Finals – Week One
After 27 rounds of scintillating action the finals commence. Whether you are a fan of the finals concept shouldn’t really matter over the next few weeks, we are more than likely to see some great football. Plus how else is the FFA going to fill their pockets?
Au Revoir Harry
With his half time reckless actions last week Novillo more than likely made his last appearance in a Melbourne City shirt. The Frenchman received a two week ban for his part in the untidy melee and will now essentially miss two very important clashes. Novillo would only return this season if City is to make the Grand Final and on current form that is highly unlikely. Does this hinder City’s title hopes? Not overly, Novillo has been down and form lately and really struggled against Perth last time out. Novillo is like your smoking mate you bring to the pub after work, he misses all the action/conversation whilst he is standing by himself hanging out the front. City will miss Harry but his omission isn’t a game changer.
Bes is Back!
No whilst it would be unfair of us to suggest Besart Berisha has been allowed to play this weekend against his old club it does certainly appear that way. Even some Victory fans don’t buy the re-evaluated sanction. Whilst Brisbane has done well ignoring the situation this week they would be privately seething the FFA change of heart. This entire situation would’ve been avoided if Berisha had only received a one week sanction for his behaviour in the first instance and there would be no talking points or conspiracy theories. As this is not the case we will continue to link the fact Berisha is playing with better potential ticket prices and we all know where the finals money goes to.
Melbourne Cup Campaign
You can’t help but feel worried about Victory and how they seem to have collected form at just the right time. Whilst no team wants to finish sixth, Victory is probably the strongest sixth placed team we have ever seen. With Archie Thompson possibly farewelling the league the motivation is strong for a Victory squad that will be significantly different next season. Maybe Victory is timing their run perfectly.
Is Perth Finished?
Losing 4-0 to any team isn’t great and when you look at Sydney’s form this season 4-0 is the equivalent of losing six or seven nil but even though a home final was on the line for Perth last week they were never in the hunt last week. Diego Castro was rested last week and will return along with Chris Harold who will provide the missing spark from last week. Two weeks ago Perth played the perfect game against City when why closed down Fornaroli and Mooy and played a physical game against the leagues prettiest team. If Kenny Lowe implores the same tactics Perth is a big chance of winning.
Who Wins This Week
Before a ball has been kicked Ticketek are the big winners with fans having to pay a $4.55 fee for the courtesy of using their website and printing tickets at home (or work). When you consider how many transactions will be made over the next three weeks this ticket company enjoys finals more than anyone else around.
I can’t see Brisbane losing at home and City should be too good for Perth on Sunday.
Brisbane 2-1
City 3-2 (in Extra Time)
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