Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC are considered the most likely candidates to challenge Perth Glory for the A-League championship during this upcoming finals campaign.
But does the reigning champions’ reputation proceed them?
Truth be told, despite showing glimpses of potential, Victory has been underwhelming this season.
The difference between their best and worst performances are reflected in the composition of the squad.
Before a ball was kicked, the feeling was that Kevin Muscat had strengthened his team with the acquisition of former Japan international Keisuke Honda and Swedish striker Ola Toivonen, fresh off his World Cup exploits.
It was an impressive statement of intent from the champions and even if they have been physically fragile, both stars have lived up to the hype.
Unfortunately, the collective failed to match their performance levels over the season and while their best performances have disguised the team’s struggles – even I have to admit to being seduced by their peak performances – the overall record makes for sobering reading.
Only Wellington have lost more games than Victory against the top-six teams and even the Phoenix boast an undefeated record against Muscat’s team in the three games between the pair.
While Honda and Toivonen have been leading lights, the supporting cast has lagged a long way behind, with only Kosta Barbarouses standing out from the crowd for consistency this season.
The New Zealand international has been in career-best form for the Victory this season and leads the scoring charts.
Kosta Barbarouses (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett)
Injury-plagued Georg Niedermeier has only managed 14 appearances and has not always hit the heights expected of him when available.
Muscat pinned much of his defensive hopes on the experienced German, and Corey Brown and Storm Roux have not been convincing as a defensive partnership in his absence, while James Donachie has also struggled with his own injury issues.
The soft and unorganised nature of their defence has undermined the team’s fortunes.
Further up the field, James Troisi has been chequered at best. Some sublime performances early in the season must surely be a source of frustration for fans.
On form, Troisi is one of the best attacking midfielders in the league but too often he has remained anonymous and unable to have a telling effect on proceedings.
Behind him, Raul Baena has become something of a cult favourite.
While the club’s fantastic videos featuring the Spaniard as he comes to grips with life in Australia – and, hilariously, the AFL – might be popular on social media, his on-field performances haven’t always been as memorable.
Carl Valeri has been dependable and a magnificent servant to the club and Australian football in general, but his performances have justified his decision to call time on his decorated career at the season’s end.
If the domestic campaign has been underwhelming, then the continental campaign has been a disaster, with just one point from four outings.
Despite all this, the Melburnians remain hopeful that it can all come together in the finals.
As one of only two clubs to have defeated the Glory in Perth this season, a feat they will likely have to repeat if they are to retain their title, Muscat knows his team can overcome a forgettable home-and-away campaign to get the job done in finals once again.
The Victory even managed a Big Blue triumph in Sydney.
But for every win over Perth and Sydney, there are losses against Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City, and draws against the Phoenix.
Victory will remain favourites against Mark Rudan’s men this weekend, and while their capacity for one-match brilliance means Muscat’s team remains a finals threat, they remain a true championship threat on reputation only.
ziphead
Guest
Rudan, is that you? Sorry that your NRL styled approach hasn't paid off.
oldpsyco
Guest
Victory are not just contenders, they are the winners. It's already been decided! Look at the game against Wellington Wellington 7 Yellow cards - Victory NONE???? Wellington have a Penalty turned down at 0 - 0 that would have changed things. The standard of Refereeing in the A-League is HORRENDOUS! And if Sydney & Melbourne are not winning, then things change to ensure they do. FOX don't want small markets winning, its all about Sydney & Melbourne! FFA is still just as screwed up as ever, the cleanout didn't go far enough!
Craig
Guest
Except Honda and toivonen scores in the finals of the last years World Cup prob more pressure the the current finals
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
I’m just saying we all thought Victory would do well in the AFC Champions League and look at how poorly they are doing. Don’t assume Victory will lift for the finals, remember Acton, Niedermeier, Honda, Baena and Toivonen haven’t played finals before. And of course, Berisha always lifted for finals and he isn’t there.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
The injury of Louis Fenton was a huge blow for Wellington. Now they are playing David Williams at right wingback who just isn’t suited for it. That is probably a huge reason for Wellington losing convincingly to Perth.
Buddy
Roar Rookie
Thanks I remember the incident although know nothing of masterchef!
Franko
Guest
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/may/10/george-calombaris-charged-assault-a-league-grand-final
Griffo
Roar Guru
Contenders - Muscat will motivate on a game-by-game basis with a siege mentality. Given MV's apparent defence and Phoenix's attack, an early MV goal should see a low block and counter style. I can imagine Phoenix have a bit of pressure to make something of a good season in the Championship run while the team is intact. Seeing them chasing a game with the clock running down and winning would be ominous for the remaining teams. Troisi picked up a bit when he missed out on the Asian Cup squad but is consistently inconsistent and has been so again. MV recruited well and will need to do so again for next season and may well have another toilet seat to wave at potential recruits.
Ristan the Man
Guest
Good article. Though I would say that I think Troisi has had a very good season everything considered; a poor season last year, but very good this year - I think this is also the consensus view amongst Victory members. What has plagued the team most is not so much individual performances (though the defensive issues are well made), rather when Victory was performing well they were playing a different formation. Muscat has continued to persist with a diamond shape in midfield which does not suit the team. If the Victory are to do anything in the finals, they must revert to the formation utilised earlier in the season. Being beaten in the midfield battle against CCM and WSW in the last month is testament to this fact.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
As we saw last season, anyone in the top six is a chance to be declared the Champions of the 2018-19 A-League season. It's a toss of the coin. What we can say for certain is that four of ten clubs are out of the running to be declared Champions, and can now start planning for next season.
Nemesis
Guest
It's a 3 game knockout contest. The only small advantage for any team is playing at home. Last season, the home advantage meant nothing in the Final & Semi Final. This season, Melbourne Victory is collectively & individually stronger than last season. There is not a single player from last season's Grand Final win who I'd rate as individually better than this season's team. MVFC finished 3rd this season with 50 points from 27 matches. That's 3 points fewer than when they won the Premiership in 2014/15. For sure, Victory are not as consistent as Perth; and only 2 points less consistent than Sydney FC. But, in one-off matches this season, Melbourne Victory has beaten both Perth & Sydney away from home.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
They'll get through this week, but I do think Perth and Sydney (sometimes) have played better football. Muscat's a motivator I think, knows how to get his players up for the big games and proved before he can't be written off completely.
Tezza
Guest
Contenders. Say what you want about Muscat the player but the man can coach and you don`t achieve the results that he has in his coaching career by not knowing how to handle the big time games. Victory will be primed for the finals don`t you worry.
Buddy
Roar Rookie
Sorry, That’s a bit lost on me. I looked him up as I had no idea who he was but I can’t claim to be any wiser!
Franko
Guest
If MV win and face SFC, do you think George Calombaris will head up to provide the catering?
Buddy
Roar Rookie
I won’t be surprised if they book a date in the GF again this year. Mr Rudan appears to think that based on earlier results, Phoenix have the psychological advantage if nothing else for the upcoming fixture but I imagine Mr Muscat is drilling his troops into “putting things right” and dampening any flames that may be emanating from the Phoenix. That will mean another “big blue” in Sydney and a repeat or revenge will be the order of the day. Either way, if MV get it right on the night they are more than just capable, but that is always the challenge; converting the power and strength on paper to real life!
Waz
Roar Rookie
Contenders. They’ve under achieved this season with the squad they’ve got but Muscat has proved he can coach his squad to get a result in the big games.