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.
Western United coach Mark Rudan says mentality is the key to ending his club’s barren run outside Victoria, with a daunting run of intestate A-League games looming.
Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Macarthur at Campbelltown Stadium was eighth-placed United’s third loss in as many matches outside Victoria this season and their third defeat in their last four matches overall.
It was the first of a run of seven out of eight games outside Victoria before the end of April, with two of those fixtures technically home matches to be played In Launceston.
“We certainly need to win outside of Victoria and we haven’t done that so far this year,” Rudan said.
“It’s going be a tough schedule. We’ve got a lot of games coming up as well, so we need to turn that around.
“For me, it’s basically the mentality, that’s all it is, irrespective of whether you’re home or away.
“But we need to start turning and getting results away from home.”
Defender Aaron Calver was substituted late in Saturday’s game with a sore hamstring.
One positive for Rudan was the continued excellent form of 21-year-old Dylan Pierias, who joined Besart Berisha as United’s joint-top goalscorer on five, following a superb strike.
“He’s very good in transition and he’s improved a lot in the three months that we’ve worked with him,” Rudan said.
“He continues to develop and he’s getting better and better.”
Macarthur climbed three places to third on the back of Saturday’s win, but the clubs below them in the top six all have games in hand.
Bulls’ coach Ante Milicic feels his fledgeling club are travelling okay, as they approach the halfway point of their first A-League campaign, but is confident their best is still to come.
“At times and in patches we look good, but we just need to play better football for longer periods,” Milicic said.
“We’re not in a bad place but we truly believe that there’s a lot more improvement in us moving forward.”
© AAP
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.
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.
Bottom club Western United’s 4-2 win over Macarthur on Saturday afternoon was a rare bright spark in a season in which just about everything…
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.