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 Sydney coach Tony Popovic has warned Sydney FC his Wanderers side are not far away from a first A-League win of the season ahead of Saturday’s derby clash.
The high-flying Sky Blues have yet to taste defeat since the arrival of Graham Arnold and came from behind to win the round two clash between the teams 3-2 in round two at Allianz Stadium.
Popovic’s side are anchored to the foot of the ladder after six games and have been held at home by the lowly Central Coast and Newcastle in their last two games after four straight losses.
However, the former Socceroos defender claims he’s spotted signs his side are ready to break their duck in front of a sold out Pirtek Stadium.
“We want to win every game we play. That’s why we’ve won an ACL, won a premiers plate and been in two grand finals,” Popovic said.
“Derby games are special. Every player wants to be involved in that and the fans look forward to it.
“We had a poor result in round two, were up 2-0 and fell away in the second half which was disappointing. But we’ve improved a lot since then.”
Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey was shown the door this weekend after a poor start to the season by the Roar, just six months after beating the Wanderers in the grand final.
The is no question of Popovic being on shaky ground having led the club to the Asian Champions League earlier this month and Popovic insists he is not under pressure to beat the Sky Blues and get a win on the board.
“Of course, we feel like we need to win matches but I wouldn’t say this is a must-win.
“The last two games have been very good. Performances have improved.
“We had four away game to start with. There are circumstance and reasons but not excuses.
“We lost four games in a row. It’s not something we’ve done before, we’re not accustomed to that, but in the last few games we’ve seen a real improvement in performance. We just haven’t been able to get that win.”
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
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