Adelaide has maintained their A-League form in recent weeks and will fancy doing the same again. Perth were a totally different team last week and in the absence of Dadi, we saw Harnwell and Rukavytsya look good up front. Hayden Foxe at the back also tightened things up for the Glory, but consistence is key.
Verdict: Adelaide sneak past Perth by a single goal
Wellington Phoenix v Queensland Roar
Phoenix have been a different team in the last three rounds and if they remain stable can mount a serious top four challenge. An unthinkable concept based on how they started their campaign. Roar continue to fail at the Suncorp and look a different team away from home. I expect this one to be a low scoring affair.
Verdict: Draw. Again!
