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.
The A-League commences on October fifth and it seems the round two match between Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets will be hotly anticipated like last year’s Melbourne Victory versus Sydney FC game.
It has already been hotly anticipated because if all goes to plan, Sydney FC’s marquee man, Italian football legend Alessandro del Piero, will make his debut at the Allianz Stadium, his home ground for the next two years.
But another massive signing coup is about to be unveiled, with Newcastle Jets signing ex-Liverpool player Emile Heskey on a one year deal, subject to a medical.
This sets up a tantalising battle.
Both Heskey and del Piero have played for their nations many times (del Piero 91 times for Italy, Heskey 62 times for England) and have proven their worth against the world’s best in European competition, with del Piero having a UEFA Champions League title to his name and Heskey winning a UEFA Cup with Liverpool.
Just like Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton last year, when two class players returned home to play in the A-League, both del Piero and Heskey have provided the A-League a big shot in the arm.
Possibly, del Piero alone has given football in this country its biggest shot in the arm since Dwight Yorke launched the A-League’s first season.
With former Johnny Warren Medalist Marcos Flores back in Australia playing for Melbourne Victory, the biggest club (supporter wise) in the A-League, an Italian footballing legend playing for Sydney FC and Emile Heskey playing outside of England for the first time in his long career, the A-League is set to become one of the hottest tickets in town.
Brace yourselves.
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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.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
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.
Phillip Cancar’s rather comical and momentarily delayed dive in the 36th minute of Newcastle Jets 3-1 win over Sydney FC on Sunday was a…