The biggest crowd of the season gathered at the Telstra Dome to watch two patched up teams in Melbourne and Sydney do battle last round, with a massive morale boost for the visitors. However Adelaide continued winning to go top and here’s how this weekend could pan out....
Tonight
Adelaide v Melbourne Victory
The Melbourne v Sydney game in the last round was billed as the meeting of the big two, but in my opinion this tie is exactly that. Adelaide have retained form during their ACL voyage and deservedly sit at the summit of the A-League. Melbourne looked toothless in attack against Sydney last round. Allsopp is always a handful, but with Archie and Ney Fabiano both still suspended, the Victory will struggle again to score at Hindmarsh.
Verdict: Home win
Saturday
Sydney v Central Coast Mariners
Goals. That is a safe prediction when these two meet. In 11 previous matches, there have been 39 goals scored between these two, at an average of 3.5 goals per match. John Aloisi got dropped to the bench last round and came on to get his first Sydney goals, despite trying his best to miss the tap-in. His relief was obvious in Melbourbe and in an open game against his former employers here, there is a strong chance to add to his tally. The Mariners will still look to attack, so sit back and enjoy this one.
Verdict: Sydney just manage to outgun their opponents
Sunday
Newcastle Jets v Queensland Roar
Fifth versus sixth here, in what could prove an important fixture in grabbing one of those top four spots. However both teams need to find some consistency if they want to do that. The Jets are a real enigma this year and it is difficult to call how they will perform. They may be struggling at the Suncorp, but Roar will be aiming for a sixth consecutive undefeated away A-League away day against the Jets.
Verdict: Draw
Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix
A look down the fixtures list at the beginning of the season wouldn’t have you that bothered by this tie, but both sides have been greatly improved in recent weeks. You never know, one of them might even challenge for a top four spot and games like this are essential. Perth were unlucky against Adelaide and with Dadi back have options up front. Wellington look far more solid and will fancy their chances here.
Verdict: Perth. Just.
Tonight
Adelaide v Melbourne Victory
The Melbourne v Sydney game in the last round was billed as the meeting of the big two, but in my opinion this tie is exactly that. Adelaide have retained form during their ACL voyage and deservedly sit at the summit of the A-League. Melbourne looked toothless in attack against Sydney last round. Allsopp is always a handful, but with Archie and Ney Fabiano both still suspended, the Victory will struggle again to score at Hindmarsh.
Verdict: Home win
Saturday
Sydney v Central Coast Mariners
Goals. That is a safe prediction when these two meet. In 11 previous matches, there have been 39 goals scored between these two, at an average of 3.5 goals per match. John Aloisi got dropped to the bench last round and came on to get his first Sydney goals, despite trying his best to miss the tap-in. His relief was obvious in Melbourbe and in an open game against his former employers here, there is a strong chance to add to his tally. The Mariners will still look to attack, so sit back and enjoy this one.
Verdict: Sydney just manage to outgun their opponents
Sunday
Newcastle Jets v Queensland Roar
Fifth versus sixth here, in what could prove an important fixture in grabbing one of those top four spots. However both teams need to find some consistency if they want to do that. The Jets are a real enigma this year and it is difficult to call how they will perform. They may be struggling at the Suncorp, but Roar will be aiming for a sixth consecutive undefeated away A-League away day against the Jets.
Verdict: Draw
Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix
A look down the fixtures list at the beginning of the season wouldn’t have you that bothered by this tie, but both sides have been greatly improved in recent weeks. You never know, one of them might even challenge for a top four spot and games like this are essential. Perth were unlucky against Adelaide and with Dadi back have options up front. Wellington look far more solid and will fancy their chances here.
Verdict: Perth. Just.
