Queensland Roar v Adelaide UnitedPerth Glory v Sydney FC
After a week's break due to World Cup Qualifiers, the A-League action continues with some tasty clashes to satisfy our taste buds. Opening Round 8 is the match of the round between Australia's Asian Champions League hopefuls Adelaide United, and the Queensland Roar. In other games, Newcastle will attempt to make amends for their 5-0 thrashing earlier in the season in the hands of Melbourne Victory, Central Coast will attempt to fill their boots against lowly Wellington, whereas Perth will be gunning for three points (against Sydney) in the hope that they can get themselves off the foot of the table.
Friday, October 17
Queensland Roar (5th) v Adelaide United (3rd)
Summary: Following another break from domestic football, Queensland and Adelaide would of had the opportunity to rest some old, ailing bodies and get them sharp and suited for this Round 8 contest. Both teams have been poor in their respective ways with Queensland yet to record a win at home (0-1-2) and Adelaide yet to record a win away (0-1-2) with only 1 goal scored on their travels. In Round 7, Queensland will consider themselves unfortunate after dominating at Sydney, only to relinquish their grasp on a sure 3 points by allowing Stuart Musialik to equalize deep into injury time, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Adelaide were in an even more giving mood, allowing Central Coast to claw their way back from 3 goals down, eventually settling for a dramatic 3-3 draw. The Reds went a long way though in putting that dissapointment behind them, defeating Uzbekistan side Bunyodkor 3-0 in the first leg of the Asian Champions League semi-finals.
Queensland
In: Josh McCloughlan
Out: Sergio Van Dijk, Robbie Kruse
Adelaide
In: Mark Birighitti
Out: Diego, Eugene Galekovic
Form:
Queensland
Oct 4, 2008 A-League Sydney FC 1 - 1 Queensland Roar
Sep 28, 2008 A-League Melbourne Victory 0 - 2 Queensland Roar
Sep 19, 2008 A-League Queensland Roar 0 - 1 Newcastle Jets
Sep 14, 2008 A-League Perth Glory 0 - 3 Queensland Roar
Aug 31, 2008 A-League Queensland Roar 2 - 4 Central Coast
Adelaide
Oct 8, 2008 AFC Adelaide United 3 - 0 FC Bunyodkor
Oct 3, 2008 A-League Adelaide United 3 - 3 Central Coast
Sep 27, 2008 A-League Adelaide United 2 - 0 Newcastle Jets
Sep 24, 2008 AFC Champions League Adelaide United 1 - 0 Kashima
Sep 20, 2008 A-League Sydney FC 3 - 0 Adelaide United
Verdict: A trend has began to appear with Adelaide United and their games prior to an important Asian Champions League fixture. Adelaide have only collected 1pt from a possible 9 in these respective games against a 10-man Melbourne (0-1), Sydney (0-3) and Central Coast (3-3) respectively. Queensland have been in decent form in recent weeks, punishing league leaders Melbourne 2-0 and outplaying high-flying Sydney United, only to concede a goal at the death. It looks like Queensland have finally hit their straps though and with an Adelaide team likely to hand 17 year-old Mark Birighitti his debut in goals, Queensland have the perfect opportunity to push up the table.
Pick: Queensland - 0-0.5
Queensland 0 - 1 Adelaide United
Sunday, October 19
Perth Glory (8th) v Sydney FC (3rd)
Summary: A huge fixture beckons for both sides as recent results have been well below par, especially for hosts Perth Glory. Perth have conceded 8 goals in their last 2 fixtures, 4-0 to Melbourne and 4-1 to Central Coast, cementing their place at the foot of the table on a measly 4pts from a possible 21. Sydney have faired alot better this season, sitting pretty on 12pts and acquiring 3rd spot on the ladder. A win here will return them back to the top of the table but they must first improve significantly on their recent form. A dissapointing 2-1 away loss to lowly Wellington and a last gasp equalizer at home to Queensland is not the form of a team aspiring to win the championship.
Form:
Perth
Oct 4, 2008 A-League Melbourne Victory 4 - 0 Perth Glory
Sep 26, 2008 A-League Central Coast 4 - 1 Perth Glory
Sep 21, 2008 A-League Perth Glory 1 - 0 Wellington Phoenix
Sep 14, 2008 A-League Perth Glory 0 - 3 Queensland Roar
Aug 31, 2008 A-League Sydney FC 5 - 2 Perth Glory
Sydney
Oct 4, 2008 A-League Sydney FC 1 - 1 Queensland Roar
Sep 28, 2008 A-League Wellington Phoenix 2 - 1 Sydney FC
Sep 20, 2008 A-League Sydney FC 3 - 0 Adelaide United
Sep 13, 2008 A-League Newcastle Jets 0 - 0 Sydney FC
Aug 31, 2008 A-League Sydney FC 5 - 2 Perth Glory
Perth
In: Amaral, Foxe
Out:
Sydney
In: Santalab
Out: Brosque, Bolton
Verdict: The two week lay off has proven fruitful for struggling Perth Glory, with experienced centre-half Hayden Foxe and key midfielder Amaral both returning to fitness. Amaral will especially be a welcome addition as Perth have only found the net twice since he was struck down with a hamstring injury in Round 3. In total contrast to Perth, Sydney have lost key men - goalkeeper Clint Bolton and top goalscorer Alex Brosque. A combination of injuries and current form makes Sydney very vulnerable for this fixture, and a desperate Perth will see this as the perfect opportunity to knock off one of the 'big boys' and get their belated season back on track.
Pick: Perth +0.5
Perth 2 - 1 Sydney
No comments:
Post a Comment