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Well everyone, we’ve made it. The A-League season has come to a close after an incredible 27 weeks of football.
We now look excitedly towards the next chapter of our season, the much anticipated finals series which will have intensity and atmospheres as we’ve never seen before.
The Victory may have lifted the Premier’s Plate last weekend, but nothing is for certain as to who will be lifting the championship in season 2014-15. The first phase of finals are the two elimination final matches which are ultimately do or die games for the players and clubs.
So here are the previews for this week’s action.
Adelaide United versus Brisbane Roar
After snapping themselves back into form by ending a two-game losing streak, Adelaide United conveyed last week to their rivals that they mean business heading into the finals. The Reds demolished Melbourne City in a match that has surely marked the return of the dominance that saw Adelaide win the FFA Cup and terrorise the league earlier in the season.
However, Friday will see the tempo increased to a whole new level, as the Reds host bogey side Brisbane Roar at the Adelaide Oval. The Roar have not lost to the Reds in Adelaide in seven meetings there, defeating Adelaide most recently two weeks ago, claiming the South Australian city as a home away from home.
As part of the early mind game battles, Adelaide coach Josep Gombau claimed that the Adelaide Oval is a neutral venue and that he would prefer his team play in front of their beloved fans at Hindmarsh.
Brisbane may not have had the flashiest of seasons, but if there’s one thing that the Roar know a thing or two about is how to win a championship. They will not be looking to let anyone get in their way this year. The Roar defeated the Jets 2-1 last week, their second victory of the week after defeating Beijing Guoan away.
Where the match will be won
This match will be won in an area that has proven to be a strong point for both these sides, the midfield. With great midfield battles left, right and centre, it will be crucial for both team’s midfielders to get on top of their opposition and feed the men up front.
In a match that will see the likes of Thomas Broich, Luke Brattan and Steve Lustica go head to head with Marcelo Carrusca, Isaias and Pablo Sanchez, this is a classic contest not to be missed.
This match in particular will be a battle for possession, as both teams can lay claim to being the two best possession-based sides in the league this season. Adelaide and Brisbane have mastered the art of keeping the ball, respectively averaging 59.02 per cent and 54.20 per cent.
Who to keep an eye on
Adelaide will be greatly buoyed by the much anticipated return of Carrusca who will be very eager to step onto the park and make his return in midfield. The return of Carrusca, however, will also mean that Sergio Cirio will most likely be moved back into his favoured position on the wing after having to cover for Carrusca in midfield during his been absent.
Cirio has proved to be a dominant force up front scoring seven goals and providing eight assists, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in the league.
The Argentine will have eyes on the prize when he steps out onto the field as he will be determined to do whatever he can to get his side over the line.
Who’s going to win?
In what should be a tight and thrilling contest with both teams having attacking mindsets, I believe Adelaide will get over the line, continuing on their impressive result last week.
Stopping Adelaide’s run down the wings will be a difficult task for the Roar, one that the Reds will hope will get them over the line. The winner of this match will face Sydney FC.
Prediction: Adelaide 2-0
Wellington Phoenix versus Melbourne City
We now shift our focus to Sunday’s clash, where the surprise package of the season, the Wellington Phoenix, host Melbourne City in the fourth versus fifth elimination final.
Two sides that missed the finals last season go head to head in New Zealand with both teams determined to book a semi-finals birth. The Phoenix has risen in 2014-15, after finishing ninth last season, Ernie Merrick turning things around for the Yellow Army.
It took a while for Melbourne City to get their season rolling in season ten of the A-League, being winless in their first four matches. However revival periods in December and in March saw the Melbournians back on track as they headed towards the finals. Despite coming off a two-match losing streak, City will not let that phase them as they travel to Wellington.
City have only ever beaten the Phoenix once in 11 meetings at Westpac Stadium, dating back to last season where City humiliated the Phoenix 0-5.
Where the match will be won
In a contest that will surely be tight, it will be vital that both teams make the most out of their opportunities going forward. Melbourne City on average has 15 shots per game – the most in the league. However, this is with poor conversion having only scored 36 goals this season, the lowest in the top six.
In what will be another attacking match, both teams will look to utilise their central players in Aaron Mooy and Roly Bonevacia. If given too much space playing behind the strikers, these two players will be determined to make the most of their opportunities and must be shut down to prevent them from making any chances.
Both these players led the assists charge at their clubs, so their teammates will be relying on these two stars to provide the killer ball to the strikers.
Who to look out for
The spotlight on Sunday’s match will be heavily focused upon Nathan Burns. The Socceroos utility scooped up three awards at the Phoenix awards night, winning the club’s Golden Boot, Players’ Player of the Year and overall Player of the Year. Burns will no doubt be heavily marked, which will allow players like Roy Krishna to have a bit more freedom up front.
Krishna has enjoyed a breakout season scoring nine goals and providing three assists. The Fijian took home the prize for Goal of the Year for season 2014-15 and will be determined to show off his goalscoring abilities further, when he plays in his first ever A-League final.
Who’s going to win?
This match will surely be a thrilling contest, with two out of the three meetings between the two sides this season being 0-0 draws. However, there can only be one winner and on this Sunday afternoon clash the Phoenix will come out on top, but only just as City will push them right to the death. The winner of this match will face the Victory.
Prediction: Phoenix 2-1
Well, there you have it folks, only time will tell of what will become of the first week of the finals. The winners of these matches will go off to the semi-finals where the Victory and Sydney FC will be waiting for them.
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