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.
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.
aggregated drupe
Roar Pro
Adelaide United to win title? Finals should have four teams with semi finals of: 1v4 and 2v3
Beardan
Roar Guru
should be a top 4. top 6 out of 10 is too many. None of the bottom 6 sides deserve to be playing finals football.
pete4
Guest
With WSW beating the Roar the gap is now 8 points between 4th and 5th now. Looks as if the remaining 6 clubs will be fighting for 2 finals spots
Cappuccino
Roar Guru
Absolutely, consistency is the key. Our defence also needs some shoring up, but in attack we had some fantastic moments.
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
"Marco$ Flore$" Haha :)
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
My only focus in diagnosing what the hell is wrong with my club - top of the table sounds like trying to find El Dorado at this stage...
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
We'll be in the bottom four. People said we wouldn't make finals this year and I thought they were out of their gourds but don't see how we have a hope at this stage. Too many crucial encounters netting 1 or 0 points.
Michael
Guest
We will def need to defend better. This game against melb is the litmus test on whether we truly have turned the corner. A positive result here and I will take confidence thinking we can be players to make the semis. If our D is torn apart (a real possibility) then its planning for next year.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
My only focus is finishing top of the table. The other 5 spots for the end-of-season knock-out competition will be a consolation prize if MVFC doesn't win the A-League title. All teams have to play each other once again (at least) and the Top 4 teams are close enough in points (presuming WSW wins today) that any of these four teams can win the league title if they're good enough. In my opinion, the final 2 spots for the end-of-season knock-out competition is wide open. All the remaining 6 teams can make it & the final spots won't be decided until Round 27.
Kasey
Guest
Dave... I'm putting it out here right now, Marco$ Flore$ will pick up a 'mystery knock' in the next 2 weeks to cowardly escape playing in Adelaide..or he'll rack up the required Cautions. He looked as scared as a child in a church last time he was at Hindmarsh and reportedly begged to be subbed off.
Kasey
Guest
Excepting that it means my team would have been dumped out:( that probably wouldn't be a bad result for the game IMO.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
The Jets are 21 pts and in the six----SFC are on 20 pts with improving form. I would assume they are a very good chance if they can find some consistency from here. I'm tipping the Roar will lose today and end up second last at season's end..
Timmy
Guest
Very true there's no way the top two is as set as people are saying considering the victory are now only 2 points behind AU and 5 behind CCM. And with those teams playing each other this weekend a win over Sydney would lift melbourne either into 2nd if CCM wins or within 2 points of the top of the table, although with an inferior goal difference
clayts
Guest
Why is everyone tipping Sydney to make the 6? Ffs. They won yesterday by heaps but who did they play? How many golden chances did the Nix stuff up? Sydney's defence is still as leaky as ever. I'm tipping Sydney to come 2nd bottom
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Great result on Saturday no doubt, however, consistency is still a worry for me to be talking about waltzing into the finals.. I suspect Farina will be thinking about the back four now---who to play there---does he go with the one he put out on Saturday, or will he tinker with it?.. The usually reliable Grant was exposed a few times at right back---hate to think what Thompson or Rojas will do to him.. Need to get some feedback on how Farina is going to nullify the MBV attack.
jack
Guest
Roar would of made it if they kept Rado not so sure now though they have looked very poor since Mulvey took over
MV Dave
Guest
Or an Etihad final of MV vs MH :)
MV Dave
Guest
Big month coming up for MV which could well see them jump into a top 2 spot and also see a couple of attendance records broken...MV vs SFC this week is almost sold out already with a week to go and if all MV members show up should draw a record crowd at AAMI for HAL. The following week is the Derby and if MH can also win next week we could well see a record crowd of more than 42,000 at Etihad. Following MV have games against AU, WSW, CCM and NJ...exciting times ahead.
Cappuccino
Roar Guru
If we keep playing like we did last night, we'll waltz into the finals.
pete4
Guest
Currently top 4 teams have seemingly broken away as there is a 5 point gap between 4th and 5th so you'd think those 4 (CCM, AU, MV and WSW) should make it. I think the Jets and SFC will take the remaining finals spots but as we have already seen this season anything can happen so no club is completely out of finals contention yet