A-League preview and talking points: Round 14

As Perth pounced and Newcastle were nuked at home, Round 13 of the A-League, the first of the new year, has finished and now Round 14 is upon us before the competition is on hiatus for the Asian Cup.

Brisbane and Sydney FC played out a goalless draw, the same as Western Sydney and the Mariners, and the Glory cemented their spot at the top of the ladder.

Round 14 began in Wollongong on Saturday night, with Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets battling it out in fifth versus ninth, with both clubs struggling. The match finished in a goalless draw.

Wellington Phoenix versus Brisbane Roar: Flying phoenix
No Nathan Burns but no worries for Wellington, especially when Tyler Boyd is in the mood to finish. Boyd scored two late and spectacular goals as the Phoenix saw off Adelaide 3-1 and the Kiwis will be favourites for another victory on home soil.

The Roar ship has been steadied in recent weeks, a pair of draws coming after a win over the Reds. Brisbane isn’t playing the scintillating football of last season but they are becoming tougher to beat, a welcome sight considering the talent they are missing. But the Phoenix continue to impress and surprise, especially their Dutch talisman Roly Bonevacia. Wellington should be too strong at the Cake Tin for the Roar.

Central Coast Mariners versus Melbourne City: City rising
One team in a form slump, the other in a spell of good form. Melbourne City have turned a corner with victories over Newcastle, Victory and Brisbane. John van ‘t Schip will be keen to keep this going over a side that is struggling to score goals.

Aaron Mooy was unlucky to miss the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad but Australia’s loss is City’s gain. The midfielder is finding the back of the net and when partnered with Erik Paartalu, City have a mobile and skilful midfield that will give any team a contest. Tando Velaphi is making the most of his chance in goal, all City needs now is some regular goalscorers up front.

What the Mariners would give for some of those as well. Matt Simon has found his scoring boots but other in-form marksmen are rare on the Coast. The Mariners are averaging just 0.7 goals a game, a return just not good enough for the A-League or any other competition for that matter. Phil Moss needs the likes of Mitch Duke and Nick Fitzgerald to fire for Central Coast to get its season back on track.

Perth Glory versus Adelaide United: Glory days
The Glory bandwagon rolls on in the west with Perth now seven points clear at the top. They were too good for Victory in Geelong and their next test comes in the form of a struggling Adelaide, who have lost three of their past four.

It’s true that Adelaide haven’t been playing badly, in fact they have dominated most of these games and have been creating chances, but just find it hard to find the back of the net. An influx of returning players should help, especially the likes of Nigel Boogard and Tarek Elrich to shore up the defence.

Perth has only lost one game this season and that was against Adelaide. If they can beat the Reds this time round it will be hard to see anyone stopping them from claiming the Premier’s Plate at this point. Adelaide’s pretty passing and fluid movement will cause them problems but the Glory’s back five, in particular centre backs Thwaite and Djublic, are in great touch and will be ready for the battle.

Western Sydney versus Melbourne Victory
The fans aren’t happy, the players aren’t happy, Tony Popovic isn’t happy – where did it all go wrong at Wanderland? The club’s Champions League success seems like a lifetime ago as their winless run domestically stretches to 11 games. Something has to give and a squad cleanout is expected in January. The Wanderers’ visa players have largely flattered to deceive while they’ll also have to do without both Tomi Juric and Matt Spiranovic in this game, with both on international duty.

Victory aren’t in a Western Sydney-like funk but they are in a bit of a slump with losses to Perth and City in the past three weeks. Defensively is where the problems lie, with Nathan Coe and Adrian Leijer both at fault for goals against Perth. Victory has high standards and will be expecting to win this one. Several players had off games in Geelong but this is unlikely to be repeated at Parramatta Stadium. I’m expecting the Wanderers malaise to continue on Tuesday.

source:theroar.com.au