With Round Six serving up shock Melbourne and Sydney losses, the A-League’s top two will be looking to bounce back at home this week. Last time out Perth returned to losing way while Wellington grabbed their first win.
As Adelaide continue their amazing ACL journey with the semis looming next week it will be interesting to see how they perform this time out on the domestic front. Home advantage will be key in Round Seven with most of the league’s strongest teams all having home advantage, but in a week where on-form Nicky Carle is deemed not one of Australia’s top 35 players – anything is possible.
Here's what could be in store for Round Seven......
Tonight
Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners
The Reds must decide what team to select with the ACL semi next week, but with several days to recover there’s no excuse for fielding a weak team. They did well to beat Newcastle last round, but I expect the Mariners to be a much sterner test. Central Coast picked up the standard three points against Perth last week and look to have goals in their team.
Verdict: Score draw
Saturday
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Victory need to concentrate on keeping all eleven players on the pitch after three successive sending offs. They paid the price last week when Queensland scored late after Carlos Hernandez saw red. However this is Perth and anything less than a comfortable Melbourne win would be a surprise. Perth may need a change in form or it's going to be a long season – their management could change before their form does.
Verdict: Melbourne by a three goal cushion
Sydney FC v Queensland Roar
Bouncing back from the disappointing trip to Wellington last week is essential for Sydney, while Queensland will be on a high and looking to back up their result in Melbourne with another strong performance. Sydney look good at home and have enough character and experience to bounce back with a win here.
Verdict: Tight home win
Monday
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
With just one win from their first six games, both teams will be keen to tally some points here. Newcastle have been disappointing so far, but a home fixture against a leaky Wellington defence is a great potential platform for some points. What a result for Wellington last out, coming from behind to turnover an unbeaten Sydney team. However points away from home are a different task.
Verdict: Newcastle to triumph
As Adelaide continue their amazing ACL journey with the semis looming next week it will be interesting to see how they perform this time out on the domestic front. Home advantage will be key in Round Seven with most of the league’s strongest teams all having home advantage, but in a week where on-form Nicky Carle is deemed not one of Australia’s top 35 players – anything is possible.
Here's what could be in store for Round Seven......
Tonight
Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners
The Reds must decide what team to select with the ACL semi next week, but with several days to recover there’s no excuse for fielding a weak team. They did well to beat Newcastle last round, but I expect the Mariners to be a much sterner test. Central Coast picked up the standard three points against Perth last week and look to have goals in their team.
Verdict: Score draw
Saturday
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Victory need to concentrate on keeping all eleven players on the pitch after three successive sending offs. They paid the price last week when Queensland scored late after Carlos Hernandez saw red. However this is Perth and anything less than a comfortable Melbourne win would be a surprise. Perth may need a change in form or it's going to be a long season – their management could change before their form does.
Verdict: Melbourne by a three goal cushion
Sydney FC v Queensland Roar
Bouncing back from the disappointing trip to Wellington last week is essential for Sydney, while Queensland will be on a high and looking to back up their result in Melbourne with another strong performance. Sydney look good at home and have enough character and experience to bounce back with a win here.
Verdict: Tight home win
Monday
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
With just one win from their first six games, both teams will be keen to tally some points here. Newcastle have been disappointing so far, but a home fixture against a leaky Wellington defence is a great potential platform for some points. What a result for Wellington last out, coming from behind to turnover an unbeaten Sydney team. However points away from home are a different task.
Verdict: Newcastle to triumph
