A-League Week 2 Finals Preview
Week 1 of the A-League finals produced some highly dramatic and intense football.
Melbourne Victory cruelly disposed of rivals Sydney FC 2-1 in the ‘Big Blue’, while the Mariners grinded out a 1-0 victory over Adelaide United.
Consequently, there are another two mouthwatering fixtures on offer this weekend, as the Wanderers host the Mariners in a grand-final replay, while premiers Brisbane take on the Victory at Suncorp Stadium.
What will also heat up these matches is that for the first time, three of the four teams left standing are also competing in the Asian Champions League.
This variable will surely contribute to the unpredictable nature that embodies the A-League finals series.
While the results of these fixtures are extremely difficult to envisage, there is no doubt that each will be an extremely tight affair that will leave both the players and fans biting their nails.
Western Sydney Wanderers (2nd) v Central Coast Mariners FC (3rd) - Pirtek Stadium - Saturday 26th of April – 6:30 PM Kick Off
Previous encounters this season
Mariners 1-1 Wanderers
Wanderers 2-0 Mariners
Mariners 2-1 Wanderers
Form (Last 5 Matches)
Wanderers – D W L D W
Mariners – W W L W W
The Western Sydney Wanderers will clash with the Central Coast Mariners in what should be an exhilarating contest.
Despite defeating Adelaide last week, the Mariners were not at their best and did not produce the kind of football they are capable of.
Adelaide dominated possession but they struggled to penetrate a solid Mariners backline.
What proved to be the eventual difference in the match was that when the Mariners had the ball, they were positive and always looked to play forward.
The Mariners were emblematic of the modern term of ‘effective possession’. They maintained their concentration in defence, continually denying Adelaide space in behind.
This style forced Adelaide to turnover the ball in tight areas, allowing the Mariners to counter effectively through the pace of Mitch Duke and Bernie Ibini.
While the Mariners may not have played the most entertaining brand of football, their expert organization matched by their exceptional counter-attacking ability is what separated the two sides – and this is exactly what they will need to do against the Wanderers.
The Wanderers, fresh from a week off and in high-spirits after their 5-0 ACL thrashing of Guizhou Renhewill no doubt be the favourites for this match.
Western Sydney also have the home advantage and while Pirtek Stadium has not been as much of a well-protected fortress like last season, it is nonetheless the most ominous and daunting pitch to travel to in the league.
The difference in this match will be which side can break down the others compact defence and capitalise on turnovers in possession.
While execution in transition will be a critical factor, a diabolical travel diary will also play a factor for the Mariners.
The Mariners play Japanese champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan on Wednesday and arrive home on Friday, barley 24 hours before they take the field at Parramatta Stadium.
Brisbane Roar (1st) v Melbourne Victory (4th) – Suncorp Stadium – Sunday 27th of April – 5:00 PM Kick off
Previous encounters this season
Melbourne 1-0 Brisbane
Melbourne 0-3 Brisbane
Brisbane 1-0 Melbourne
Form (Last 5 Matches)
Brisbane Roar – D W W D L
Melbourne Victory – L D D W W
This week's second final sees a mouthwatering contest between premiers Brisbane Roar and an in-form Melbourne Victory.
At this point in time Kevin Muscat's side is not only looking title contenders, but they are playing like it as well.
Despite Tuesday's loss in the ACL, the Victory will still have confidence running through their veins with each member of the squad buzzing to take on Brisbane.
Melbourne's exciting attacking prowess was showcased last weekend when they cruelly defeated traditional rivals Sydney FC at Etihad Stadium.
Melbourne's movement and quick combinations in the final third is what has come to fruition in the last few weeks, and is what makes them such a threatening force right now.
The sharp interchange between their front three is of the highest level. Melbourne’s ability to counter at pace and effectively combine their 10, 9, 7 and 11 is breathtaking.
The one-two passing between Thompson, Finkler and Barbarouses is devastating, and with Troisi always looking a danger, the Roar will not have an easy task on their hands.
However, lets not forget who Melbourne’s opposition is.
Premiers Brisbane has consistently produced impeccable displays this season with their possession-based game and free-flowing attack.
At times the Roar have struggled to break down opponents, such as the Mariners and Wanderers, who set up compact and tight defensive blocks.
However, Melbourne is unlikely to do so and this should allow Brisbane to exploit the Victory’s constant willingness to attack.
Brisbane is a side that have no problem with being patient, demonstrating countless times this season their ability to control possession at a fast-paced tempo and in advanced areas of the pitch.
With prolific striker Besart Berisha fit, Brisbane's attack will be fully loaded. The combination of Broich, Berisha and Petratos will bring plenty of flair against a Melbourne backline that has been inconsistent this season.
It will be an intriguing contest, as Brisbane’s possession-based game meets a Melbourne side with a willingness to attack. This may expose the Victory defence and could paradoxically be the Victory’s downfall.