SiN
01-04-2008, 01:20 AM
The Melbourne Victory meets the first placed team for the second week in a row on Saturday night. Queensland Roar hit the top of the ladder after beating Perth 4 - 1 and watching the Victory wreak havoc on the Central Coast Mariners.
The Roar may be first, but they’re far from secure. Goal difference is all that sets them above the Mariners, who meet the Perth Glory this weekend. Meanwhile, Sydney FC is trailing by just three points.
Queensland need to come away from Saturday’s match with full points.
But they’ll have to deal with the Victory, who came alive on Monday in a confidence-building performance against Central Coast.
Lack of pressure helped Melbourne win that game, and it seems Ernie Merrick is keen to emphasise that this week is another no-pressure affair:
“It’s important for us to make things difficult for teams to get in the finals now and try and build up some momentum leading into the Asian Champions League and to back up that performance, but I think it’s all a bit late to get to the finals.” (The Age)
Given the success of last week’s lineup, it’s hard to imagine Merrick doing anything to change it, even though Carlos Hernández is available again after serving his one match suspension. Nick Ward and Leigh Broxham worked well together in the midfield, while Danny Allsopp emphatically declared why he should keep his spot in the starting 11. Adrian Caceres may perhaps be pulled back to the bench, although he proved once again on Monday that he has the poise and precision to score goals.
All indications are that Merrick will not alter the starting line-up. Carlos Hernandez and Steven Pace will probably take their place on the bench, replacing Joe Keenan and Grant Brebner, both of whom are struggling with injury.
Frank Farina will be missing Craig Moore (suspended), Danny Tiato and goalkeeper Liam Reddy (injury), but has young Michael Zullo back after a six-week break. Reddy’s absence, due to a broken thumb, gives Griffin McMaster his A-League debut.
Once again, Melbourne faces a top of the ladder team missing key players. Can they replicate last week’s form?
Something tells me this is going to be a much tougher match than the Central Coast Mariners. I’m tipping a hopeful 3 - 1 for Melbourne.
The Roar may be first, but they’re far from secure. Goal difference is all that sets them above the Mariners, who meet the Perth Glory this weekend. Meanwhile, Sydney FC is trailing by just three points.
Queensland need to come away from Saturday’s match with full points.
But they’ll have to deal with the Victory, who came alive on Monday in a confidence-building performance against Central Coast.
Lack of pressure helped Melbourne win that game, and it seems Ernie Merrick is keen to emphasise that this week is another no-pressure affair:
“It’s important for us to make things difficult for teams to get in the finals now and try and build up some momentum leading into the Asian Champions League and to back up that performance, but I think it’s all a bit late to get to the finals.” (The Age)
Given the success of last week’s lineup, it’s hard to imagine Merrick doing anything to change it, even though Carlos Hernández is available again after serving his one match suspension. Nick Ward and Leigh Broxham worked well together in the midfield, while Danny Allsopp emphatically declared why he should keep his spot in the starting 11. Adrian Caceres may perhaps be pulled back to the bench, although he proved once again on Monday that he has the poise and precision to score goals.
All indications are that Merrick will not alter the starting line-up. Carlos Hernandez and Steven Pace will probably take their place on the bench, replacing Joe Keenan and Grant Brebner, both of whom are struggling with injury.
Frank Farina will be missing Craig Moore (suspended), Danny Tiato and goalkeeper Liam Reddy (injury), but has young Michael Zullo back after a six-week break. Reddy’s absence, due to a broken thumb, gives Griffin McMaster his A-League debut.
Once again, Melbourne faces a top of the ladder team missing key players. Can they replicate last week’s form?
Something tells me this is going to be a much tougher match than the Central Coast Mariners. I’m tipping a hopeful 3 - 1 for Melbourne.