A-League 2019/20- Round 5 My Preview
The opening 4 Rounds of the A-League were good to watch due to the fact that there has been just 1 game with a margin of more than 1 goal separating the 2 teams, which is an unbelievable stat. As stated before, the opportunity is there for the A-League to grow. Once again there are 5 games that are intriguing on paper!
Team with Round 5 Bye: Sydney FC
My Choice of a definite winner for this Round: Melbourne City
Friday Night Game
Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners
Both teams won by a goal in Round 4 and played last Sunday. Due to the fact that the Central Coast Mariners played well as far as their endeavour was concerned for the game in its entirety, I expect them to be tired. It was possibly the best performance of any team all Season. In Round 4 Melbourne City showed that they have scoring options, with 3 goals, even without Jamie Maclaren due to injury.
Melbourne City Game Changer: Craig Noone
Central Coast Mariners Game Changer: Milan Duric
My Prediction: Melbourne City
Saturday Evening Game
Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory
These 2 teams will be looking to bounce back from poor performances in Round 4. The Newcastle Jets need to improve on their display last Friday night against Sydney FC and I expect them to do so. To be fair the Perth Glory played some descent football in the 2nd half last Sunday afternoon, but they weren’t clinical in the final third. This was a tough game to pick a winner in, but I expect the Newcastle Jets to be too good.
Newcastle Jets Game Changer: Dimitri Petratos
Perth Glory Game Changer: Alex Grant
My Prediction: Newcastle Jets
Saturday Night Game
Western United v Western Sydney Wanderers
It’s 4th and 2nd on the ladder in this one; both teams will be looking to continue on their good form from a results perspective. Western United would want to rectify their start to the game from their Round 4 display where they conceded 2 goals early on. Western Sydney Wanderers are still unbeaten despite not playing the best football and I expect them to stay unbeaten after Round 5.
Western United Game Changer: Josh Risdon
Western Sydney Wanderers Game Changers: Daniel Lopar, Kwame Yeboah
My Prediction: Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday Afternoon Game
Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix
Melbourne Victory would be disappointed with giving up a 2 goal lead in Round 4 against Western United. Incredibly, Wellington Phoenix have played some good football, despite not claiming a single point in their first 4 games this Season. Expect that to change after Round 5 as I believe their game against Melbourne Victory is a winnable one.
Melbourne Victory Game Changer: Elvis Kamsoba
Wellington Phoenix Game Changers: Liberato Cacace, Ben Waine
My Prediction: Wellington Phoenix
Sunday Night Game
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
This is going to be an intriguing game of football, given it’s the 1st time this Season I have predicted a draw! Both teams sit outside the top 6 are in need of a win, so this game should be an open one and a good contest.
Adelaide United Game Changer: Ryan Kitto
Brisbane Roar Game Changer: Stefan Mauk
My Prediction: Draw