Paul Nicholls has held onto his impressive lead after Match Week 15 and as we draw ever closer to the seasons’ conclusion, it is hard to see him being run down.
This week sees seven matches slated and potential do or die clashes for Brisbane, Perth and Wellington, with the distance between all three and the top six beginning to become a real concern.
Sydney FC and Melbourne City on Saturday night looks like the blockbuster of the round, with the winner likely to be lauded as strong favourites heading into the finals.
Good luck with your tips and be sure to enter them into the sheet below to have your say as the reliable voice of the crowd. Here are the panel’s thoughts on all the upcoming action.
Mike Tuckerman
Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Adelaide, Draw, Newcastle, Adelaide.
It’s not that Brisbane Roar are necessarily a better team than Macarthur, but more the fact the visitors desperately need all three points that leads me to suspect that’s exactly what they’ll leave Campbelltown with.
It’s easy to jump on Melbourne Victory right now, even if they’re not necessarily the worst team in A-League history. Both teams will view this fixture as a much-needed chance to claim a win, and I reckon the Jets will grab it.
Talk about a clash of the titans! Sydney FC have flattered to deceive all season and they’re running out of time to make a move up the standings. If ever Steve Corica’s team was to lay down a marker, this is the game to do it in.
(Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
The Reds are always a tough team to beat at home, and Western Sydney continue to turn in questionable performances. They were pretty poor against the Mariners in mid-week and Adelaide should pounce in front of their home fans.
Wellington just can’t seem to take a trick this season. They’re aiming to avoid a third successive defeat in Wollongong, despite the fact they’ve played reasonably well over the past few weeks. Western United should dig in for at least a point.
This game has been moved to Coffs Harbour and with the Jets eager to give the locals something to cheer about, they could head home with a much-needed win over a wounded Glory.
When and how did Macarthur sneak up to third? They’ve won their last three games in a row, but I reckon that run comes to an end at Coopers Stadium.
The Reds are playing for a spot in the finals and will be looking to make a statement in this one.
Stuart Thomas
Macarthur, Newcastle, City, Adelaide, United, Newcastle, Adelaide
Macarthur FC continue to impress and exceed expectations. It is likely they will improve further as their combinations continue to grow. Against the sinking ship that is Brisbane Roar, they will be far too strong.
The Jets and Victory is an interesting affair, with little at stake and zero interest for most A-League fans. I have no idea who will win but will let home ground advantage sway me towards a home victory.
Picking against Melbourne City is silly right now. They look awesome, despite a minor slip up against Western United last week. Sydney are improving yet the ‘other sky blues’ will get the points this time around.
Adelaide and Western Sydney is a cracking affair in which the Reds will cement their semi-final position with a win and Western United travel to Wollongong knowing they need the three points if they wish to hunt down a spot in the finals.
They will do it well against the Phoenix.
Perth should beat a tired Newcastle next Tuesday, but won’t without Diego Castro, before the match week closes out with Adelaide and Macarthur United backing up in the city of churches.
That home ground advantage should get the Reds home and potentially move them to the top of the A-League table,
Paul Nicholls
Macarthur, Newcastle, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, Perth, Adelaide
‘Not me mate, I’ve got a young family to support.’
‘Give it to someone older, I’ve got my career to think about.’
What if no-one wanted the Melbourne Victory captain’s armband? Is it the proverbial poisoned chalice? At least Robbie Kruse was getting cranky about it. Melbourne Victory need more crankiness. Bring back Kevin Muscat as coach anyone?
A hat-trick of wins has Macarthur firmly in the top echelons of the table. The Spanish pairing of Susaeta and Benat are lighting up the A-League and the Bulls won’t take a backward step to anyone. They should have too much class for Brisbane.
Surely Newcastle can get back on the winners’ podium against Melbourne Victory. I’ll stick with the Jets just one more time. Do it for me, fellas.
(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
The Sydney FC and Melbourne City game will have big implications for the premiership. City have been a mixed bag lately with the loss to Western United and narrow victory against Wellington. I have a feeling that an improving Sydney might score an upset.
Adelaide’s great run was halted by a gritty Mariners team. The Reds still have the goods and should beat the Wanderers. It’s crunch time for Wellington when they play the enigmatic Western United on Sunday. Three points will keep a top six berth within sight and Phoenix should get it done.
Perth’s up and down season is due for an up when they take on the Newcastle Jets. Perth by two. Last time they met, Macarthur beat Adelaide 4-0. The Reds will be out for revenge and might just pip the Bulls at home.
Texi Smith
Macarthur, Victory, City, Adelaide, Wellington, Perth, Adelaide
Like a mad professor, last week’s experimental tipping, a last-ditch attempt to reel in the leader of the pack, failed miserably despite picking up the first two games against all odds. At least the Mariners aren’t playing this week, so there’ll be no temptation to bet against them. And sitting bottom of the pile now, the pressure is off.
Macarthur are purring at the moment, but they have been playing sides towards the bottom of the ladder. Brisbane have had a horror run, and despite my gut wanting to tip them, I’m using my head. Markel Susaeta to score twice as the Bulls hit their straps.
Newcastle Jets have the golden opportunity to inflict more pain on the visitors, but today it will be all about the away team. With Rudy Gestede and Leigh Broxham returning, this will be a much-improved Melbourne Victory performance and an early Jake Brimmer free kick will be the difference between the teams.
Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval – misty eyed Sydney-siders, reminiscing about the great days at this stadium in other codes, will be brought down to earth with a thump after their easy win last Sunday.
Marco Tilio will terrorise his former teammates, but it will be a solitary goal that wins this one, that man Jamie Maclaren striking from distance to take the points.
Adelaide United have a home banker against the Wanderers. The Reds were so unlucky to be pipped by the Mariners last week, and Wanderers were thoroughly unconvincing but took a point off the same opposition.
Stefan Mauk will fling himself to the floor late in the game to win a penalty and will dispatch the resulting spot-kick to complete a come-from-behind win against a poor Western Sydney team.
It feels like years since the Phoenix played Western United. Phoenix will come up with the goods in this one, finally some of the pretty football that we’ve seen from the home side will be put to good effect.
Expect a performance akin to the win at home to Perth Glory, an even game blowing out unnecessarily and Phoenix coming away with a flattering score line after Uli Davila sets them away with a majestic free kick.
If Newcastle missed their opportunity against Victory earlier in the round, this will be even more frustrating for them. Leading by a goal at the break, a sending off will reduce them to ten and that man Daniel Stynes will come on to break the home team’s hearts with a perfect hat-trick in the final 20 minutes.
Macarthur will come into their away game at Adelaide full of verve after their dismantling of Brisbane. Their results suggest an assault on the title.
However, Adelaide have the Craig Goodwin factor and this will be one of those days when they click. Goodwin to score twice and Adelaide to cruise to an easier than expected win.
| Match Week 16 | Mike | Stuart | Paul | Texi | The Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC vs BRI | BRS | MAC | MAC | MAC | MAC |
| NEW vs MVC | NEW | NEW | NEW | MVC | NEW |
| SYD vs MCY | SYD | MCY | SYD | MCY | MCY |
| ADL vs WSW | ADL | ADL | ADL | ADL | ADL |
| WEL vs WUN | Draw | WUN | WEL | WEL | WEL |
| NEW vs PER | NEW | NEW | PER | PER | NEW |
| ADL vs MAC | ADL | ADL | ADL | ADL | ? |
| Last week | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Previous total | 32 | 32 | 40 | 32 | 32 |
| Total | 39 | 37 | 44 | 35 | 37 |
Hudddo
Roar Rookie
COVID restrictions have caused this scheduling, not some east coast illuminati hell bent on destroying football some Est. 4 million Non East-Coast Australians. Mate, deal with the §hįț, FFS, mariners have 7 from 9 away from home to finish you won't hear us complain. because the raw prawn aint gunna get you far. Interesting fact perth have 3 games with under 4 days turn around, Adelaide 4, CCM have 7. But no conspiracy from this corner.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Mike got it right. BR wins MAC,
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Andy, I can't find any statement they have made to indicate they have it in for all non East Coast associations and clubs. We can't just blanket them all because we don't like what is happening, we need to proof and unfortunately there isn't any.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
How do we know that you're not an east coast fan pretending to be an Adelaide supporter? It would be such an east coast thing to do.
Grem
Roar Rookie
In a normal season your maths would be correct. In a normal season Sydney would not have gone on the road to play Perth, Adelaide and Victory in one trip. 3 games in one "interstate" visit. In a normal season Perth would not need to do a 14 day quarantine when travelling interstate and that's why they did so many on the road until they were made come home. It's not a normal season. Let's give credit to Greg O'Rourke for making this season happen. I just want to watch our games and if Sydney were based in Adelaide, due to Covid, I'd happily watch us on Kayo.
Grem
Roar Rookie
You have actually written they've done 5 of 6 - SA, WA, Qld and 2 in Victoria.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Let's see the numbers at the end of the season. I'll check, but you're saying they've done 4 of the 6. I am assuming as the draw is released for further matches they will get more away games. Earlier in the season they could only play within NSW due to Covid. We had a Premier who has tried to suppress Covid and keep borders open. Other Premiers shut their borders immediately. Mark McGowan being the strictest, hence Perth's shocking fixtures. As outbreaks have occurred Greg O'Rourke has had to juggle things around to ensure we complete our season at the right time for Foxtel. This is still an unusual season with so many midweek games and fixtures being scheduled last minute to allow for the pandemic. I am not reading much into things this year as it seems to be a year that we get done and hope for normality next year. Poor Wellington, every game has been an away game but is that Australian bias or a pandemic issue?
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
wanderers will definitely score, we're more than likely going to have to play "Mr Schalke" at centreback, every time hes been on the field this season he has been directly responsible for a goal being conceded. I have no doubt in my mind that he will be the culprit again on saturday lol, but we should have enough firepower at home to take care of the wanderers still.
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
you're missing the point like most east coast fans are
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
bresciano, carrozzi, nikou, duggan would be the people in question. I would even add johnston to the list. Majority of the board is very pro east caost
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Castro and Fornaroli are not getting any younger and they dont work together , Ikonomidis will take a whole season to get back if he can remain injury free, Keogh is old and on his last legs, Kilkenny is good deep playmaker who is old and slow and needs someone else alongside to cover, Maliks comeback from I assume injury is a perfect example what happens you bring a player back too early and give them the full 90, Perths hope lies with Armiento and Deagostino and finding players behind them can work in defence , not doddle around like Malik.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Andy, while I am sympathetic to our situation over here, your argument would carry more weight if you actually named names of the people in FA who want us to fail. Just saying 'people' isn't fair on all of the staff there who work hard to keep the whole game moving. To suggest they are worried by our youth structure is also very unfair and unwise, because FA want and need good players coming through the ranks, not to improve the A League clubs [remember they have no role to play in the A League now]. Yes they would be worried that not more talent is being identified on the East Coast, but that is the responsibility of the state associations not just the A League clubs in those states. Also I don't think they are 'actively encouraging other A Leagues to poach our kids', approving of a transfer system will go a long way to prevent it happening as often as it does. Yes you may well see us down south this weekend. We will see how good some of these lads are. I do agree it is important for the APL for the East Coast clubs to be successful, more important than either Adelaide Perth or Wellington. We all know why that is. More people which means more money. Fixture parity will always be a bug bare, especially when it is an easy fix. We may see a different set up next season, due to who is running the A League and the new broadcast deal. A simple H & A season will make for a very short season, and that may well happen. I hope it does. If the broadcast deal works on the number of games played, then expect to see another odd season with plenty of games on the East Coast with those 3 clubs I mentioned earlier, getting shafted again. So we are caught between MONEY and a fair footballing outcome. In my opinion every set of fixtures should meet the 'pub test' - Is it fair for everyone? I don't really care to listen to the Fox presenters, Adam is about the only one who presents a balanced point of view. It appears the other all have a specific barrow they want to push, so lose credibility when discussing anything else.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Every single time Adelaide play an away fixture, they have to travel interstate. How can the governing body allow this to happen?!
dennis
Guest
I was at the WSW v Mariners game last Tuesday and thought that Chris Beath was the Mariners most impressive player. The game was all but lost for the CC leaders until Chris popped with a great late winner. Not only was it timely but Chris seems to be able to see opportunities when there are none. Who can forget that memorable night when he sent off Marcus Babbel and disallowed Rolly B's goal for obstruction after signaling for offside in the Sydney derby ? I think he later appeared on Fox to explain his contribution. The lad is a genius and with his ability to turn results on their head with the whistle, he has to be a certainly for the Socceroos.
Punter
Roar Rookie
SO much the better for it Buddy. I have many friends who are Liverpool fans & they were insufferable last year. They had the makings of doing that for a few years, I’m not sure how I could’ve handled that. However, saying all that, they were one awesome team last couple of years.
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
Lionhearts fine, he just wants to have a more philosophical/logical conversation and not engage in what he believes is back and forth tom foolery. Its a prediction thread, so i'd be expecting to see all sort of random wacky comments. it kind of turned into a rigged scheduling thread (but i didnt start it, franko did lol) you need to put yourself in a brisbane fans position; you'd upset to seeing your team playing the longball style they do, (there days of playing attractive football are a relic of the past) it would be hard to support a team that is so mindlessly insipid on the pitch that cares more about keeping goals out then actually trying to score goals. then you factor into it the FA report about how qld is the worst performing state in terms of professional players playing the sport per capita. They cant even get excited about the kids because they only play, when the overpriced waste of space visa players are injured/suspended. they used to be a big club, but came crashing down to earth. They will have there day in the sun again and be successful, just not until the direction of the club moves away from the brexit journey they're on
Adelaide Andy
Roar Rookie
mariners fans are more then welcome to join the interstate alliance again east coast powerhouses, you have been on the end of many dastardly decisions by "big brother" over the years
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Lionheart is a sook! People come to express there mind only to be told we cant because its not like what it was years before? How does that work? Oh wait Brisbane are in a slump
NoMates
Roar Rookie
With Taylor and Pisco back we should be cleaning up this week. As for you guys Adelaide need to score a few early as WSW only come good in the 2nd half and there bench are match winners/savers this season.
Tekkers
Roar Rookie
Is it weird i'm actually considering this offer as a Mariners fan?