Tonight sees Brisbane Roar face the Newcastle Jets. Having weathered a bad run, the Roar are now unbeaten in five but still not looking as fluent as we have come to expect from an Ange Postecoglou team. The visit of the Jets, sitting second last in the league and without a win in their last four games, should provide an opportunity for the Roar to get a good win.
Sunday sees Adelaide United hosting Perth Glory. Adelaide have been a different team under John Kosmina, playing with greater spirit, however results haven’t been outstanding. United are four games without a win and are coming up against a hard-working Glory side that thrashed Melbourne Victory last week, and has won three in a row and are unbeaten in five. Put this one down as an ugly away win.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Heart cross the Tasman to play in form Wellington Phoenix. Roar have new signing Paul Reid available to fill club captain Fred’s big shoes, although it may be too early for him to put in a full 90 minutes, it’s certain that Reid’s experience will be a major boost for a very young Heart side. Phoenix have won their last two games and will hope to continue against Melbourne’s second side.
There’s a lot at stake in Tasmania on Wednesday night when Melbourne Victory host their regional round fixture against Gold Coast United at Aurora Stadium. Victory’s poor form has continued beyond the departure of Mehmet Durakovic, with Jim Magilton witnessing similar performances as his predecessor.
Having seen Victory thrashed in Perth last week, Magilton sat helpless as his side surrendered a 2-0 half-time lead against Sydney on Australia Day. Victory will be able to call on Danny Allsopp’s services after the big man was suspended for the Sydney match, but an inability to maintain possession that is costing them points, not a lack of physical presence up front.
Gold Coast are sitting dead-last in the competition, already five points behind ninth placed Newcastle, and desperately need a win, just to keep in touch with the teams above them. The FFA also have a major interest in the fixture – with Tasmania one of the few areas available for expansion it’s important to the governing body that a good crowd turns out for the game. A couple of years ago Canberra looked a solid bet for an A-League berth but their bid took a big knock after the city had a disappointing turn out for a Central Coast Mariners ‘home’ fixture.
The FFA will be praying for a different result in Launceston this week.
Today: Brisbane Roar FC Vs Newcastle Jets FC Suncorp Stadium 6:45 pm at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Tomorrow: Wellington Phoenix FC Vs Melbourne Heart FC, 4:30 pm at Westpac Stadium, Wellington. Adelaide United FC Vs Perth Glory FC, 4:30 pm at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Wednesday: Melbourne Victory FC Vs Gold Coast United FC, 7:00 pm at Aurora Stadium. Launceston
