Nearing the pointy end of the season we’ve officially rules out some teams, with others not far behind.
From this point on every team in finals contention will be looking to come out firing and keep the pressure on, taking momentum in finals footy.
Let’s see how I see this weekend of A-League action playing out.
Melbourne City traveled to Wellington and got the win over the Nix which was expected but it didn’t come as easy as they would’ve hoped. Still though, three points is three points.
Macarthur did not pick up three points last round, falling 2-0 at home to the Sky Blues. The Bulls are now five points out of the finals contention and need to string together some results.
A win this weekend for the Bulls would go a long way for their finals hopes but they’ll have to do it away from home as they head to AAMI Park.
City have won four on the bounce at home, keeping clean sheets in each of them. I’m backing them to do the business at home and keep the Bulls strikers quiet.
Adelaide earned a point against the league leaders in Auckland last time out after a crazy 4-4 draw. That saved them from losing three in a row and staying in the top four with a game in hand.
Brisbane Roar managed to steal a point from the Victory as well but it’s all to late for the Roar.
This should be a breeze for Adelaide at home who should be treating this is a game to regain their momentum ahead of the knockout stage.
A terrible time for the ‘Nix continues, having now lost three in a row they’re playing Western United away from home who find themselves in second place.
Western United are on a roll, knocking off both Adelaide and the Mariners.
It’s a shame to say it, but the ‘Nix could be in for another huge loss this weekend.
I have a feeling this is where the Victory start to turn things up a notch and remind everyone of their talent.
On the other side, this is likely the Mariners last chance to get themselves into finals contention so there is plenty to play for.
Things just haven’t clicked for the Mariners this year and I have them falling short in what is going to be a tough test away from home.
The Jets should be giving this game a good crack. They’re tough to break down at home and I just don’t know how much the Black Knights last game took out of them. With the added travel the Jets don’t seem like a bad shout.
The Black Knights have shown they’re the best team in the competition and can score plenty of goals, but this weekend provides a tough match up for them and I wouldn’t be surprised if they slip a little this weekend.
Dropping points here shouldn’t ring any alarm bells though – AFC to win the GF looks like great value but if they do drop points this weekend, it might be worth waiting to get on them on Monday!