What a terrific A-League season we have witnessed.
Australian football fans have been spoilt by the wizardry of Diego Castro, the clinical finishing of Bruno Fornaroli and Aaron Mooy’s outstanding creativity.
Throw into the mix Brisbane’s resurgence under John Aloisi and Adelaide United’s barnstorming run of form and it’s one of, if not the most memorable season the A-League has ever had in its 11-year existence.
As the season draws to a climax there’s everything to play for, with the top five separated by just four points.
Here’s a close look at how the top six may pan out come the end of round 27:
Brisbane Roar – 47 points
Melbourne Victory (A)
A stern test for Brisbane, who will do battle against a Melbourne Victory outfit who have improved at exactly the right time. Not a happy hunting ground for the Roar, after just three wins in 11 years away to last season’s reigning champions.
DRAW: 1-1
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Adelaide United – 46 points
Melbourne City (A)
The Reds face a difficult task of claiming a top two spot on Friday night when they come up against free-scoring Melbourne City. Their opponents will be reeling from their 3-2 loss away to Perth and on home soil they should edge United.
LOSS: 2-1
Western Sydney Wanderers – 45 points
Wellington Phoenix (A)
This will be not be an easy task for the Wanderers, who come up against a Wellington side looking to end the season on a high and vindicate why they had their licensed renewed. However, Western Sydney’s ability on the counter-attack should be enough to claim all three points.
WIN: 2-0
Melbourne City – 44 points
Adelaide United (H)
City were found out by a rampaging Perth Glory outfit, however their limp performance could be a blessing in disguise for them on Friday night. That reality check, after all the pundits put them into title favouritism, should see them respond strongly at fortress AAMI Park.
WIN: 2-1
Perth Glory – 43 points
Sydney FC (A)
The Sky Blues’ second half of the season has been nothing short of a nightmare and for Perth have enjoyed the polar opposite. Glory are scoring goals for fun and they will be determined to demolished a hapless Sydney outfit and put themselves into calculations for a home final.
WIN: 3-0
Melbourne Victory – 40 points
Brisbane Roar (H)
Victory have renewed optimism ahead of the finals and with key players returning from injury and others playing themselves into form, they will pose a threat to any side. Brisbane have a flaky record away to Victory and on home soil will fancy their chances of getting a result, despite their midweek trip to South Korea.
DRAW: 1-1
Final predicted top six
1. Western Sydney Wanderers – 48 (GD: 11)
2. Brisbane Roar – 48 (GD: 9)
3. Melbourne City – 47 (GD: 22)
4. Perth Glory – 46 (GD: 14 – scored more goals than Adelaide)
5. Adelaide United – 46 (GD: 14)
6. Melbourne Victory – 41 (GD: 7)
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