ANZ Stadium will be the major focus this week in the A-League as Alessandro Del Piero plays his 800th competitive match as Sydney take on Perth at the former Olympic stadium.
Last week saw redemption for the Victory and Sydney as both recorded their first wins of the season in their derby clashes against Adelaide United and the Western Sydney Wanderers respectively.
Round 3 also saw Perth Glory and the Newcastle Jets move to the top of the ladder – with Adelaide – after recording vital victories against the Heart and the Mariners.
This week see’s Brisbane return home to take on the Western Sydney Wanderers, the Melbourne Heart taking on the Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide taking on the undefeated Wellington Phoenix.
Who will win, lose or draw this week? Well shanejonessport will cover all 5 games starting with tonight’s match between Newcastle and the Melbourne Victory.
Before doing that though, in the first three round shanejonessport has managed to get 8/15 correct for each of the games. From now on shanejonessport will keep a tally to see how many we get right but at the moment we are getting over 50 percent of matches right.
NEWCASTLE JETS V MELBOURNE VICTORY:
FORM:
Melbourne Victory:
Melbourne Heart 2 – Melbourne Victory 1 (L)
Brisbane 5 – Melbourne Victory 0 (L)
Melbourne Victory 2 – Adelaide 1 
Newcastle:
Newcastle 0 – Adelaide 2 (L)
Sydney 2 – Newcastle 3
Newcastle 2 – Central Coast 1
HEAD TO HEAD:
Newcastle 10 Melbourne 7 Draw 4
Last 5 HEAD TO HEAD
Newcastle 2 Melbourne 3 Draw 0
LAST MATCH:
3rd of March 2012: Melbourne 1 Newcastle 3
SQUADS:
Newcastle Jets: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 3. Tiago CALVANO, 4. Josh MITCHELL, 5. Dominik RITTER, 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 8. Ruben ZADKOVICH, 9. Emile HESKEY, 10. Bernardo RIBEIRO, 12. Josh BRILLANTE, 14. Taylor REGAN, 15. Craig GOODWIN, 16. Jobe WHEELHOUSE (c), 17. James VIRGILI, 19. Michael BRIDGES, 20. Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 22. Adam TAGGART, 23. Ryan GRIFFITHS, 30. Jack DUNCAN (gk).
Melbourne Victory: 1. Tando VELAPHI (GK), 2. Matthew FOSCHINI, 3. Adama TRAORE, 4. Petar FRANJIC, 5. Mark MILLIGAN, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8. Jonathan BRU, 9. Marcos FLORES, 10. Archie THOMPSON, 11. Marco ROJAS, 13. Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15. Sam GALLAGHER, 16. Theo MARKELIS, 17. Jimmy JEGGO, 19. Isaka CERNAK, 23. Adrian LEIJER (c), 39. Nathan COE (GK)
THOUGHTS:
Both teams last week won 2-1 in impressive performances in each of their respective derbies. The Victory defeated cross-state rivals Adelaide United, – who were undefeated before the loss – while the Jets defeated their F3 rivals in the Central Coast Mariners. Despite the win for the Victory, they still provided chances to Adelaide United throughout the match and the Reds couldn’t capitalise on them, allowing the Victory to make them pay. This week, they won’t have that luxury if they give the Jets similar chances. New marquee signing Emile Heskey has scored twice in two weeks, while the wingers for the Jets have caused both the Mariners and Sydney FC problems in the last two weeks. If Melbourne are to get anything out of this match, then stopping Heskey and the wingers are a must. The other problem Melbourne must overcome is their record at Newcastle. In 9 matches, the Jets have won 6 times and lost only twice with the Victory last winning at the venue in 2009. Based on that and the form of the Jets, Newcastle for me will win this game. The team is playing well and with Heskey on a scoring roll, Newcastle should have plenty of chances to score and defeat the Victory.
My Tip: Newcastle 2-0
ADELAIDE V WELLINGTON:
FORM:
Adelaide:
Newcastle 0 – Adelaide 2
Adelaide 1 – Western Sydney 0
Melbourne 2 – Adelaide 1 (L)
Wellington:
Wellington 2 – Sydney 0
Melbourne Heart 1 – Wellington 1 (D)
Wellington 1 – Brisbane 1 (D)
HEAD TO HEAD:
Adelaide 7 Wellington 5 Draw 5
Last 5 HEAD TO HEAD:
Adelaide 1 Wellington 3 Draw 1
LAST MATCH:
3rd of February 2012, Adelaide 1 Wellington 2
SQUADS:
Adelaide United: 1.Eugene Galekovic (gk) (c), 2.Osama Malik, 3.Nigel Boogaard, 5.Iain Fyfe, 6.Cassio, 8.Marcelo Carrusca, 9.Sergio van Dijk, 10.Dario Vidosic, 11.Bruce Djite, 12.Antony Golec, 14.Cameron Watson, 16.Daniel Bowles, 17.Iain Ramsay, 18.Fabian Barbiero, 19.Jake Barker-Daish, 21.Jeronimo Neumann, 22.Fabio Ferreira, 30.John Hall (gk)
Wellington Phoenix: 1. Mark Paston (GK), 2. Manny Muscat, 3. Tony Lochhead, 6. Alex Smith, 7. Leo Bertos, 8. Paul Ifill, 9. Benjamin Totori, 10. Stein Huysegems, 11. Jeremy Brockie, 12. Tyler Boyd, 16. Louis Fenton, 17. Vince Lia, 18. Ben Sigmund, 20. Glen Moss (GK), 22. Andrew Durante (C), 28. Ricardo Clarke
THOUGHTS:
Wellington has surprised many – including me – by starting the season well, despite facing adversities along the way so far this season. A first up win against Sydney was followed by a courageous draw in Melbourne against the Heart with many of their best players out for international duty. Last week the Phoenix performed well again, holding the back to back champions, the Brisbane Roar to a 1-1 draw in Wellington. This week they face the table topping Adelaide United, who after winning their opening two matches, fell to their rivals, the Victory, last week 2-1 in a disappointing performance for the Reds. They had their chances to win the match, but failed to convert them and ultimately payed for it. Recently between the two teams, Wellington has had the advantage winning two of the last three matches at Hindmarsh Stadium against the Reds. Before that, Adelaide had not lost to the Phoenix in 5 matches at home. The key to this match for me is the inclusions for the Reds. Van Dijk, Djite and Barbiero have all been promoted and are likely to play for the Reds this weekend. After all missed the derby, all were disappointed and determined to make amends and Saturday will be there opportunity to do so. Adelaide lacked the killer touch last week and with Djite and Van Dijk back in the squad they will have the options to put pressure on the Phoenix. When you combine Vidosic and Argentinian Jeronimo Neumann in the team, Adelaide has a raft of options capable of scoring goals against the Phoenix defence. Not to be outdone the Phoenix in Huysegems and Ifill have talent in their forward half as well, but for me Adelaide will be out to prove a point and that will be enough for a victory to them.
My Tip: Adelaide 2-1
BRISBANE V WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS:
FORM:
Brisbane:
Perth 1 – Brisbane 0 (L)
Brisbane 5 – Melbourne Victory 0
Wellington 1 – Brisbane 1 (D)
Western Sydney:
Western Sydney 0 – Central Coast 0 (D)
Adelaide 1 – Western Sydney 0 (L)
Western Sydney 0 – Sydney 1 (L)
HEAD TO HEAD:
First ever meeting:
Last 5: HEAD TO HEAD:
First ever meeting:
LAST MATCH:
Not applicable:
SQUADS:
Brisbane Roar: 1. Michael Theo (GK)**, 2. Matt Smith (capt.), 3. Shane Stefanutto, 4. Matt Jurman, 6. Erik Paartalu, 7. Besart Berisha, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 10. Henrique, 11. Ben Halloran, 13. Yuji Takahashi, 14. Rocky Visonte, 16. Do Dong-Hyun, 17. Mitch Nichols, 18. Luke Brattan, 19. Jack Hingert, 20. Matt Acton (GK), 22. Thomas Broich, 24. Nick Fitzgerald.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 1. Ante Covic (GK), 2. Shannon Cole, 3. Adam D’apuzzo, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5. Michael Beauchamp, 6. Jerome Polenz, 7. Labinot Haliti, 8. Mateo Poljak, 10. Aaron Mooy, 11. Tarek Elrich, 12. Tahj Minniecon, 13. Joey Gibbs, 14. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi, 17. Youssouf Hersi, 19. Mark Bridge, 20. Jerrad Tyson (GK), 21. Shinji Ono, 23. Jason Trifiro
THOUGHTS:
270 minutes into the Wanderers first season and so far it’s been 0 goals and 0 wins for the new club. The only positive to come from the West Sydney side is that they have been competitive throughout their opening three matches, despite not scoring or winning a match. This weekend though they face the defending back to back champions in the Brisbane Roar, who have not lost at home in their last 6 matches. Betting agencies has the Roar at the lowest odds of any favourite in the league so far this season, and you have to agree. The Wanderers – who have struggled to score this season – will struggle again to score and their defence will be severely tested by a Brisbane Roar outfit led by the scoring machine in Besart Berisha. There is a doubt over the Albanian but even if he doesn’t play, the Roar should still win. They simply have too much class against the Wanderers and – particularly at home – will be far too strong for the new team.
My Tip: Brisbane 2-0
MELBOURNE HEART V CENTRAL COAST:
FORM:
Melbourne Heart:
Melbourne Heart 2 – Melbourne Victory 1
Melbourne Heart 1 – Wellington 1 (D)
Perth Glory 2 – Melbourne Heart (L)
Central Coast:
Western Sydney 0 – Central Coast 0 (D)
Central Coast 1 – Perth 0
Newcastle 2 – Central Coast 1 (L)
HEAD TO HEAD:
Melbourne Heart 1 Central Coast 5 Draw 1
Last 5: HEAD TO HEAD:
Melbourne Heart 1 Central Coast 3 Draw 1
LAST MEETING:
26th of February 2012, Melbourne Heart 1 Central Coast 0
SQUADS:
Melbourne Heart: 1. Clint Bolton (GK), 2. Michael Marrone, 4. Simon Colosimo, 5. Fred (c), 6. Patrick Gerhardt, 8. Matthew Thompson, 9. Dylan Macallister, 10. Josip Tadic, 11. Richard Garcia, 15. David Williams, 16. Aziz Behich, 17. Jason Hoffman, 18. David Vrankovic, 19. Ben Garuccio, 20. Andrew Redmayne (GK), 21. Steven Gray, 22. Nick Kalmar, 23. Mate Dugandzic
Central Coast Mariners: 1. Mathew Ryan (Gk), 2. Daniel McBreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk, 7. John Hutchinson (c), 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 9. Bernie Ibini, 10. Tomas Rogic, 11. Oliver Bozanic, 12. Troy Hearfield, 13. Brent Griffiths, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 15. Brad McDonald, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 18. Nick Montgomery, 19. Mitchell Duke, 20. Justin Pasfield (Gk), 21. Mile Sterjovski, 23. Adam Kwasnik
THOUGHTS:
The last time these two teams met, the Heart defeated the Mariners for the first time in their club history. Before that, the Mariners had the dominance winning 5 out of the first 6 matches between the two teams. The Heart has also play well at home recently, not losing in their last 8 matches. So for the Mariners it will be tough to gain a result at AAMI Park. The Mariners were unlucky last week against the Jets and could have gained a point or three from the match. This week they will look for redemption against a Heart side that had it’s chances against a Glory side that was just too strong at home. Personally I can’t split these teams, Melbourne’s good form at home, mixed with the Mariners recent performances, means I can’t split these teams. I can see Melbourne maintaining their unbeaten record but not defeating the Mariners, so a draw is the result for me.
My Tip: 1-1
SYDNEY FC V PERTH GLORY:
FORM:
Sydney:
Wellington 2 – Sydney 0 (L)
Sydney 2 – Newcastle 3 (L)
Western Sydney 0 – Sydney 1
HEAD TO HEAD:
Sydney 10 Perth 4 Draw 7
Last 5: HEAD TO HEAD:
Sydney 4 Draw 1 Perth 0
LAST MEETING:
11th of February, 2012: Sydney 2 Perth Glory 1
SQUADS:
Sydney FC: 1. Ivan Necevski (gk), 2. Sebastian Ryall, 3. Fabio Alves, 7. Brett Emerton, 9. Paul Reid, 10. Alessandro Del Piero, 12. Blake Powell, 14. Mitch Mallia, 15. Terry McFlynn, 17. Terry Antonis, 18. Trent McClenahan, 19. Kruno Lovrek, 20. Vedran Janjetovic (gk), 21. Yairo Yau, 22. Ali Abbas, 23. Rhyan Grant, 25. Daniel Petkovski
Perth Glory: 1.Danny Vukovic (gk), 3.Bas van den Brink, 4.Billy Mehmet, 5.Steve Pantelidis, 6.Nick Ward, 7.Jacob Burns (c), 8.Dean Heffernan, 10.Liam Miller, 11.Adrian Zahra, 13.Travis Dodd, 14.Steven McGarry, 15.Brandon O’Neill, 17.Chris Harold, 18.Jesse Makarounas, 19.Josh Risdon, 21.Scott Jamieson, 22.Ndumba Makeche, 23.Michael Thwaite, 30 Lewis Italiano (gk)
THOUGHTS:
In previous meetings between the two, Perth has performed poorly against the Sky Blues. Not only have they not beaten Sydney in the A-League since 2009, but the Glory has only won twice in it’s ten meetings against Sydney in Sydney. Luckily for them, the match is being played at ANZ Stadium, because of the re-surfacing of Allianz Stadium. This match will be a big litmus test for the league, playing in an 80,000 seat stadium. If they get 50,000 because of Del Piero it will be regarded as a massive coup for the league, however any less than 30,000 and the whole argument will be raised about the need to play at the large capacity stadium. Speaking of Del Piero, the Italian has started well, scoring two goals in three games and is about to make his 800th appearance overall. His presence to the club has certainly raised the players and the fans around him and many of Sydney’s wins this year will be based around the aura of having him in the team. In regards to this match however, I can see a similar thing occurring to the Heart and Mariners contest. Perth are a well drilled team and play very well defensively. As a result I feel Sydney will struggle to break them down and score the goals needed to win. On the other hand, I feel Perth, because of their poor record, will struggle to win the match against the Blues. I can see them drawing because of their defence, but I can’t see them winning. So to me, this match also ends in a draw this weekend.
My Tip: 1-1 draw.
That’s it for this week’s preview, shanejonessport will be back next week to preview Round 5 of the A-League.
ShaneJonessport 