Round Three Preview (Hyundai A-League)
The A-League has started with attacking football being played. In Round two all ten teams managed to score at least one goal. All five games this week are intriguing. The Round kicks off with the Reds against the Victory, which has proved to be an interesting rivalry over the years. The highlight of the week should be the Sydney derby. Hopefully there is another Round full of goals so the A-League can grow and the game is attractive to the neutrals.
Reds v Victory Preview
The Reds are coming off a confidence boosting comeback victory against the Roar. They are unbeaten in their first two games. While Victory have been the better team in general play in the first two weeks of the season, but have failed to register a point yet. They sit equal last on the ladder. It’s a long season so results can ebb and flow so I wouldn’t be too despondent yet if I was a Victory or too euphoric if I was a Reds fan.
Reds Game Changer: Ben Garuccio
Victory Game Changer: Kosta Barbarouses
My Prediction: Victory
City v Phoenix Preview
City have probably been the best team in the competition in the first two weeks. They defended bravely against the Victory, which helped them collect the three points. They should be boosted by the return of Luke Brattan. The Phoenix will be missing Andrew Durante due to injury, this will give someone else an opportunity to lead the team and for another player to get a chance to take his spot in defence. Phoenix have been competitive this season without much reward. So, City can’t afford to rest on their laurels. It should be a fascinating contest.
City Game Changer: Michael Jakobsen
Phoenix Game Changer: Scott Galloway
My Prediction: City
Sky Blues v Wanderers Preview
Both teams go into the game unbeaten after two games of the season. The Sky Blues have been fortunate to some extent to be six points from a possible six points. Derby’s are generally tough and tight. Hopefully it is an attacking game of football and a close one.
Sky Blues Game Changer: Andrew Redmayne
Wanderers Game Changer: Jumpei Kusukami
My Prediction: Wanderers
Roar v Jets Preview
The Roar and the Jets promises to be an exciting clash. They are relatively evenly matched. Unfortunately, the Roar have had other issues. However, they will be lifted by their new signing Eric Bautheac likely to play a part at some stage. The Jets have scored seven goals in two games. That should mean that this game is high scoring one.
Roar Game Changer: Fahid Ben Khalfallah
Jets Game Changer: Roy O’Donovan
My Preview: Jets
Glory v Mariners Preview
Both sides go into this clash with a solitary point. Hopefully both teams will be looking for the three points. This should bring about an attacking style of football. Both managers are reasonably attacking with both teams managing three goals in their first two games.
Glory Game Changer: Adam Taggart
Mariners Game Changer: Tom Glover
My Prediction: Mariners