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.
Newcastle boss Scott Miller expects wantaway star David Carney to show up for training after being stood down for Sunday’s 1-0 A-League loss to Adelaide.
Carney, being courted by Sydney FC, was absent when Adelaide extended its unbeaten stretch to nine games on Sunday.
But Miller says he expects the 32-year-old to attend training in Newcastle on Monday, a day before the transfer window shuts.
“David Carney, my selection was that I would leave him in Newcastle, so there was an opportunity for the new signings to travel with the team,” Miller said.
“And Monday morning we go to training with David.”
Asked if Carney would play again for the Jets, Miller said: “He is contracted to play at the club.
“Until Sydney make their decision based upon his future, he’s a contracted player.
“There is no doubt that the speculation is there that he’s in talks with Sydney FC.
“And I have always respected David Carney’s output whilst I have been here, he has been a great performer.”
The Jets sorely missed Carney’s creativity in their loss in Adelaide which keeps Miller’s outfit anchored in ninth spot on the ladder.
Adelaide’s Argentine attacking midfielder Marcelo Carrusca scored the match-winner – though Miller disputed the goal.
“I’m sure it was offside,” he said.
Carrusca struck from two metres out in the 43rd minute in the defining moment of the Coopers Stadium fixture.
The Reds, now with seven wins and two draws from their past nine games, sit in sixth spot – just one point shy of fifth-placed Sydney, who they host on Friday night, and fourth-placed Melbourne Victory.
But Adelaide were made to toil for their triumph against a Jets outfit that enjoyed periods of control, particularly in the first half.
“It was difficult,” Adelaide coach Guillermo Amor said.
“It was important to win this game … Newcastle came here to win the game and in the first half played very well.”
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
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 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.
Phillip Cancar’s rather comical and momentarily delayed dive in the 36th minute of Newcastle Jets 3-1 win over Sydney FC on Sunday was a…