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The Roar

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A-League preview and talking points: Round 3

Melbourne City's David Villa - has he played his last game for the side? (Dan Himbrechts/ AAP)
Roar Guru
22nd October, 2014
6

An on-fire Andy Keogh, a pulsating Sydney derby and an unbeaten Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory. Round 2 of the A-League delivered big-time and there is more to come this weekend.

Here we take a peek at Round 3, which will see the first Melbourne derby of the season, the Roar try and claim their first points and the Reds take on the resurgent Glory at home. No match this round for the Wanderers, who have Asian Champions League, and Central Coast.

Brisbane Roar versus Sydney FC: Is it bye-bye Brisbane?
Writing the Roar off is dangerous business, especially just two rounds in, even if they have lost both games. Brisbane were a clear level above everyone last season but this campaign the other teams have clearly stepped up and the gap is negligible.

The truth is the Roar were a touch unlucky against Adelaide, with an own goal and Matt McKay’s brain explosion, and even unluckier to go home without a point against the Glory. But their lack of a killer instinct in front of goal is a worry, though it’s not a bad time to face Sydney FC.

Coming off the Sydney derby, and a mid-week FFA Cup encounter with Adelaide which went into extra time, the Sky Blues have had a busy schedule and not a lot of time to prepare.

A number of their players have been away on international duty and the emotion of the Wanderers clash may have taken a bit out of the squad. Still, Sydney FC are a changed beast under Graham Arnold and this should be a close-run thing. I’m tipping the Roar’s luck to turn here and claim their first result of the season.

Melbourne City versus Melbourne Victory: Villa aims for three
You can’t keep David Villa from scoring, though if the rumours are true Melbourne City might not have the Spanish marksman for much longer. Let’s hope they are just rumours.

City have managed two draws from two games, with Villa saving their blushes in both games. The news is that Villa will called back to New York early, and what a blow that will be to City if true.

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They have had troubles scoring goals outside of the class of the former Barca man and they really need David Williams or someone else to chip in. They still have Robert Koren to come back, but he isn’t expected until December, so the midfield will need to contribute.

All the hype has been around the Sydney derby but the Melbourne clash should be terrific. Melbourne Victory have looked very good in the first two rounds, a demolition of the Wanderers and a real chess battle against Adelaide. Unsurprisingly considering their attacking firepower, Victory have scored five goals in two matches.

They have a wealth of scoring options but also appear much sturdier at the back with Matthieu Delpierre partnering Adrian Leijer, while Daniel Georgievski has been excellent. Don’t be surprised if we see several goals in this Melbourne derby, and possibly a send-off.

Hell, Besart Berisha could provide both.

Wellington Phoenix versus Newcastle Jets
Both sides have surprised in the first two rounds. The Phoenix went down to Perth in week one but then were too classy for the Mariners last weekend. An under-strength Jets were robbed by the Mariners first up but then almost pulled off a smash and grab job against Melbourne City.

Edson Montano snared his first goal of the season and there was solid shifts from Zenon Caravella and Marcos Flores. Both are yet to reach full fitness, but new arrivals Montano and Jonny Steele have been good for Newcastle so far.

Across the ditch and Michael McGlinchey has showed his class, the same as former Jet Nathan Burns. Wellington will surprise some opponents this campaign, the same as the Novocastrians will. Both have been written off by many but bosses Ernie Merrick and Phil Stubbins are experienced campaigners.

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This shapes up to be an evenly-matched game but the Jets do have a shocking record at Wellington Stadium. The Phoenix will be clear favourites on their home turf.

Adelaide United versus Perth Glory
The Reds are in fine form, dispatching Sydney FC on Tuesday night, Brisbane in week one and drawing with Victory in week two. With Marcelo Carrusca and Isaias pulling the strings in midfield, and Bruce Djite banging the goals in up front, Gombau’s men have looked great.

Adelaide United seems a lot more comfortable with the Catalan’s system now and with playing out from the back. At Cooper Stadium for the first time, after one match at the revamped Adelaide Oval, they’ll be expected to secure another win.

Perth has shown a lot more resilience this season than they did last, and especially a lot more potency in the attacking third. A lot of that can be put down to former Millwall and Leeds United marksan Andy Keough, who has four goals in two games.

The Irish international can’t stop scoring and has showed a real poacher’s touch in front of goal. The service he has been getting, from the likes of Mitch Nichols, Youssouf Hersi and Richard Garcia, has been excellent and if it continues then the Glory can set their sights on the top six come finals time.

Keogh up against Djite is worth the price of admission alone, with the Irishmen with four goals in two matches and the Aussie three goals in three appearances including the FFA Cup. Both of these sides are unbeaten but one will be losing that record come Sunday, I predict.

Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson

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