Seven rounds to go and only six points separate third-placed Adelaide United from the second-bottom Perth Glory. We could be seeing a very different looking ladder in the next couple of months.
The pressure of making top six by finals is what’s looming over most A-League coaches right now, and without results, they know their on the chopping block.
None more so than Sydney FC’s Frank Farina, who has had to stave off constant media attention and disgruntled fans over the past two weeks.
Luckily for him, the team managed a solid 2-1 win last week against Perth Glory that temporarily put the pressure off.
But, it’s not just the fans that are disgruntled, Sydney FC’s upper management are making Farina sweat after he revealed the club isn’t giving him any guarantees.
“We’ve spoken about everything but people can’t reassure anything when you’re in the middle of a fight,” Farina said.
“When you’re in a fight you just fight.”
Asked what they expect of him for the remainder of the season Farina said: “To win football games, like I expect of myself and my team.
“It’s pretty simple, it’s not rocket science and there’s no hidden agendas or secret messages.
“Things calm down and the wolves stay away a little bit when you do well and get results.”
Tonight, they’re up against Newcastle Jets, a slightly tougher fixture than last week.
The Jets have been a tricky team to get a hold of. They sit eight on the table, but have done things many of the league leaders haven’t managed, beating Brisbane Roar twice this season.
For this match, both teams come from wins, both breaking losing streaks, so it’s anyone’s game.
In the top half of the ladder, the blockbuster match this week will be Melbourne Victory against old rivals Adelaide United. The two are tied on points, both sitting on 27 below Brisbane’s 38 and Western Sydney Wanderers’ 31.
Confidence will be high for Victory, who just came off a thrilling Asian Champions League group stage win securing their spot for the tournament, but up against a consistent Adelaide United, their win will have to be well earned.
Adelaide have only lost one match since their 2-1 loss at home to Brisbane in December, collecting 21 points from 30 to jump up to third on the table, ahead of Victory on goal difference.
But, Victory ran out 3-0 winners in the pair’s most recent encounter at Etihad Stadium earlier this season.
Second on the ladder, Western Sydney Wanderers have an easy fixture this week, up against second last placed Perth Glory.
Both come from losses, so getting back into winning momentum will this round’s goal. The Wanderers also have their AFC Champions League games to think of, and will be hoping to finalise their team early to get as much practice as possible.
Melbourne Heart has the toughest fixture by far, taking on Brisbane Roar on Sunday. They have impressively come off a 5-0 thrashing of Wellington Phoenix, so it could be a bad upset for the Roar if they’re not in form.
