Round 20 and 21 have been a little like a penalty shoot-out. Melbourne lines up; shoots; scores. Adelaide’s turn; they shoot; score. Now back to Melbourne.
It’s far from a perfect analogy, but I think it may help those disgruntled by the fact that the final round of the A-League is staggered – rather than having all the games played at once.
Personally, I don’t think we’re at a disadvantage because we play first. Let’s imagine we beat the Phoenix. Will the Mariners, who are then guaranteed passage into the finals, rest some players and play a soft game against Adelaide? I don’t think so. Lawrie McKinna’s side hasn’t had the greatest form of late and will be keen to improve that before the finals start. Regardless of tonight’s result, they will want to give a solid performance on Sunday night. Let’s not forget that there’s a chance Adelaide and Central Coast will play each other in the finals, so it’s hardly a good idea to set a standard of losing against them right before the finals.
All of which is to say, Melbourne needs to focus on tonight – nothing else. Archie reckons it’s the biggest game of the year (and he’s right), but it’s the biggest game ever for the Wellington Phoenix. Of course they’re going to come out firing. And with a guy like Shane Smeltz at their disposal, there’s plenty for the Victory to be worried about.
But our recent form at home has been exceptional. Archie and Danny Allsopp are combining well, while Ernie Merrick’s strategy of using either Ney Fabiano or Carlos Hernández has paid dividends. They’ve both been excellent and deserve a starting spot, but you have to hand it to Merrick: playing one of them off the bench works wonders.
My tips for the weekend:
- Melbourne Victory to shatter the Phoenix‘ dreams into a million pieces.
- Queensland Roar to struggle against the Perth Glory and come away with a draw.
- Sydney to end their season with a win against the fame-to-shame Newcastle Jets.
- Central Coast to pick up all three points against Adelaide United.
6 comments ↓
There are still the finals to come but since it is that last round of the regular season, a thank you Eric for your blogs and keeping the site up and running.
Down to business, no doubt Ernie will opt for either Ney or Carlos supporting Danny and Archie but I would really love him to open the match with all 4 players and leave Nick Ward on the bench.
Ward defends better than Carlos but we have a solid defense and I’d like us to unleash our full play making power going forward to score the maximum number of goals.
I suspect however it will be Danny, Arch and Carlos up front with Ney used as sub in the last 30 minutes (either for Ward or Carlos depending on the state of the game).
It would be great to get an early score and settle the nerves (esp. the supporters nerves) but I don’t think we should get too stressed if the goals don’t come early in the game as we have shown our ability to score anytime during the 90 minutes.
My pick, Victory by 3:0.
Adelaide to become dejected and at best a draw for them or possible loss to CCM. Qld to win easily. And the other game – well, who cares.
Adelaide United Will Beat Central Coast Mariners 2-0
Queensland Roar Will Beat Perth Glory 2-1
Victorian Fuckers Will Beat Sheep Shaggers 100-0
Well Done Melbourne Victory …we won the minor premiership..whoo ..now lets win it all..
The first time the Preseason Cup-Premiership Plate Double has been attained. Now let’s wrap up the treble.
Paul, we didn’t win the ‘minor’ premiership. There is no such thing as ‘minor’ – that’s something to do with the AFL not the A-League.
We won the Premiership and are the Premiers.
And next we are aiming for the Championship and to be the Champions as well.
Hello people, Have you noticed how 3aw radio (southern cross news ) only ever reports a negative “football ” story! ie Yesterday” Victory loses Samsung sponsorship” last week “British Soccer in Turmoil as Steven Gerrard arrested ! “Give me a break the EPL in turmoil . Just goes to show how much work still is required to win over the Anti World Football Mafia
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