The Weekly Wanderer: Finals Football Preview?

It’s 2nd versus 3rd this Saturday night as the Wanderers look to topple Adelaide in front of a packed out Pirtek crowd.

Just 3 points separate 1st from 4th, a margin so small in which neither side can afford to slip-up. Ironically, the top four sides are set to face each other this weekend.

Tony Popovic’s men enter this contest after a fortnight of mixed results away from home. Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle resembled Western Sydney’s season in a nutshell. While sights on goal come in abundance, the goals cannot follow suit. It’s dangerous, and has cost the Wanderers all three points on plenty of occasions this season. As a result, with the Premier’s Plate still in reach, a victory this Saturday night is crucial.

United on the other hand had their 14-match unbeaten run ended courtesy of Melbourne City last weekend. It was the result that every other A-League club wanted to see. After Adelaide’s slow start to the season left many questioning Guillermo Amor’s philosophy and direction, the Spaniard responded in emphatic fashion. The Reds sit two points shy of top spot and can reclaim this should results swing their way this weekend.

As far as player news goes, while the South Australian side will be without Jordan Elsey (suspended) for this weekend’s encounter, Tony Popovic will welcome the option of Gol Gol Mebrahtu back in his attack. As a result, with both teams set to feature near full-strength starting elevens, this is sure to be a fantastic match of football.

Three points for either side could spell significant ramifications toward the race for the Premier’s Plate. And as this becomes the tightest title race in A-League history, it’s safe to say that neither side will settle for a draw. Finals football is in the air and this weekend, we’ll get a little taste of it.