Motivation aplenty in A-League elimination finals
Week one of the A-League finals promises plenty of fireworks with no shortage of motivation for the four teams fighting to keep their seasons alive.
On Sunday night it's a repeat of last week's crazy nine-goal thriller as Melbourne City host Perth Glory at AAMI Stadium. Will Liam Reddy remember he's not a midfielder? Will it rain goals again? Let's hope so.
Sunday, April 23
Melb City v Glory - AAMI Park 7pm (AEST)
It's hard to know what to take out of last week's clash, with many experts describing Perth's 5-4 victory as the craziest game the A-League has ever seen. I think it's safe to assume Liam Reddy won't be going on any suicidal goalkeeping runs again!
Like the Wanderers on Friday night, City know a win against Perth could set up a Melbourne derby showdown against Victory in the semi-finals and the players have admitted it's a huge motivational factor.
City have the added bonus of home ground advantage against Perth, however, they are yet to win a game against the Glory this season (two losses, one draw), with one defeat on their own patch coming back in October.
DESTINED FOR GLORY: Djulbic says Perth have mental edge over City
Glory's Andy Keogh (12 goals this season) was the hat-trick hero on that occasion and with Diego Castro and Adam Taggert (12 goals apiece) in tandem, City may have their hands full again in defence.
In Bruno Fornaroli and Tim Cahill though, City have two players with proven experience deciding contests; the Uruguayan with his predatory instincts in front of goal and the Aussie with the uncanny ability to pop up with a winner.
WHY CITY WILL WIN
They've already clinched silverware this season with victory in the FFA Cup, they have a parochial Melbourne crowd behind them and possess two x-factor players in Fornaroli and Cahill who can turn a game on its head.
WHY GLORY WILL WIN
The mental advantage of being undefeated against City this season, form at AAMI Park (six goals in last two visits) and the attacking trio of Keogh, Castro and Taggart will keep City guessing all match.
PREDICTION: City 3 - Glory 2 (after extra time)