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Who will make the A-league top six?

Roar Guru
19th January, 2013
21

With ten rounds of the 2012-13 A-League season left before the finals, we look at which teams can make the final six. The Central Coast and Adelaide Untied look set to fight it out for first and second place, while the Victory and the Wanderers will probably take third and fourth, which leaves two positions available for the last six teams.

Newcastle Jets
After a promising start to the season with new man Emile Heskey, the Jets find themselves further down the ladder than they’d have expected.

I feel the Jets played much better before Heskey arrived, building from the back and holding good possession.

While there is no doubt Heskey adds great fire power in the last third of the pitch, the Jets will sometimes forget all about possession football and just send the long ball up field in an attempt to pick out Heskey.

For Tinkler’s men to hold onto their league position and make the finals they may need to forget who their number nine is and return to their old way of playing.

Perth Glory
With a third place finish in 2012 and a grand final appearance, Perth Glory will need to pick up their game to even make this season’s play-offs.

Glory’s top scorer Shane Smeltz was a key man to their great form last season. The Kiwi had scored about the same goals this time last season, but it was towards the end of the league that he began scoring more goals. He will need to do the same this season if Perth is to make the finals.

Melbourne Heart
John Aloisi’s men have had some bad luck this season, and will hope for some good luck as they plan an end of season run into the finals. I believe the Heart can do it as they attempt to chase their local rivals into the finals series.

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Brisbane Roar
After back to back championships in 2011 and 2012 it is a surprise to see the Roar not higher in the table. They have struggled to stay consistent this season, and if they wish to make the finals that is exactly what they will need to do.

Consistency aside, with players like Berisha and Broich the Roar are always dangerous in attack. They will need to sharpen up in defence in order to collect the maximum amount of points between now and the finals.

Sydney FC
Sydney FC began the season with so much promise. It was at least expected that they would finish in a league position above their new rivals the Wanderers.

I think the arrival of a new team in the heartland of football may have disrupted the operation of Sydney FC. The western suburbs of Sydney previously belonged to the Sky Blues, but with the latest A-League expansion the 2009-10 champions have lost a number of key supporters.

With new recruit Joel Griffiths taking shots in front of goal, Sydney FC may be able to salvage something from this season.

Wellington Phoenix
The Phoenix has a reputation for being a difficult team at home, but has struggled on the road this season. I cannot see the Kiwis making the finals this season.

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