A-League Round 10 Preview: Aloisi first managerial casualty as top three threaten to pull away

As we look forward to Round ten, the top three of Glory, Victory and Sydney threaten to pull away from the pack. Unless Phoenix continue their rise up the table by surprising Victory at home and the other mid-table sides like Melbourne City, Adelaide and Newcastle start finding a bit of consistency, the contest for the Premier’s Plate begins to look like a three-horse race.

Melbourne Victory v. Wellington Phoenix: Friday evening

Like last week, the curtain raiser looks the pick of the round. Victory failed to continue their winning streak without Keisuke Honda in the Melbourne Derby in Round nine. Resurgent Phoenix meanwhile whipped Brisbane Roar 4-1, their third straight win. With Honda still doubtful with a back-strain Phoenix have a real chance here with their exciting forward line scoring goals for fun recently. But Victory are by no means a one-man team and even without their Japanese superstar they pose a threat to any team.

Tip: DRAW

Sydney v. Brisbane Roar Saturday evening

After a morale-boosting win away to Glory last weekend Sydney are the clear favourites against a leaky Roar defence. The Queensland side suffered the resignation of their long-term coach John Aloisi who fell on his sword after Boxing Day reflections on the 4-1 reverse in NZ last round.

TIP: Sydney WIN.

Newcastle Jets v. Adelaide United Sunday arvo

Both teams have been inconsistent in recent weeks so not such an easy fixture to call. Jets just shade it as they are at home, and won away last week, albeit against bottom side CCM.

TIP: Jets WIN

Central Coast Mariners v. Perth Glory Hogmanay/NYE

Glory have been less than convincing as league leaders in recent weeks and lost their unbeaten start to the season last round going down at home to Sydney. The Mariners remain anchored to the bottom with two points in the worst ever start to an A-League campaign of any club.

Glory’s desire to get back to winning ways will probably trump Mariners memories of how to do it.

TIP: Glory WIN

Western Sydney Wanderers v. Melbourne City NYD

Unless Wanderers coach Babbel pulls off a sartorial masterstroke, you’ve got to fancy improving City.

TIP: City WIN

Round nine Results

Perth Glory 1 Sydney FC 2. Tipped: draw

Wellington Phoenix 4 Brisbane Roar 1. Tipped: Phoenix

Melbourne City 1 Melbourne Victory 1. Tipped: Victory

Central Coast Mariners 1 Newcastle Jets 2. Tipped: Jets

Adelaide United 2 Western Sydney Wanderers 2. Tipped: Adelaide

Round 9 tipping result: 2/5.