We’re back for another round of A-League action and the leaders, Auckland FC get to put their feet up.
With six games this weekend surely, we can get a few winners over the line.
A holiday special for New Zealand with the Phoenix getting a home game on a Thursday to entertain Wellingtonians. Having not played since January 25th the Nix have had a good chance to rest up and be ready to make a charge before the end of the season.
It was more business as usual for the Roar last week as they fell to Western Sydney Wanderers. Despite the loss and much to my surprise the Roar actually defended okay and only conceded the one goal.
On the road this week with what should be a decent crowd at the cake tin, I’m expecting the Roar to fold over once again and continue on their losing way.
Are Adelaide finally being exposed? After backing them for the last few weeks while they sat at the top of the table, I always had my concerns about how good they really were, but they continued to have the answers to the questions. Until last week when they were pieced apart by Sydney.
Melbourne City’s last outing was a 1-0 loss to the Bulls in a fairly even contest. Adelaide are favourites at home and rightly so but City are knocking on the door of top six and after some rest could kick Adelaide while they’re down.
The Mariners were lucky that Newcastle had an off night in front of goal otherwise they would’ve been coming away from last weeks game with zero points. The Mariners lead the F3 derby until the 87th minute and will be disappointed after blowing a 2-0 lead.
Perth started both halves well last round against the Victory but couldn’t sustain it long enough to have an impact. I had some faith in Perth last round and now it’s all but gone.
Is this the week Newcastle can end their home drought? The Jets have failed to pick up a single win in front of their home crowd this year.
The last time these two sides met it ended in a 1-1 draw. The Victory have looked more themselves over these last two weeks and might have finally got into some rhythm under Arthur Diles.
You could say I should’ve learned my lesson last week but I’m going against the Victory again here, hoping the Jets can take all three points at home for the first time this season.
Saturday night is headlined by the third Sydney derby of the season. Four wins from the last four derby’s see’s the Sky Blue’s heavily favoured in this edition.
Western Sydney were less than convincing last round only managing to score once against the current wooden spooners. On the other hand, Sydney FC put together a complete performance and their confidence should be sky high.
Take Sydney to make it five derby’s on the trot.
Two teams in the top six meet each other to round off the weekend.
The Macarthur Bulls fell victim to the Auckland FC late goal trend. They continue their up and down season meanwhile Western United are flying, having only lost one of their last nine games.
The weeks rest should be enough for Western United to get the job done. Eyes on the strikers as this game features a three way tie in the Golden Boot race with Bulls captain Valere Germain and Western duo Noah Botic and Hiroshi Ibusuki each tied in second on seven goals.