A-League preview for finals week two

Preview of week two of the A-League finals (all times AEDT).

SUNDAY
Minor semi-final
WELLINGTON PHOENIX v NEWCASTLE JETS at Westpac Stadium, 2pm
Head-to-head: Wellington 3, Newcastle 3, Drawn 0
Last meeting: Wellington Phoenix 1 bt Newcastle Jets 0 at EnergyAustralia Stadium, Nov 2009
TAB Sportsbet: Wellington $1.90, Draw $3.35, Newcastle $3.80

A big year for New Zealand soccer just keeps getting bigger. Expect a 34,500 sellout at Westpac Stadium to see the Phoenix in the most important match in their history. Ahead of the nation’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years and following Wellington’s stirring penalty shootout win over Perth Glory in the previous final, the round-ball game is flying. It will only soar further should the Phoenix shoot down the Jets. The big test for the Phoenix will be how their national team players recover from a hectic travel schedule after New Zealand’s friendly against Mexico in the US on Thursday. Wellington haven’t lost at home in their past 18 games. Newcastle, who have flown midfielder Song Jin-Hyung to Wellington despite him battling a virus, will need everything to go right to have any hope of stopping that streak.

Key: Phoenix striker Paul Ifill has scored and been brilliant in his past two matches against the Jets.
Tip: Wellington Phoenix

Major semi-final, second leg
SYDNEY FC v MELBOURNE VICTORY at Sydney Football Stadium, 5pm
Head to head: Sydney 4, Melbourne 6, Drawn 6
Last meeting: Melbourne Victory 2 bt Sydney FC 1 at Etihad Stadium, Feb 2010, major semi-final first leg
TAB Sportsbet: Sydney $2.25, Draw $3.30, Melbourne $2.95

With hosting rights for the grand final on offer, Melbourne have included injured duo Robbie Kruse (ankle) and Archie Thompson (broken foot) in their squad. It would appear more in hope in Thompson’s case. Kruse, still recovering from Sydney midfielder Terry McFlynn’s crude tackle in their clash three weeks ago, appears more likely to play a role. The Victory desperately need some cutting edge with Nik Mrdja out through suspension. Sydney FC still have a goal to peg back, but they’ll back themselves to do so at home and their away goal could prove valuable in the context of the two-legged tie. Striker Alex Brosque will play after the birth of his daughter this week, Mark Bridge returns from injury while fullback Shannon Cole will be on a high after a solid Socceroos debut. So much depends on whether the Victory can find a route to goal, because one more just might be enough. But Sydney have been excellent at home and their discipline and mental fortitude have been strengths all season.

Key: Victory midfielder Tom Pondeljak has been one of his side’s best in recent weeks and has a knack for important goals. Should Kruse and Thompson miss out, he looms as vital.
Tip: Sydney FC.

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