Post by Jesus on Dec 6, 2007 12:32:06 GMT 10
Appart from the classic song, this from a-league.com.au
Finals CountdownWednesday, 5 December 2007
Melbourne Victory players celebrate their Grand Final over Adelaide United
Getty Images / Mark Dadswell © Getty Images December is the start of the countdown for places in the Hyundai A-League Finals Series, which will begin in late January.
At the time of writing this article, we have six rounds remaining, with 18 points up for grabs. Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC do have a game in hand (set down for Saturday December 22), so they have 21 points to play for.
To add to the intrigue, all eight teams are still in with a chance of making the finals, although some are in a more precarious position than others and cannot afford to drop anymore points. Not only is pride at making the finals and winning the Championship at stake, but the potential to play in the AFC Champions League is a huge motivator for clubs and players.
So who will make it?
We will not make any predictions here, just present a few facts and figures, so you can make up your own mind.
Current Standings
At this stage the only team that you could say with any sort of certainty that will make the finals is Central Coast Mariners. With a game in hand and four points clear of second place Queensland Roar, the Mariners are likely to need just two more wins to secure at the very least a top-four berth. The Roar’s excellent run of form ended last week with a home loss to Newcastle Jets, which has meant the gap has closed between them two and also Adelaide United (level with Newcastle) to just one point. These four teams make up the top four and you would have to say they might take some catching from those outside the four.
Four points from the top four is Sydney FC, who is unbeaten since John Kosmina took over a month ago. With a game in hand they would fancy their chances of making the top four. Defending champions Melbourne Victory are finding the going tough at the present moment and they sit six points adrift of the top four, but with only six matches remaining. At the bottom are Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix, some nine points adrift of fourth-placed Newcastle Jets and walking the tightrope so to speak.
What’s the cut-off point?
Taking into account the tables from the previous seasons cut off points, it looks like 30-31 points will be the figure required to make the finals, although as we know each season is different and we are talking only two seasons of history. In the 2005-06 season, Newcastle Jets claimed fourth spot with 31 points, while last season, Sydney FC was in fourth on 29 points (albeit ahead of Queensland on goal difference), but that did include a 3-point deduction for a regulation breach. So taking that into account, 3rd placed Newcastle finished on 30 points and that is the mark we will use for this particular exercise. In each season the fifth placed-team finished on 29 points, so that seems to be the number you at least need to get past to have any chance of making the finals.
What could affect this cut-off point?
Probably the biggest difference between this season and the first two seasons, is that no team is running away with the competition. In season one, Adelaide United got 11 points clear by Round 18 as they kept picking up the wins, while by Round 13 in season two, Melbourne Victory were so far in front that they were already celebrating winning the Premiership. This season however, while Central Coast Mariners is a comfortable four points clear, but still some way behind where Adelaide and Melbourne at the same time in season 1 and 2 respectively. The other major factor has been the amount of drawn games so far this season, which indicates a lot closer competition than in the two previous seasons. So far there have been 23 draws this season, already more than in the entire seasons for season one and two.
Club Analysis
Central Coast Mariners – 27 points (1st)
Games Remaining: 7
Queensland Roar (A), Adelaide United (A), Sydney FC (H), Melbourne Victory (H), Perth Glory (A), Newcastle Jets (H), Wellington Phoenix (H)
Form (last five matches): DWWWL
It has been a terrific season for the Mariners and they have been the most consistent team throughout. Winning their opening three games of the season was the perfect start and the new strike partnership of Nik Mrdja and Sasho Petrovski was looking the goods. Things could have gone pear-shaped when Mrdja’s dodgy knee succumbed again to injury and he eventually was forced out for the season – again. They remained in 1st position until round 10, when they lost 3-2 to Sydney FC and most ironically, at the same time when the Mariners made their biggest ever player signing, in Qantas Socceroo John Aloisi. However three successive wins and a draw since then, saw them retake the lead and subsequently open up a nice gap at the top of the table. With a game in hand, to be played on the free weekend before Christmas against Sydney FC, they can be content with their position. Also a massive bonus, is that four of their last seven are at home. Two of those away matches come in the next two weeks against top four sides Queensland and Adelaide and this could determine whether they are a genuine top-two finisher, which has to be their priority at this stage. Home games either side of Christmas Day against Sydney and Melbourne at Bluetongue Stadium, shape as key games for their opposition and will not be easy. An away trip to Perth is never easy, while they round off the season with two home fixtures against arch rivals Newcastle and lastly Wellington, whom they beat 3-0 at home earlier in the season.
Queensland Roar – 23 points (2nd)
Games Remaining: 6
Central Coast (H), Wellington Phoenix (A), Perth Glory (A), Melbourne Victory (H), Sydney FC (H), Adelaide United (A)
Form: LDWWW
It’s fair to say that it was a fairly inauspicious start by Queensland to the new season and for their fans, they must have been thinking here we go again. Five points from the opening six games had them well behind, but as we have seen in this competition before, a patch of good form can turn things around very quickly. From then on the Roar went unbeaten in eight games, including five wins, which included a club record three in a row. The big positive from this was the Roar’s home form, which has been their achilles heel in the previous two seasons. Unbeaten in four games at Suncorp including three wins, renewed optimism among Roar fans, although they would have been disappointed in their last minute loss to Newcastle last week. Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto have added steel to the team and their experience will be invaluable over the closing 6 weeks of the regular season. Face a top-of-the-table clash with Central Coast at Suncorp on Sunday, before a short turn-around and flight to take on Wellington and then a long trip to Perth Glory. These two away trips could be the real keys to Roar’s final placing; if they secure good results their top-two aspirations will be very real indeed, but if they lose points to the bottom two, they could slip out of the top four. Crucial home games against Melbourne and Sydney will follow and they finish with a tough trip to Hindmarsh Stadium that could possibly decide their top four placing, if they don’t get the required results beforehand.
Adelaide United – 22 points (3rd)
Games Remaining: 6
Melbourne Victory (A), Central Coast (H), Sydney FC (H), Newcastle Jets (A), Perth Glory (A), Queensland Roar (H)
Form: WDDLL
Very inconsistent season to date for Adelaide, who arguably has one of the most talented lists in the competition. Drew first three games of the season, but still sat third on the table at the end of the round. Didn’t win first game until round 6, when they inflicted the first defeat on the Mariners at Hindmarsh. This started a good run of form, with four wins from a five-game unbeaten run and had them at the top of the table. Their stay at the top was short-lived though, losing two in a row. Won last match against Wellington, when down to ten-men, so will be full of confidence. Next up will be a desperate Melbourne, who knows anything but a victory will virtually dent any hopes of making the finals. Key matches for them will be the next two at home against Central and Sydney, which is likely to shape where they finish. A win over Sydney would likely give them breathing space against their great rival in the race for the finals. Away games at Newcastle and Perth will follow and they finish with a home game against Queensland, which could be a make-or-break clash.
Newcastle Jets – 22 points (4th)
Games Remaining: 6
Sydney FC (A), Melbourne Victory (A), Wellington Phoenix (H), Adelaide United (H), Central Coast (A), Perth Glory (H)
Form: WDDLL
The Jets haven’t been out of the top four since Round 3 and are proving a very hard team to beat. Like a few other teams have drawn quite a few games this season, which is not good for their supporters hearts, but at least it keeps the points ticking over. Biggest concern is the team’s home form, where they haven’t won in their last four games and included two successive losses, but at least away form is good and they are this weekend on the second of three successive away trips. Having won with a last minute goal against Queensland at Suncorp, the Jets know this weekend’s game against Sydney, is potentially the most important. It’s 4th v 5th and if the Jets manage a win over Sydney, the gap between the two will be extended to seven points and that might just prove to big a gap pull back for the inaugural champions. In Joel Griffiths, they have the competitions leading goalscorer and form player and with Stuart Musialik finding form and Mark Bridge set to return, the Jets are looking stronger for the end of season run. Follow Sydney, with a visit to struggling Melbourne and then two home games against Wellington and Adelaide, which if Gary Van Egmond has his way, will see them clinch their finals spot. Have a F3 derby game in Gosford in the penultimate round and finish with a final home game against Perth.
Sydney FC – 18 points (5th)
Games Remaining: 7
Newcastle Jets (H), Perth Glory (H), Central Coast (A), Adelaide United (A), Wellington Phoenix (A), Queensland Roar (A), Melbourne Victory (H)
Form: DDDWW
Unbeaten since John Kosmina took over from Branko Culina prior to Round 10, Sydney cannot be discounted and with a game in hand, will be confident of making the top four. Inconsistency and injuries plagued the team during Culina’s reign, where they only won twice and lost four games. Kosmina, who enjoyed a great deal of success with Adelaide United, also benefitted from the arrival of Michael Bridges, on loan from Hull City, and he has certainly added a new attacking dimension to Sydney’s play. The key for Sydney is marquee player Juninho, whose early season injury, has restricted him to bit-part roles. When on the field, there is no player in the competition that can create openings for his team like he can and Kosmina he can overcome a knock to his knee he received against LA Galaxy, where he was a standout in the first half. While many are saying the washed out game against Central Coast gives them an advantage over their top four rivals, that might not necessarily be the case. The players would have welcomed the weekend off before Christmas, but now they have to play the league leaders, which will start a run of four consecutive away games. So its essential that they win both home games in the next two weeks against the Jets and Glory, otherwise their season could be over and the mouth-watering final game against Melbourne Victory at home, could be all for nothing.
Melbourne Victory – 16 points (6th)
Games Remaining: 6
Adelaide United (H), Newcastle Jets (H), Central Coast (A), Queensland Roar (A), Wellington Phoenix (H), Sydney FC (A)
Form: LDLDL
Unbeaten after 7 rounds, albeit 5 of those games were drawn, Melbourne was sitting pretty in 2nd spot and they hadn’t even hit their straps yet. Since then however, it’s basically been a disaster for the defending champions, with just one more win from their last 8 matches. Whereas the goals flowed regularly last season, this season the goals have dried up considerably. Most point to the loss of Fred from last season, but that’s too simplistic and there are probably many reasons why they haven’t fired like last year. Time is running out for the Victory, if they are to defend their title and their 2007-08 destiny could be decided in the next two games at the Telstra Dome. Matches against 3rd placed Adelaide and then 4th placed Newcastle, could well see them back in the top four frame or out of it completely. Any loss in these two games, will essentially make it impossible to make the top four, as they would then have to win all three away matches against Central Coast, Queensland and Sydney, which on current form is highly unlikely. But any team that has the likes of Archie Thompson, Danny Allsopp and Kevin Muscat in its team should not be discounted and they will fight it out right to the end. The signing of Qantas Under 23 midfielder Nick Ward will certainly boost their strike power for the remainder of season. Even if they can’t make it, I am sure they would like to make sure that Sydney don’t make it either, especially if it came down to that scenario in their final round clash in Sydney.
Perth Glory – 13 points (7th)
Games Remaining: 6
Wellington Phoenix (A), Sydney FC (A), Queensland Roar (H), Central Coast (H), Adelaide United (H), Newcastle Jets (A)
Form: WDLWL
Perth kept their very, very faint finals hopes alive last weekend with a well deserved win over Melbourne, but essentially they must win all their remaining games of the season to have any chance of making the finals. Six wins would get them to 33 points, but the most wins in a row any team has achieved this season is three, so the chances of that happening are not very realistic. David Mitchell’s appointment as caretaker coach in Round 12 has sparked the team with two wins and a draw in his four games in charge and his appointment until the end of the 2008-09 season, will see him look to a big finish to the season. Players will be playing for contracts next season and any non-performers will most likely face the exit door. Trip to Wellington this weekend is not an easy one and with both teams locked on 13 points, a win will be desperately wanted by both sides. Have another away trip to Sydney the following weekend, before a three game home stint at Members Equity Stadium, where they could play a big role in deciding what the final top four standings will be. Final four games are against the current top four sides, so Mitchell will be wanting to play spoiler. Final game is against Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium, which won’t hold any fears for them, as that’s where they won their game of the season in round 12 with an emphatic 4-1 win.
Wellington Phoenix – 13 points (8th)
Games Remaining: 6
Perth Glory (H), Queensland Roar (H), Newcastle Jets (A), Sydney FC (H), Melbourne Victory (A), Central Coast (A)
Form: LDDLW
The Hyundai A-League’s newest club has certainly added a new dimension off the park and their crowds at Westpac Stadium, have already surpassed the combined crowds of the New Zealand Knights in the opening two seasons of the competition. It was also looking much better on the park as well, as the Phoenix started solidly and was running in fourth spot after six rounds. But since then the wheels have fallen off a little and their loss last weekend, coupled with Perth’s saw them slip back to last place on the table, albeit on goal difference only. Wellington certainly hasn’t been helped by New Zealand’s World Cup commitments, which has seen their coach along with about six or seven players miss several games. However old habits from the Knights days, seem to have hit the Phoenix as well, where they are simply letting in too many soft goals and consequently dropping valuable points. In their last three matches, the Phoenix have also played significant game time where the opposition has been reduced to 10 players, yet failed to take advantage and managed just two draws. Key battle with Perth this weekend in Wellington, who they have beaten twice this season and will be looking to make it a three-peat. Like Perth they can mathematically make it to the finals, but form suggests this won’t happen, so they will be looking for mid-table credibility. After Perth have another home game against Queensland, then a trip to Newcastle and then back to Westpac Stadium to face Sydney. Finish the season with two away trips to Melbourne and Central Coast.
Finals CountdownWednesday, 5 December 2007
Melbourne Victory players celebrate their Grand Final over Adelaide United
Getty Images / Mark Dadswell © Getty Images December is the start of the countdown for places in the Hyundai A-League Finals Series, which will begin in late January.
At the time of writing this article, we have six rounds remaining, with 18 points up for grabs. Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC do have a game in hand (set down for Saturday December 22), so they have 21 points to play for.
To add to the intrigue, all eight teams are still in with a chance of making the finals, although some are in a more precarious position than others and cannot afford to drop anymore points. Not only is pride at making the finals and winning the Championship at stake, but the potential to play in the AFC Champions League is a huge motivator for clubs and players.
So who will make it?
We will not make any predictions here, just present a few facts and figures, so you can make up your own mind.
Current Standings
At this stage the only team that you could say with any sort of certainty that will make the finals is Central Coast Mariners. With a game in hand and four points clear of second place Queensland Roar, the Mariners are likely to need just two more wins to secure at the very least a top-four berth. The Roar’s excellent run of form ended last week with a home loss to Newcastle Jets, which has meant the gap has closed between them two and also Adelaide United (level with Newcastle) to just one point. These four teams make up the top four and you would have to say they might take some catching from those outside the four.
Four points from the top four is Sydney FC, who is unbeaten since John Kosmina took over a month ago. With a game in hand they would fancy their chances of making the top four. Defending champions Melbourne Victory are finding the going tough at the present moment and they sit six points adrift of the top four, but with only six matches remaining. At the bottom are Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix, some nine points adrift of fourth-placed Newcastle Jets and walking the tightrope so to speak.
What’s the cut-off point?
Taking into account the tables from the previous seasons cut off points, it looks like 30-31 points will be the figure required to make the finals, although as we know each season is different and we are talking only two seasons of history. In the 2005-06 season, Newcastle Jets claimed fourth spot with 31 points, while last season, Sydney FC was in fourth on 29 points (albeit ahead of Queensland on goal difference), but that did include a 3-point deduction for a regulation breach. So taking that into account, 3rd placed Newcastle finished on 30 points and that is the mark we will use for this particular exercise. In each season the fifth placed-team finished on 29 points, so that seems to be the number you at least need to get past to have any chance of making the finals.
What could affect this cut-off point?
Probably the biggest difference between this season and the first two seasons, is that no team is running away with the competition. In season one, Adelaide United got 11 points clear by Round 18 as they kept picking up the wins, while by Round 13 in season two, Melbourne Victory were so far in front that they were already celebrating winning the Premiership. This season however, while Central Coast Mariners is a comfortable four points clear, but still some way behind where Adelaide and Melbourne at the same time in season 1 and 2 respectively. The other major factor has been the amount of drawn games so far this season, which indicates a lot closer competition than in the two previous seasons. So far there have been 23 draws this season, already more than in the entire seasons for season one and two.
Club Analysis
Central Coast Mariners – 27 points (1st)
Games Remaining: 7
Queensland Roar (A), Adelaide United (A), Sydney FC (H), Melbourne Victory (H), Perth Glory (A), Newcastle Jets (H), Wellington Phoenix (H)
Form (last five matches): DWWWL
It has been a terrific season for the Mariners and they have been the most consistent team throughout. Winning their opening three games of the season was the perfect start and the new strike partnership of Nik Mrdja and Sasho Petrovski was looking the goods. Things could have gone pear-shaped when Mrdja’s dodgy knee succumbed again to injury and he eventually was forced out for the season – again. They remained in 1st position until round 10, when they lost 3-2 to Sydney FC and most ironically, at the same time when the Mariners made their biggest ever player signing, in Qantas Socceroo John Aloisi. However three successive wins and a draw since then, saw them retake the lead and subsequently open up a nice gap at the top of the table. With a game in hand, to be played on the free weekend before Christmas against Sydney FC, they can be content with their position. Also a massive bonus, is that four of their last seven are at home. Two of those away matches come in the next two weeks against top four sides Queensland and Adelaide and this could determine whether they are a genuine top-two finisher, which has to be their priority at this stage. Home games either side of Christmas Day against Sydney and Melbourne at Bluetongue Stadium, shape as key games for their opposition and will not be easy. An away trip to Perth is never easy, while they round off the season with two home fixtures against arch rivals Newcastle and lastly Wellington, whom they beat 3-0 at home earlier in the season.
Queensland Roar – 23 points (2nd)
Games Remaining: 6
Central Coast (H), Wellington Phoenix (A), Perth Glory (A), Melbourne Victory (H), Sydney FC (H), Adelaide United (A)
Form: LDWWW
It’s fair to say that it was a fairly inauspicious start by Queensland to the new season and for their fans, they must have been thinking here we go again. Five points from the opening six games had them well behind, but as we have seen in this competition before, a patch of good form can turn things around very quickly. From then on the Roar went unbeaten in eight games, including five wins, which included a club record three in a row. The big positive from this was the Roar’s home form, which has been their achilles heel in the previous two seasons. Unbeaten in four games at Suncorp including three wins, renewed optimism among Roar fans, although they would have been disappointed in their last minute loss to Newcastle last week. Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto have added steel to the team and their experience will be invaluable over the closing 6 weeks of the regular season. Face a top-of-the-table clash with Central Coast at Suncorp on Sunday, before a short turn-around and flight to take on Wellington and then a long trip to Perth Glory. These two away trips could be the real keys to Roar’s final placing; if they secure good results their top-two aspirations will be very real indeed, but if they lose points to the bottom two, they could slip out of the top four. Crucial home games against Melbourne and Sydney will follow and they finish with a tough trip to Hindmarsh Stadium that could possibly decide their top four placing, if they don’t get the required results beforehand.
Adelaide United – 22 points (3rd)
Games Remaining: 6
Melbourne Victory (A), Central Coast (H), Sydney FC (H), Newcastle Jets (A), Perth Glory (A), Queensland Roar (H)
Form: WDDLL
Very inconsistent season to date for Adelaide, who arguably has one of the most talented lists in the competition. Drew first three games of the season, but still sat third on the table at the end of the round. Didn’t win first game until round 6, when they inflicted the first defeat on the Mariners at Hindmarsh. This started a good run of form, with four wins from a five-game unbeaten run and had them at the top of the table. Their stay at the top was short-lived though, losing two in a row. Won last match against Wellington, when down to ten-men, so will be full of confidence. Next up will be a desperate Melbourne, who knows anything but a victory will virtually dent any hopes of making the finals. Key matches for them will be the next two at home against Central and Sydney, which is likely to shape where they finish. A win over Sydney would likely give them breathing space against their great rival in the race for the finals. Away games at Newcastle and Perth will follow and they finish with a home game against Queensland, which could be a make-or-break clash.
Newcastle Jets – 22 points (4th)
Games Remaining: 6
Sydney FC (A), Melbourne Victory (A), Wellington Phoenix (H), Adelaide United (H), Central Coast (A), Perth Glory (H)
Form: WDDLL
The Jets haven’t been out of the top four since Round 3 and are proving a very hard team to beat. Like a few other teams have drawn quite a few games this season, which is not good for their supporters hearts, but at least it keeps the points ticking over. Biggest concern is the team’s home form, where they haven’t won in their last four games and included two successive losses, but at least away form is good and they are this weekend on the second of three successive away trips. Having won with a last minute goal against Queensland at Suncorp, the Jets know this weekend’s game against Sydney, is potentially the most important. It’s 4th v 5th and if the Jets manage a win over Sydney, the gap between the two will be extended to seven points and that might just prove to big a gap pull back for the inaugural champions. In Joel Griffiths, they have the competitions leading goalscorer and form player and with Stuart Musialik finding form and Mark Bridge set to return, the Jets are looking stronger for the end of season run. Follow Sydney, with a visit to struggling Melbourne and then two home games against Wellington and Adelaide, which if Gary Van Egmond has his way, will see them clinch their finals spot. Have a F3 derby game in Gosford in the penultimate round and finish with a final home game against Perth.
Sydney FC – 18 points (5th)
Games Remaining: 7
Newcastle Jets (H), Perth Glory (H), Central Coast (A), Adelaide United (A), Wellington Phoenix (A), Queensland Roar (A), Melbourne Victory (H)
Form: DDDWW
Unbeaten since John Kosmina took over from Branko Culina prior to Round 10, Sydney cannot be discounted and with a game in hand, will be confident of making the top four. Inconsistency and injuries plagued the team during Culina’s reign, where they only won twice and lost four games. Kosmina, who enjoyed a great deal of success with Adelaide United, also benefitted from the arrival of Michael Bridges, on loan from Hull City, and he has certainly added a new attacking dimension to Sydney’s play. The key for Sydney is marquee player Juninho, whose early season injury, has restricted him to bit-part roles. When on the field, there is no player in the competition that can create openings for his team like he can and Kosmina he can overcome a knock to his knee he received against LA Galaxy, where he was a standout in the first half. While many are saying the washed out game against Central Coast gives them an advantage over their top four rivals, that might not necessarily be the case. The players would have welcomed the weekend off before Christmas, but now they have to play the league leaders, which will start a run of four consecutive away games. So its essential that they win both home games in the next two weeks against the Jets and Glory, otherwise their season could be over and the mouth-watering final game against Melbourne Victory at home, could be all for nothing.
Melbourne Victory – 16 points (6th)
Games Remaining: 6
Adelaide United (H), Newcastle Jets (H), Central Coast (A), Queensland Roar (A), Wellington Phoenix (H), Sydney FC (A)
Form: LDLDL
Unbeaten after 7 rounds, albeit 5 of those games were drawn, Melbourne was sitting pretty in 2nd spot and they hadn’t even hit their straps yet. Since then however, it’s basically been a disaster for the defending champions, with just one more win from their last 8 matches. Whereas the goals flowed regularly last season, this season the goals have dried up considerably. Most point to the loss of Fred from last season, but that’s too simplistic and there are probably many reasons why they haven’t fired like last year. Time is running out for the Victory, if they are to defend their title and their 2007-08 destiny could be decided in the next two games at the Telstra Dome. Matches against 3rd placed Adelaide and then 4th placed Newcastle, could well see them back in the top four frame or out of it completely. Any loss in these two games, will essentially make it impossible to make the top four, as they would then have to win all three away matches against Central Coast, Queensland and Sydney, which on current form is highly unlikely. But any team that has the likes of Archie Thompson, Danny Allsopp and Kevin Muscat in its team should not be discounted and they will fight it out right to the end. The signing of Qantas Under 23 midfielder Nick Ward will certainly boost their strike power for the remainder of season. Even if they can’t make it, I am sure they would like to make sure that Sydney don’t make it either, especially if it came down to that scenario in their final round clash in Sydney.
Perth Glory – 13 points (7th)
Games Remaining: 6
Wellington Phoenix (A), Sydney FC (A), Queensland Roar (H), Central Coast (H), Adelaide United (H), Newcastle Jets (A)
Form: WDLWL
Perth kept their very, very faint finals hopes alive last weekend with a well deserved win over Melbourne, but essentially they must win all their remaining games of the season to have any chance of making the finals. Six wins would get them to 33 points, but the most wins in a row any team has achieved this season is three, so the chances of that happening are not very realistic. David Mitchell’s appointment as caretaker coach in Round 12 has sparked the team with two wins and a draw in his four games in charge and his appointment until the end of the 2008-09 season, will see him look to a big finish to the season. Players will be playing for contracts next season and any non-performers will most likely face the exit door. Trip to Wellington this weekend is not an easy one and with both teams locked on 13 points, a win will be desperately wanted by both sides. Have another away trip to Sydney the following weekend, before a three game home stint at Members Equity Stadium, where they could play a big role in deciding what the final top four standings will be. Final four games are against the current top four sides, so Mitchell will be wanting to play spoiler. Final game is against Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium, which won’t hold any fears for them, as that’s where they won their game of the season in round 12 with an emphatic 4-1 win.
Wellington Phoenix – 13 points (8th)
Games Remaining: 6
Perth Glory (H), Queensland Roar (H), Newcastle Jets (A), Sydney FC (H), Melbourne Victory (A), Central Coast (A)
Form: LDDLW
The Hyundai A-League’s newest club has certainly added a new dimension off the park and their crowds at Westpac Stadium, have already surpassed the combined crowds of the New Zealand Knights in the opening two seasons of the competition. It was also looking much better on the park as well, as the Phoenix started solidly and was running in fourth spot after six rounds. But since then the wheels have fallen off a little and their loss last weekend, coupled with Perth’s saw them slip back to last place on the table, albeit on goal difference only. Wellington certainly hasn’t been helped by New Zealand’s World Cup commitments, which has seen their coach along with about six or seven players miss several games. However old habits from the Knights days, seem to have hit the Phoenix as well, where they are simply letting in too many soft goals and consequently dropping valuable points. In their last three matches, the Phoenix have also played significant game time where the opposition has been reduced to 10 players, yet failed to take advantage and managed just two draws. Key battle with Perth this weekend in Wellington, who they have beaten twice this season and will be looking to make it a three-peat. Like Perth they can mathematically make it to the finals, but form suggests this won’t happen, so they will be looking for mid-table credibility. After Perth have another home game against Queensland, then a trip to Newcastle and then back to Westpac Stadium to face Sydney. Finish the season with two away trips to Melbourne and Central Coast.
