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 Wanderers have built on their Champions League triumph in midweek with an impressive home victory against the Wellington Phoenix.
We didn’t have to wait long before the first goal came through the right boot of Nico Martinez.
Scott Neville’s work down the right allowed him to lay it off to Martinez who finished calmly into the bottom right.
The lead was doubled by Brendan Santalab who received a pass across the edge of the box by Martinez, skipping past Doyle before slamming home a fantastic finish with his left foot in the side netting.
It was all done and dusted moments after the beginning of the second half where Martinez once again linked up with Santalab for his second with a header from point-blank range to give the Wanderers a three-goal lead and make the striker the Wanderers’ all-time leading goal scorer, overtaking Mark Bridge.
It was too little too late for Wellington with Gui Finkler slotting in a free-kick with 15 minutes to go, the Nix huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow down a sturdy Wanderers house.
The Wanderers are in the driver’s seat for a finals spot, going five points clear of Wellington in sixth place.
Final score
Western Sydney Wanderers 3
Wellington Phoenix 1
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
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.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
There can’t be too many sports around the world where a former match-going fan can one day rise to the rank of professional coach…
Round 19 was an interesting weekend of football with no draws, 19 goals in six matches, two five-goal games on Sunday and for the…