It’s become one of the most tightly contested battles for the A-League Premier’s Plate and Kenny Lowe, coach of frontrunners Perth, says Melbourne Victory look the goods to win it.
After a 1-1 draw with Victory the Glory now lead the way after 17 of 20 rounds.
But it’s turned in to a five-way tussle to the top with only four points separating Perth from fifth-placed Adelaide in what’s a very congested top half of the ladder.
Wellington Phoenix are now nipping at Glory’s heels just a point behind after defeating the Reds 2-0 on Saturday while Sydney FC’s hot-streak leaves them just a further point back after their 1-0 win over Newcastle on Friday.
Victory could have taken top-spot if they beat Glory, but instead sit in fourth, a point behind Sydney.
Adelaide round out the top five.
Victory have yet to defeat Perth in four encounters this season, posting two losses and two draws, but Lowe insists Kevin Muscat’s side are still real contenders.
“We’ve played them a few times now and they haven’t beaten us but I think they’re the best side in the comp,” he said.
Not many would have picked Perth to still be on top with only seven games remaining, especially having not won in their last seven games.
But Lowe is all too aware it’s something that can change very quickly.
“I know we haven’t won in seven but everyone else still below us,” he said.
“It’s a topsy-turvey league, everybody’s getting turned over. It’s nearing the end of the season and there’s a bit of pressure now.
“So what does it say about us staying there for 17 weeks and teams having the opportunity to knock us off but don’t take it?
“Some people might look at that but we’re not bothered where we are now.”
Look further down the table and things are just as intense with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City fighting it out for sixth-place.
Central Coast are also an outside chance to snatch the last play-off spot.
After beating last-placed Western Sydney 1-0 on Sunday, the Roar now sit in sixth, one point ahead of City, and with a game in hand.
The Mariners have kept their slim hopes alive after a 1-0 victory over City on Sunday.
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