A-League Round six Preview

 

In Round five Perth Glory underlined their credentials for silverware this season by winning yet another game they should have drawn. Chris Ikonomidis, the on fire young forward knocking loudly on Socceroo coach Graham Arnold’s door, slotted home in the 95^th minute of their match against Central Coast Mariners to put them 4pts clear at the top.

Sydney suffered a setback losing narrowly at home to a Seisuke Honda-inspired Melbourne Victory, who are fast shaping as potential party-poopers to Glory’s premier pretensions.

Elsewhere, Roar, Adelaide and Newcastle Jets kept in touch with the leaders as they all chalked up useful wins.

Round six has a few mouth-watering clashes as we enter the often season-defining pre-Christmas phase.

Adelaide United v. Brisbane Roar

Both teams seek to make it back-to-back wins following decent wins in round five. John Aloisi’s Queenslanders seem to be getting into their stride following a pedestrian start, with ace marksman Adam Taggart firing them to

a 2-0 win over Melbourne City last weekend.

Their South Australian opponents have drawn two and lost only once, against leaders Perth Glory, and won away in NZ in round four. They will go into this fixture fortified with confidence.

Prediction: should be a competitive fixture, but Roar should just shade it over United and bring the three points home to Brisbane.

Roar WIN.

Central Coast Mariners v. Sydney FC

Fancied Sydney started strongly but have stuttered recently with only one point from the last two games. Still smarting from a home loss to rivals Melbourne Victory in last weekend’s Big Blue Derby, lacking a home stadium seems to be handicapping their campaign.

The Mariners, recovering from their post-Bolt malaise, put in a great display against Glory on Sunday, going down to the odd goal in five in the sixth minute of injury time, belying their lowly league status, to give them great heart going into this all-NSW match up.

Prediction: throwing out the form book and tipping Mike Mulvey’s Mariners to pip their slicker Sydney opponents, harming their title hopes, and lifting CCM off bottom spot.

Mariners WIN.

Melbourne Victory v. Western Sydney Wanderers

Aptly named Wanderers share the affliction of their city rivals, wandering around three Sydney stadia this season while their shiny new home is under construction. Last weekend, debris from the previous night’s music concert blew onto the pitch, showering them with embarrassment perhaps leading to their defeat against Newcastle Jets. WSW only have a solitary win against Wellington Phoenix to show for their efforts this season, with coach Markus Babbel still watching from the stands following his sending off in the Sydney derby.

Victory are chugging along nicely with three wins and two losses from the first five rounds. Boss Kevin Muscat won’t be happy that the defeats were at home against Melbourne City and Perth Glory, but will be hoping, now that Honda is in gear with scores and assists, that his team will improve their results in the big games as well.

Prediction: Victory too strong for the Wanderers, who will take a few more games to find their feet.

Victory WIN.

Wellington Phoenix v. Perth Glory

Glory coach, Tony Popovic and his multiple new signings, have their first taste of the Distance Derby, travelling 5,255 km/3,265 miles from Western Australia to North Island, New Zealand, in the world’s longest journey for a league fixture. Phoenix showed early promise picking up 4pts in their first two games, but followed up with three defeats on the bounce.

Prediction: Meticulous coach Popovic won’t slip up in this one and will return to WA with 3pts. Phoenix to remain in the ashes for now.

Glory WIN.

Melbourne City v. Newcastle Jets

City started this campaign brightly with an away win in the Melbourne derby, then notched up only one other win against Phoenix. Star Uruguayan striker Bruno Fornaroli has been controversially dropped for the second consecutive match by uncompromising City boss, Warren Joyce. The former Manchester United Reserves coach has earned a reputation for bust ups with big players, legend Tim Cahill and on-form Glory playmaker Neil Kilkenny, departing last season amidst a hail of rumours.

Meanwhile, the Jets could not be accused of rocketing off to a great start either. But in last weekend’s creditable win against Wanderers in Sydney their system seemed to be evolving well.

Prediction: Wily Jets coach Ernie Merrick to profit from City’s current troubles with a share of the spoils. DRAW.