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.
Bernie Ibini-Isei is a talent who has attracted overseas attention. A move to Belgium looked likely to happen but it wasn’t to be and this may have been a blessing in disguise.
Bernie was upset it didn’t happen but since then he has been a standout performer for the Central Coast Mariners.
His fancy footwork and a good shot has seen him as a standout performer recently.
Since rejected by Club Brugge he has flourished. It has been a season for Central Coast, where Daniel McBreen has been the standout but some may say in recent games Ibini has stepped up and been the star performer.
Yes it would have been a big move to further his career but by staying it opens up more opportunities as he continues to perform well.
If he had moved he would be lost at Club Brugge with all the young talent around him. If he can stand out at Central Coast and assert himself as a first team player, many better opportunities will present themselves.
So far this season he has only managed six goals from 22 matches and only managed to start 13 of those games. Once he is a permanent starter he can then think to further his career.
He needs to be respected on an international stage before any major clubs consider signing him.
If recent performances are anything to go by, he has a promising career ahead of him – whether it be at the Central Coast Mariners, Club Brugge or another club.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Central Coast Mariners' star striker Angel Torres has been stood down from playing in the A-League Men after he was charged with sexual assault. …
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 Mariners must deal with possibly their toughest challenge yet - Kyrgyzstan’s FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the first leg of the semifinal.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.