Two teams hoping to finish at the pointier end of the ladder go head-to-head tonight, with the Newcastle Jets taking on Adelaide United. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for live coverage.
The final round of the A-League season defines the outcome of many of the competing teams, but none more-so than Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United. Both these teams deserve to be higher than where they currently sit, and both who need to win tonight if they are to have any hope of finishing the season where they deserve.
For Adelaide, whose free-flowing, attacking football has gotten the better of every team at least once this season, a win tonight is not enough. They’ll be relying on the results of Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers if they’re to finish in the top three where they deserve.
The Wanderers and the Mariners both sit one point above Adelaide on 39 points.
If both these teams win, and Adelaide overcome Newcastle, then United will most likely finish fourth. If, however, the Mariners or Wanderers lose or draw, then a win for Adelaide will see the boys in red climb into a top three position and ACL qualification for next year.
Newcastle Jets equally deserve a win tonight despite an inconsistent season, with a loss leaving them in seventh position and outside of the top six.
But as well as a win, Newcastle need Sydney – who sit three points above them in sixth place – to lose their match. They then need to overcome a three-goal advantage, with Sydney FC on +1, and the Jets on -2.
A huge task from any team, but even more daunting when the task is against Adelaide, who have been in form running into the finals, and who are as equally hard to break down defensively as they are to score against.
But if there is any team in the league who is capable of overcoming Adelaide’s matured football, it is the Newcastle Jets who boast Golden Boot contender Adam Taggart, as well as Emile Heskey and Joel Griffiths.
Game Breaker
Adelaide will be looking to utilise the pace of Fabio Ferreira and Sergio Cirio on the flanks, as well as the playmaking abilities’ of Marcelo Carrusca and Isaias. A big performace will be needed from both wingers, who come up against some well performing fullback’s in Gallaway and Brilliante.
Without Tarek Elrich, Cameron Watson may be recalled into the starting line-up, with Malik at right full-back. No quality is lost though as has been demonstrated countless times this season.
In Michael Bridges’ last ever home match, Emile Heskey may not get as much game time as he would prefer. Another huge match is needed from Adam Taggart, and left winger David Carney will be looking to cause Osama Malik all sorts of grief after impressing in the Jets’ 2-2 draw against Melbourne last week.
But the biggest test for the Jets is at the back, where they have struggled all season, and will need to pull off something extraordinary if they are to stop Adelaide’s first-class football.
Prediction
Adam Taggart will score, and Michael Bridges will contribute a few quality touches, but the Jets’ won’t be able to overcome the might of Adelaide United. 3-1 to the Reds.
Reginald Bomber
Roar Guru
True, I meant SFC and NJ won't know their fate till Sunday night. Still a slender chance that SFC will finish 2nd and wouldn't that upset everyone! :(( One upset result and 3 more to go.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Or we might find out about 2nd tomorrow?
Reginald Bomber
Roar Guru
The dream lives on for NJ, Clayton Zane, SFC, Frankie and ADP. Will Sydney finish 2nd or 7th? We'll find out Sunday night.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Mo - no not one of them... ;-) My take all along was that if a young Aussie wins the golden boot then they would earn a World Cup spot to go along with it. And why not, we will need to convert our chances in Brazil, so if you're scoring, welcome aboard. Taggart will be on the plane. If he scores in Brazil we won't see him score again for the Jets here...
Cameron
Roar Guru
If he doesn't but Troisi does, then my first doubts shall be cast upon Postecoglou.
70s Mo
Guest
Syd-ney Syd-ney. Griffo you are not one of the famous Griffiths brothers are you? PS as a Newcastle fan how do you rate Taggart? will he get on the plane?
Griffo
Roar Guru
Doc you legend! :-D
Griffo
Roar Guru
Agree. Don't just accept anything just because its outside Australia and you're desperate to go overseas.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I don't like either Jets or Sydney but for the sake of a better finals series in terms of match ups, I would much prefer Sydney win or at least draw.
Griffo
Roar Guru
That's a win we had to have if we want to even sniff sixth spot. Wish Bridgey had of scored in his last game. He was very emotional as he did his farewell lap. Of all his clubs he has second most starts for Jets. This is his home now. A role for him in future at the club. A few chances for Taggart tonight. A couple he may have scored on another night, but you can't give him too many chances at the moment without expecting one to go in. Rate Brilliante highly. A possible option at right back for World Cup, and the ground PA gave him MoM, but geez Mabil was running rings around him at times. Mabil might find himself on the plane too, even if it is part of a fringe experience group outside of the 23. Thought there were some soft fouls given to Adelaide but no quarter give by both sides. At least one stumble by Zadko for the highlight real... Perth to win by two clear goals - 1-3 prediction ;-) C'mon Glory! C'mon Glory! C'mon Glory!
Cameron
Roar Guru
No worries 70s Mo
70s Mo
Guest
Thanks Doc & Cameron
Doc
Roar Rookie
Perth have won last 2 games, plus Burns' last game so they will want to send him out with a win - something to play for. Have only won once away from home this season though. Perth 3-1 :-)
Cameron
Roar Guru
I hope that wherever he goes he continues to learn, improve and test his limits. No point in playing anywhere else if you don't improve. Look at Rogic. He hasn't improved. I would like him to stay for one more season. The worst thing he could do is go to play in Asia. So at the least, avoid there.
Cameron
Roar Guru
SYDNEY will progress based on the fact they've scored more goals throughout the season.
Doc
Roar Rookie
Goals scored - Syd would prevail
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I have no problem with that. If you look at the runs he makes in the box, the way he tries to shake his markers and find space in tight areas, he's just a natural striker. And he scores.
70s Mo
Guest
Does anyone know what the tie breaker is if Newc and Syd FC have the same goal difference?
jamesb
Guest
Well done Jets....still alive, but for how long? Well done to Taggart...16 goals and could have been more. When he goes to Europe, I hope he goes to either Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Austria or Bundesliga 2 in Germany.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Hence why he should be Brazil bound. Despite a poor performance, he'll still pop up and score a goal.