The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Journeyman Steve Pantelidis hopes his key contribution in defence for Perth Glory this season will help him land a new deal at the A-League club. Pantelidis was a late addition to the Glory’s squad this season, and was expected to provide minimal back-up in the midfield.
But a glut of injuries in defence opened the door for Pantelidis to cement an uncustomary role at centre back.
The 28-year-old admitted he was initially nervous about the positional switch, but he soon flourished as he formed a solid partnership with Bas van den Brink.
Pantelidis is yet to be offered a new contract extension at the Glory.
But the former Gold Coast and Melbourne Victory midfielder is keen to make Perth his home base for the next couple of years.
“I definitely want to stay here. I don’t really want to go anywhere,” Pantelidis said ahead of Saturday night’s preliminary final clash with Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium.
“This is my third A-League club now. I don’t want to move around too much so hopefully I get to stay here for at least another couple of years.”
Glory midfielder Travis Dodd said the Mariners would be feeling the heat after failing to fire in their semi-final series against Brisbane.
Central Coast were beaten 2-0 in Brisbane, before losing the return leg 3-2.
“They’re certainly a beatable team. They’ve come off two losses now,” Dodd said.
“They’ll be under massive pressure from the supporters, from everybody, to try to make that final. We can go in there knowing the pressure’s on them.”
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Sydney moved into fourth with their point but Glory's finals hopes are now officially extinguished.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.