Melbourne Victory v Adelaide UnitedPerth Glory v Queensland Roar
Following a week's break due to International fixtures, the A-League returns with a bang on Friday night with top of the table clash, Melbourne Victory against Adelaide United. In Round 3, Melbourne overwhelmed current A-League title holders, Newcastle Jets 5-0, whilst a Wellington Phoenix side without top marksman, Shane Smeltz, rolled over in a 3-0 defeat to Adelaide. Controversy reigned in Sydney United's 5-2 win over Perth Glory where a suspect penalty decision by referee Peter Green led to a red card and in turn gifted a greatful Sydney an easy three points. Veteran keeper, Mark Bosnich, will be looking to continue his %100 winning record for the Mariners this week after his team caused the upset of the round in a 4-2 win away to Queensland.
Friday, September 12
20:00
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
Melbourne
In:
Out: Ward, Thwaite, Jose Luiz Lopez.
Adelaide
In: Diego (returns after a month out).
Out: Cassio, Alemao, Sarkies, Cornthwaite (doubtful).
Summary: First versus second face off in this top of the table clash in front of what is expected to be a crowd of atleast 30,000 at Melbourne's Telstra Dome. Both teams will go into this match encouraged by the fact that they are undefeated for the season (2 wins and one draw a piece) and had convincing wins in the last round. Melbourne have been head and shoulders above the rest of the league so far, in terms of results and performances. They easily disposed the Newcastle Jets 5-0 in the last round which was a fantastic result considering that the Jets are last season's champions and by no means a pushover. Adelaide registered an equally impressive result, disposing the happless Wellington Phoenix 3-0 in Adelaide.
Previous encounters:
Jul 20, 2008 Pre-Season Cup Melbourne 1 - 2 Adelaide United
Dec 8, 2007 A-League Melbourne 2 - 2 Adelaide United
Oct 12, 2007 A-League Adelaide 4 - 1 Melbourne
Sep 7, 2007 A-League Adelaide 1 - 1 Melbourne
Jul 15, 2007 A-League Melbourne 1 - 1 Adelaide United
Feb 18, 2007 A-League Melbourne 6 - 0 Adelaide United
Feb 4, 2007 A-League Melbourne 2 - 1 Adelaide United
Footy Analysis predicts that Melbourne will continue on their merry way. Adelaide have some key players out, namely Brazilian wing-backs Alemao (who has been very impressive so far) and Cassio. Fellow Brazilian and central midfielder Diego, may settle for a spot on the bench after a month out nursing a hamstring injury.
Melbourne's Costa Rican international, Jose Luiz Lopez, misses out due to World Cup duty. Good news for Victory manager, Ernie Merrick, is that he has able replacements in Grant Brebner, Billy Cilevski and Leigh Broxham.
Considering that Adelaide have an AFC Champions League Quarter Final in Japan next Wednesday, players and managers alike may have one eye on that game which I think will play a major factor in Melbourne's favour.
Pick: Melbourne to WIN.
Melbourne 1 - 0 Adelaide United
Perth Glory v Queensland Roar
With both teams desperate to capture their first win of the season, we can expect a fast-paced, open game at the Members Equity Stadium in Perth. Perth looked good going forward in their 5-2 loss away to Sydney in Round 3, with newly acquired imports Amaral, Trinidad, and Dadi pulling the strings for the Western Australian side. It is in defence where they leave alot to be desired, with basic errors and ill discipline leading to their downfall time and time again. Queensland were favourites going into their last home round match against Central Coast but were surprisingly dealt a 4-2 loss. Not unlike their opponents today, poor goalkeeping and ill-fated decision making in defence led to their demise.
Perth
In: Jamie Harnwell, Hayden Doyle, Naum Sekulovski, Mark Lee, Jeff Bright, Stuart McLaren.
Out: Dino Djulbic, James Downey.
Queensland
In: Dave Dodd, Tim Smits, Ben Griffin, Tommy Oar.
Out:
Previous encounters:
Dec 30, 2007 A-League Perth Glory 1 - 4 Queensland Roar
Oct 27, 2007 A-League Queensland Roar 3 - 3 Perth Glory
Sep 16, 2007 A-League Perth Glory 1 - 2 Queensland Roar
Dec 2, 2006 A-League Queensland Roar 1 - 0 Perth Glory
Oct 15, 2006 A-League Perth Glory 1 - 2 Queensland Roar
Aug 26, 2006 A-League Queensland Roar 3 - 0 Perth Glory
Jan 7, 2006 A-League Perth Glory 0 - 2 Queensland Roar
Summary: Perth are down to the bear bones for this encounter, with three first choice defenders missing out through suspension/injuries.Their situation is so desperate that Perth manager, David Mitchell, has had to delve into the Perth domestic league to sign inexperienced defender Jeff Bright and bring former Queensland player, 33 year old Stuart McLaren, out of retirement to make up the numbers. Queensland have doubts over centre back Craig Moore (but he should be fit to play) and Ben Griffin will be expected to fill in for injured first-choice centre back, Josh McCloughan.
Footy Analysis predicts that both teams will continue their poor defensive form. If anything, the situation has worsened for both managers (especially David Mitchell) over the last week or so. Queensland keeper, Liam Reddy, was at fault for 3 goals last week and it will be surprising if he wasn't beaten more than once in this match. Perth's defensive worries have been much publicised all week, and I would expect the impressive Charlie Miller (scored in every game this season), Serjio Van Dijk, and Reinaldo to capitalise on some of the easy opportunities that are likely to come their way.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals
Perth Glory 0 - 3 Queensland Roar (0-3 @HT)
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