Round Eight Preview (Hyundai A-League)
Last week was the worst round in the A-League Season so far. However, there was at least two goals scored in all of the four games that were played. Football is generally more exciting when more goals are scored. Hopefully that is the start of a trend rather than an aberration.
Jets v Victory Preview
The Jets were undefeated for the first six rounds of the Season. At present they sit second on the A-League ladder. They have scored sixteen goals for the Season, which is five more than the next best. They will be missing goal poacher O’Donovan for the next three rounds through injury. The Victory registered their first win last week against the Glory. Victory have taken at least a point from five of seven matches this Season. They welcome back Barbarouses from injury. It promises to be an intriguing contest. The coaching battle should be an interesting one with Merrick having coached Muscat at the Victory a few years ago.
Jets Game Changer: Jason Hoffman
Victory Game Changer: James Troisi
My Prediction: Jets
City v Glory Preview
The Glory have conceded seven goals in the past two games, while City sit five points clear on third place on the ladder. The Glory have had Castro and Taggart injured, but that is no excuse for them leaking goals. It will be interesting to see what happens with Cahill. City have played well without him in the side, but he always puts in a good shift and probably warrants a place in City’s starting eleven.
City Game Changer: Bruce Kamau
Glory Game Changer: Shane Lowry
My Prediction: City
Phoenix v Mariners Preview
The Phoenix will get back their All Whites players, while the Mariners welcome back their captain, Baro. Both teams have registered only one win for the Season thus far. They sit ninth and tenth respectively on the ladder. Both teams need the three points to prove that they are genuine contenders for a top six finish and a finals birth.
Phoenix Game Changer: Michael Mcglinchey
Mariners Game Changer: Andrew Hoole
My Prediction: Phoenix
Sky Blues v Roar Preview
The Sky Blues are going to play their third game within the space of a week, while the Roar come into the games with some crucial players missing from their line up due to injury. Two of the inform goal keepers in the League will be a feature of the contest. It promises to be an intriguing clash with the Roar beating third place City, while the Sky Blues won the FFA Cup.
Sky Blues Game Changer: Andrew Redmayne
Roar Game Changer: Jamie Young
My Prediction: Roar
Reds v Wanderers Preview
This game features the sides that are fourth and fifth on the A-League ladder respectively. It will be a six point game. The Reds are missing a few players through injuries, but they are no easy beats; they nearly won the FFA Cup Final. Both teams will be looking to collect the three points on offer for the match.
Reds Game Changer: George Blackwood
Wanderers Game Changer: Mark Bridge
My Prediction: Wanderers