With two rounds to go in this year’s A-League there’s still plenty to play for.
The terrific season start from Brisbane Roar and mid-season form the Central Coast Mariners could be for nothing if they lose this weekend and it’s very possible that the top four could go into the final round of fixtures next week just two points apart. Victory’s season is over but their result against Wellington Phoenix on Friday night will have an influence on the finals. Wellington know that a win will guarantee them at least a home fixture in the first round of the finals, possibly even bring them just two points off the top of the table – whilst a defeat could see them caught by Melbourne Heart or the Newcastle Jets.
Saturday’s triple header sees the Mariners hosting Adelaide United. Adelaide’s domestic season is over but they can still overhaul arch rivals Victory with a couple of good results. The Mariners need a win to guarantee they retain top spot going into the final round next week. Brisbane Roar go to in form Newcastle looking to keep up an unbeaten run that has clawed them back to within a win of top spot.
Ange Postecoglou is desperate to win back to back titles and emulate his great South Melbourne achievement of the last 90s, whilst Gary von Egmond knows that one more win will be a huge step toward the finals. Saturday evening sees the Heart hosting Sydney at AAMI Park. Sydney’s late run for the finals gathered steam last week when they ended Victory’s narrow finals hopes, and can put a huge dent in Heart’s hopes this week – and replace them in the top six in the process.
The round ends with Perth Glory heading up to the Gold Coast United. Perth can seal a top four spot and a home finals game, but their concerns pail into insignificance this week against those of the Gold Coast. It’s been a traumatic few weeks for players, staff and supporters and this week represents a massive opportunity for them to send a message to the FFA. A good result on the pitch is unimportant to United, but a big crowd could be the difference between the city continuing in the A-League or not. With no sign of investors for West Sydney, we all have to hope for the sake of the league, that the football loving public on the Coast come out in big numbers and demonstrate that a team in the area is viable.
