A-League tipsters were thrown another curve ball over the weekend. This time around it was the 2019-20 elimination finals, where the higher placed teams were humbled in two entertaining and compelling fixtures.
Western United did have strong claims against the Roar, yet after a series of matches on tight turnarounds and subsequent brief recovery time, many felt the men in orange might just set the bar high enough to end the brilliant recent run that Mark Rudan’s team has enjoyed.
Just 24 hours earlier, it seemed all and sundry had foreseen Wellington toppling Perth Glory; a team still without its talisman and the more refined attacking class of the Phoenix likely to prove decisive.
As things played out, Tony Popovic orchestrated something very close to which I eluded in the A-League expert tips and predictions article last Friday.
Tony Popovic. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Tempo was key for Perth, as they did indeed find a goal on the counter before proceeding to control the flow of the match in an attempt to deny Wellington free flowing attacking opportunities.
Perth did it well, despite the Phoenix having their moments and certainly creating enough to level during what was a gripping second half.
By early Sunday evening, when United held on for a 1-0 triumph over an at times unlucky Brisbane Roar, much conventional thinking had gone out the window.
The clearest thing to emanate from the matches was a stark awareness that both Sydney FC and Melbourne City had best be on their games this Wednesday night in the semi-finals.
There was no fluke in the performance of either of the winners in the first two finals’ matches and despite another brisk turnaround for Western United, they and Perth will enter the fray tomorrow night convinced they are heading to the big dance on Sunday.
Sydney FC have done little better than wobble since the resumption of the competition. Their form after a 3-1 win against Wellington to begin the run home has been anything but that of earlier in the season.
Popovic showed again that lifting a team for a one off contest and setting them up to defend with discipline and vigour is what he does best.
With Sydney struggling to find the net as consistently as they once did, an early Perth lead could well result in a stunning victory and the sixth-placed team on the ladder finding their way into the A-League grand final.
While Sydney FC manager Steve Corica will talk the language of calm in the lead up and emphasise the trust required in a system of play that saw the Sky Blues become everyone’s favourite for the championship some months back, inside he actually has no idea whether Sydney will rediscover previous form or continue in the funk that has stained their play over the last month.
As for Melbourne City, well, confidence is not something their fans possess in spades, after years of disappointment and the team’s penchant to fall rather dramatically at what ends up being the final hurdle in their season.
They look as likely as any heading into the finals, yet now must face a runaway freight train in Western United; a team that appears to have completely forgotten how to lose when at full strength.
Sure the 3-1 loss to City to round out the season could potentially be used as ammunition for those mounting an argument for a United loss in tomorrow night’s match, however, there were some extenuating circumstances and Mark Rudan definitely ‘managed’ his side through a match that now looks irrelevant.
However things do play out on Wednesday, it stands to be a gripping night of football. Should Sydney FC and Melbourne City advance to Sunday, many will cite their ladder positions and feel there was some sense of predictability about the match up.
However, after watching the A-League twist and turn since the resumption, I call BS on that. Western United and Perth Glory will throw the proverbial kitchen sink at them both and anything other than their best could result in the most unpredictable of grand finals.
NoMates
Guest
Its a shame we are gonna get SFC in the finals, this is a real drag on the league as i dont see Glory beating them unfortunately.
Grem
Roar Rookie
And in a 10/11 team comp 4 teams in the finals is enough. The old system was better. Then if we could add in a promotion / relegation system we'd also have interest in the bottom 4 as well.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
I like the idea of a knock out top 6 series, but you'd expect an AUFC supporter to say that, after all we are the CUP KINGS. But then again I still believe the Champions are the team that wins the most league games. [OK gets the most points in the H/A fixtures] As for these games, I'm not certain Sydney have it in them to go past this match. As someone else said, after last season, they [Perth] have a point to prove and Popa might have them ticking over to go all the way. What to say about City, which of their teams will turn up for this one. the one which at times plays some of the best football of anyone in the league or the 'ho hum' one that turns up, gets paid and goes home. My Chinese neighbor, Whu Flun Dung or Freddy Lee as we call him, has put all his hard earnt on WU to go all the way, not sure if he is a wise man or just has too much money. But with the smiling Italian and BB the assassin, they just might have enough in their tank to take the other sky blue team out. So come Sunday a New name on the trophy, which isn't a bad thing. Of course I could be wrong after all I did pick the Yellow team across the ditch to go all the way. Yes you are all right in saying I know SFA about picking winners.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
I seem to owe you an apology, you were right and I was wwwwrrroooo.... made an error.
Griffo
Roar Guru
So the strategy of defending a narrow lead, or stiffling your opponent and hitting them on the counter, narrows the form gap in a one-off game. It is just smart coaching to adjust for this part of the season if you are unsure your current setup will do the job. Sydney have barely changed between pre-and-post COVID break on top of a shift in strategy for this part of the season by likely opponents. A couple of fast, early goals for Sydney or City will mean Perth and Western United will have to change and open up to win the game, which could play into either of the 'sky blue' teams' hands. I expect only Western United currently are capable of over-hauling that sort of deficit.
Nick Symonds
Guest
They have every chance of winning, they know the dark arts and it's 2020 we're talking about.
Poldark
Roar Rookie
There in lies the absurdity of using a couple of games in a cup style format to decide the ‘Champions ‘.
brookvalesouth
Roar Rookie
The western imposters are no chance. Come on City!
Nick Symonds
Guest
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Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
Grem The first 4 or 5 seasons there was a top 4 and the top 2 had the double chance, but more than that, the semi finals were played home and away. I think we started to get declining interest in attendances during the drawn out finals series, so they opted for this ultra tight format, where it's bang, bang. The top 2 go straight into the semis (play off for the grand final), and under normal circumstances get to host the final, but yes, a bit cruel if you get eliminated on your very first and only finals appearance after dominating a whole season, especially since the grand final determines the Champion.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I love the A League but their finals series is poorly done. Any team that comes 1st or 2nd should get a 2nd chance. How can the best team all season be knocked out in their first finals game? Remember Sydney 2 seasons ago and it could happen again. Perth (after last year's grand final) will certainly have the motivation to do just that. Whatever the result I look forward to entertaining finals and a great grand final and I have tickets to both - hope to see lots of football followers there.