Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory
Hindmarsh Stadium
What will be a very tough encounter, on the basis of revenge. Adelaide losing in the finals of last season hurt, and will be out to challenge for the title this year. Adelaide so far have been underperforming, but only just however their performances are deserving of a better placing. Melbourne have been disappointing so far, and have yet to please their large fan base. Hopefully Hernandez and Thompson can perform for Melbourne, and hopefully Dodd, Cristiano and Owusu can step up and please their fans. If I had to pick a winner, it would be Adelaide by the slimmest of margins, as they have the home advantage, however my actual prediction would be for a draw.
Draw 1-1
Central Coast Mariners vs Gold Coast United
Bluetoungue Stadium
Central Coast will be out to do what their F3 derby rivals did back in August however Gold Coast will be just too strong for the Mariners. Snatching draws against Sydney and Newcastle shows that they can do better despite being the less dominating side in a match, however Gold Coast have amassed wins against North Queensland (5-0), Brisbane (3-1) and Sydney (2-1) which shows that they have a great attacking approach and can defeat the toughest sides. After all they did defeat Fulham at Skilled Park 2-1, so they might as well just go and play in the EPL. Macallister and Mrdja will be key if the Mariners are to snatch anything from the match, however the Gold Coast strikers of Smeltz and Culina should prove too hot to handle.
Gold Coast 2-0
Wellington Phoenix vs North Queensland Fury
Westpac Stadium
Despite winning against Sydney AT Sydney, North Queensland will be thinking to far if they believe that this is the start of something. An underpowered team has the likes of Robbie Fowler, who is very dangerous at times, but he is backed up by players who is just not all that cut out for the A-League. Having said that, Wellington are currently unable to really find the net, especially winners, after drawing 3 out of their last 4 matches, and in all of them, they had the chance to go on and win it. It should be a great match for anyone who travels to the Westpac Stadium to watch the match.
Draw 1-1
Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets
Sydney Football Stadium
Following a heavy loss to the Roar, it seems that Newcastle seem to struggle against any team that takes an attacking approach. With the current top 3 teams in the comp all sporting an attacking mindset, it seems unlikely that the Jets will be able to defeat Sydney at their own stomping ground. Having said that, the Jets are still the only team to defeat the Gold Coast United team, which shows the potential that the team has, especially in their youth. As such Sean Rooney will need step up, working along side Petrovski could give the Jets a surprise win in Sydney. The Sky Blues are coming back on a 2 match winning streak and will want to turn their horrid performance last week to a win here. Aloisi needs to up his game, especially if he wishes to claim a spot in the 2010 World Cup squad. Kofi Danning will be once again closely watched, as his performances have equated to goals and wins. In my opinion, with the Cove behind them, Sydney will easily be able to defeat the Novocastrians.
Sydney 1-0
Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory
Suncorp Stadium
On the back of a great performance away at Newcastle, the Roar look like Championship contenders. Their squad is filled with A-League superstars, and even potential Socceroos. With the crowd behind them, there is really nothing stopping the Roar taking this match. Glory still have Jelic and Sterjovski, who have shown in previous matches that they have a great partnership up front, boosted by Burns and Shroj in the mids. Velaphi will be key in the match if they wish to repeat their Round 6 performance, as the veteran shot stopper will be once again up for the challenge.
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