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.
Nicolas Martinez and Mitch Nichols produced the attacking inspiration, as Western Sydney ended their six-match winless streak with a thumping 4-1 away victory on Saturday over Central Coast.
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The Wanderers came from behind and held on after playing the last half-hour with 10 men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Jarrad Tyson.
Argentine Martinez scored the go-ahead goal after Western Sydney had trailed 1-0 and Nicholls was involved in the build-up to two of the visitors’ scores.
The match started in sensational fashion with both sides scoring in the first six minutes.
Blake Powell slammed home a cross from Storm Roux to give the Mariners a fifth-minute lead.
Within 60 seconds, it was the turn of the Wanderers’ travelling supporters to celebrate, with Japanese winger Jumpei curling the ball home.
Each goal was aided by a slight deflection.
The Wanderers had the better of the next 20 minutes and deservedly hit the front when Martinez’s diving header rounded off a fine team move featuring good work from defender Jack Clisby and Nicholls.
The Mariners finished the half well with Roy O’Donovan hitting the post and Adam Berry blazing the loose ball over.
Western Sydney went close a couple of times before Nichols and Scott Neville combined down the left-hand side, and Mariners defender Jake McGing turned a cross from the latter into his own net.
Tyson was sent off by referee Kris Griffith-Jones who deemed the keeper had denied Trent Buhagiar a goalscoring chance.
The Mariners’ Harry Ascroft had a shot saved by substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.
But, the Wanderers created all the final-quarter opportunities with Martinez, Clisby and Nicholls having shots before substitute Brendon Santalab lashed home a cross from Neville for the fourth goal.
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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.
Central Coast Mariners' star striker Angel Torres has been stood down from playing in the A-League Men after he was charged with sexual assault. …
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 Mariners must deal with possibly their toughest challenge yet - Kyrgyzstan’s FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the first leg of the semifinal.
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.