Newcastle breaks its drought and Melbourne City takes honours in the derby. Round 11 of the A-League, right before Christmas, had its high points and now we have Round 12 dished up for us.
Perth won again, Central Coast lost again and Sydney FC was outplayed by Wellington Phoenix. There was also rare losses for Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, the two competition favourites.
Round 12 starts on Boxing Day at AAMI Park.
Melbourne City versus Perth Glory: Western healing
Both teams are coming off important wins last round with Perth now top of the A-League by six points. The Glory were expected to beat the Mariners but few people would have given City a chance in hell in the derby.
They were thoroughly outplayed in the first half, kept in the game by outstanding saves from goalkeeper Tando Velaphi, but fought back with a late Erik Paartalu header grabbing the full three points.
It was backs-to-the-wall stuff but City showed a lot of heat – pardon the pun – and should trouble a few teams now that Robert Koren is back and with Connor Chapman in good form.
Perth punished Central Coast 4-1 to notch their ninth win from 11 games. It’s an impressive record and Danny De Silva’s long-range goal was sublime.
The youngster is getting a lot more game-time this season that anyone would have expected but he is taking the chance with both hands. Andy Keogh keeps scoring, with a strike against the Mariners, and everything looks rosy for the Glory on the field. Off the field, after receiving a ‘please explain’ letter from FFA, is a different matter.
Sydney FC versus Adelaide United: Walking wounded
The Sky Blues are resembling a hospital casualty ward after losing Sasa Ognenovski for the rest of the season. Sydney FC’s depth is being severely tested and they struggled against Wellington.
That loss was the Sky Blues’ second in three games, with Graham Arnold urging his side to be more physical. They desperately need some fit bodies to come in January but there will be no let up from Adelaide.
The Reds took out the FFA Cup final last week but then slipped up against the Jets three days later. They were not abysmal against Newcastle, creating many chances, but couldn’t seem to take those chances and let the Jets off the hook.
Adelaide look tired and worn done at Hunter Stadium, so a break should do them good and have them fit and firing for Allianz Stadium.
Central Coast Mariners versus Brisbane Roar
The Mariners’ woes are continuing with their sixth defeat of the season against Perth. The Coasties have won just one from 11 and this has become a must-win game if they are to compete for a top six spot come March.
Struggles off the field haven’t helped, but a bumper crowd as a part of a community initiative should be on show for the match at Central Coast Stadium. Matt Simon popped up with a goal against Perth, his second in two weeks, but the Mariners clearly need someone else to step up and support him.
Brisbane seemed to have turned things around somewhat without Frans Thijssen. The Roar didn’t play last weekend but have managed a win and a draw under the Dutchman.
Brisbane are still missing key players but the likes of Steven Lustica and James Donachie are playing key roles. Henrique has had his best start to any A-League season and although this team isn’t of the same vintage as the 2013-2014 Roar, they’ll still be the favourites in this one.
Melbourne Victory versus Newcastle Jets
It only took 11 games but Newcastle finally won a game. The 2-1 result over Adelaide was a relief and no we see if the Jets can build on that. The key men for Newcastle have been veterans Joel Griffiths and David Carney, without them the Turton Road outfit would be very lost. Edson Montano could miss this one with a calf problem, which would be a blow, as he is starting to have an impact in the competition.
Phil Stubbins’ team went with a 3-4-3 against Adelaide and it will be interesting what formation he decides on for the Victory, considering their considering attacking prowess. Kevin Muscat’s men will look back at the tape of the Melbourne derby and wonder how they lost 1-0.
Victory dominated the first 45 but couldn’t score and then were surprisngly off the pace in the second half. The defeat was their first of the season and with it went their unbeaten record.
But with a goal ruled out for offside and City midfielder Jacob Melling escaping a red card for an elbow, they were a touch unlucky. They are unlikely to be as complacent this weekend. That’s four points dropped in the past two round and Muscat will want his side to get back to their usual high standards.
Wellington Phoenix versus Western Sydney Wanderers
The Wanderers Asian and Club World Cup odyessy is finally over, with the Moroccan adventure ending on a sour note.
They really need to get their A-League campaign back on track, with three draws and six losses a terrible record. But they will have their hands full with a high-flying Wellington outfit that is full of confidence and goal-scoring flair.
The Phoenix were brilliant against Sydney FC and with their front three of Krishna, Burns and McGlinchey, can cause problems for any defence. Travelling again for Western Sydney will be a problem, after they have been racking up the frequent flyer miles, and rumours of player unrest are a concern. If their 2014-2015 campaign is not to be a complete write-off, they need to produce in New Zealand. Matt Spirnaovic and Nikolai Topor-Stanley will certainly have their hands full containing Socceroo teammate Nathan Burns.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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