MVFC Blog

The Newcastle Jets’ 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners may have put an end to the Melbourne Victory’s slim hope of reaching the finals, but that’s not to say that the Victory have nothing to play for in Sunday’s match against Sydney FC.

Honour is a powerful motivation - especially when it comes to the firmly embedded Melbourne - Sydney rivalry.

And, to a lesser extent, there’s also honour in finishing 5th - rather than 6th.

Ernie Merrick will, however, be seizing the opportunity to give Mitchell Langerak his Hyundai A-League debút. The goalkeeper, who started the year as Melbourne’s third-choice keeper behind Michael Theoklitos and Eugene Galekovic, will get thrown in the deep end against a Sydney team aiming to kick goals - lots of them.

All of the top 4 teams are tied on 31 points, with nothing but goal difference separating them. The Queensland Roar are on top, with a 6 goal difference; Sydney FC have a 4 goal difference; and Central Coast and Newcastle are tied with a 3 goal difference.

For Sydney, then, the aim will be to win - by a big margin. A berth at the Asian Champions League is at stake, as is the possibility of a home grand final.

Melbourne, on the other hand, look set to play a decidedly attacking formation. Danny Allsopp has been included in the squad after missing last week due to a virus. Combine Allsopp with Archie Thompson, Nick Ward, Carlos Hernández and Adrian Caceres, and you have five players who have been scoring and setting up goals in the last three weeks.

John Kosmina’s headache will be trying to keep Melbourne’s offence from trampling the Sydney defence - all the while searching for goals.

In today’s Herald Sun, one Grantley Bernard tipped a draw: “Victory is going for four straight wins, but a draw would be a good result as Sydney shoots for top spot.”

You’re right Grantley, a draw would be sufficient. But, to be frank, I don’t think it’s good enough.

Melbourne have Sydney on the back foot. Melbourne are playing without pressure; Sydney are playing with loads of it. Merrick can throw out its most attacking line-up without worrying about letting through a few goals; for Sydney, letting through a few goals could be disastrous for its finals campaign. Melbourne come into this game on the back of three solid victories; Sydney come off two tight wins and one very unconvincing draw.

My tip: Sydney FC 1, Melbourne Victory 4

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