Phoenix praying Adelaide can do them a favour as Mariners look to snatch Premier’s Plate in season finale

Sitting on top of the ladder as it stands, Wellington football fans will be hoping Adelaide can upset Central Coast in the last regular A-League men’s game of the season.

A vital win over the Mariners will give Phoenix their first Premier’s Plate, compliments of a rampaging Reds, who will be competing for pride in Gosford. A draw will still mean Central Coast finish top on goal difference.

Carl Veart’s men have bloomed recently, relying on talisman Hiroshi Ibusuki to score four goals in two matches.

The Japanese striker appeared to be on the outer when the season commenced, only to regain his mojo. He’s now coming fourth in the Golden Boot award.

Wednesday’s meeting at Industree Group Stadium will be Adelaide’s third away game in a row, having previously traveled to Brisbane and Wyndham.

For the Mariners, it’ll be a welcome homecoming, after playing a trio of away teams. This includes an AFC Cup win in Kyrgyzstan, miles away from the palm trees of Our Paradise.

In their last three domestic contests, Mark Jackson’s men have always scored in the final 10 minutes, beating Newcastle, Western United and Wellington. A last minute strike is never out of the question.

Luka Jovanovic of Adelaide United. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

Detrimental for Adelaide, they’ve always conceded goals in the closing stages, struggling to defend after the 80th minute against Brisbane, Western United and Macarthur.

Interestingly, the Reds have increased their goal tally over these matches, steadily improving by one, three, then four hits to the back of the net.

Clearly their recent attacking prowess has spiked.

This might pose a threat to Central Coast, as their possession has slowly decreased, falling from 62%, 54%, and then finally floundering at 42%.

Since round 24 in early April, Adelaide relied on only four players to provide points, including superstar Nestory Irankunda.

During the same time, the Mariners had seven athletes taking on domestic responsibilities, showcasing the team’s depth built by coach Jackson.

It should be noted, with the absence of Angel Torres, the side doesn’t have a prolific scorer anymore. Until last week, Alou Kuol hadn’t registered a point since round 10 against Perth.

Adding fuel to the old fire, one week after the Glory game, Brazilian Marco Tulio quit the club, forcing Jackson into a squad reshuffle.

By round 15, Englishman Ryan Edmondson had thankfully arrived, running onto Coopers Stadium in the 81st minute, whereby the Mariners beat Adelaide 4-nil.

Having known the gaffer since his Leeds United days, Edmondson must have been the Mariners’ new lucky charm.