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.
Central Coast Mariners have been eliminated from the Asian Champions League following a 1-0 loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan.
The Mariners needed a draw to progress to the knockout stage of the competition for the second successive year but a lone deflected goal in the second half instead earned the Japanese champions the second and final qualifying berth in the group.
Shiotani Tsukasa’s poorly hit free-kick brushed teammate Satoru Yamagishi and into the back of the net to finally crack the visitors’ defence with 17 minutes remaining at the Big Arch Stadium in Hiroshima.
Central Coast’s conservative approach barely produced a shot on target during the match but Sanfrecce were largely contained until their goal, with Mariners defender Brent Griffiths dismissed for the foul that lead to the pivotal moment of the contest.
The Mariners’ narrow failure combined with an unlucky goal-difference elimination for Melbourne Victory on Tuesday leaves the Western Sydney Wanderers as the A-League’s lone representative in next month’s knockout stage.
A tepid first half produced only a few chances, all of which were created by the home side with the best spurned by captain Aoyama Toshihiro.
Mariners goalkeeper Liam Reddy produced a crucial save to keep out a sizzling free-kick from playmaker Yojiro Takahagi just past the hour mark, while Morisaki Koji pushed an effort centimetres wide minutes later as the intensity increased.
It looked as if Sanfrecce, who surprisingly omitted one of the J League’s all-time top goalscorers in Hisato Sato, were going to pay for their toothless display in attack until Tsukasa’s fortunate breakthrough.
Sanfrecce progressed alongside Ulsan Hyundai, who topped the group with a 2-1 home win over Beijing Guoan.
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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.