Christmas is aces right? But we must move on. It’s time to get back to the program, with the W-League back and soccer on the tele. There are a glut of games on Friday, because I’m guessing even soccer players enjoy new years eve? So if you want to stay in Friday, to prepare for a big weekend with New Years festivities, you should be sorted. You’ve got the first game starting at 5.20pm on Fox Sports (not sure which one or if it is streamed but hey! Guessing channels can be fun too right?), followed by another at 8.00pm to follow on Twitter and for the night owls, a game at 10.00pm on Twitter (this game between Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar will be this weeks block buster though, so totally worth it if you feel like constantly refreshing the twitter #PERvBRI).
Don’t worry there also be a game to bring in the New Years, on the Monday at 5.20pm, with this one accessible if you are still unable to steal someone’s foxtel account (or your ‘rents refuse to splurge on the sport package).
Anyway here are my predictions. They probably won’t be getting any better over the New Year. But this year has been pretty rad, even with predictions my Nan could probably do better with. Enjoy!
Round 9
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets – Friday 29th December 5.20pm on Fox Sports
Newcastle are strong this season. There is no doubt. Their ability to hold possession and create in the midfield is some of the best in the league. If Melbourne stand a chance, their defence is going to have to figure out how to cut out the balls coming in through to Newcastle’s forwards. Melbourne have their own creative players up front who could create havoc on Newcastle, however the Jet’s defence are quick and good. Whilst Melbourne won’t be a pushover, Newcastle should have this one.
Prediction: Melbourne Victory 0 – 2 Newcastle Jets
Adelaide United v Sydney FC – Friday 29th December 8.00pm
Sydney are coming off a four run winning streak, meanwhile Adelaide are stuck on the bottom of the table. On paper and current form, Sydney should ease past their opponent much like we wish those pair of jeans did after this Christmas season. However don’t discount Adelaide. They have shown before they are a second half of the season team, giving Sydney a thrashing last year in one of the later rounds after a worse start to the 2016/2017 season. I like underdogs, but I also like Sydney more, and can’t see how Adelaide’s defence will deal with Sydney’s counters with so many players running at them in the choreographed moves Sydney pulled against Canberra last round.
Prediction: Sydney FC 4 – 1 Adelaide United
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar – Friday 29th 10.00pm
Big game. The biggest. Well for this week at least. Brisbane pip Perth for the top place by two points, so whoever gets the points from this game will likely gain the top position. What is almost certain though is this will be another blockbuster, much like Perth’s game against Newcastle last round was. Brisbane will likely win the midfield, and Katrina Gorry will dictate play. But can Perth’s attack of Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill make up for the likely lack of possession, to create the chances and goals to pull ahead of Brisbane. Both teams seem to have a fire in their belly this year, with both striving for that top position. Neither side will back down easily, and expect some late goal drama. It’ll be a late night if you’re following this game on Twitter. For some reason, Brisbane have endeared me this season with their reactions post-game when they have won key games. They seem to be playing game-to-game, treating each as a final and it is evident every win for them is important. For this reason I’m going to back the team in orange.
Prediction: Perth Glory 2 – 3 Brisbane Roar
Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City – Monday 1st Jan 5.20pm on Fox Sports and SBS Viceland
Start your year right, turn your tv onto Fox Sports or SBS Viceland and watch this game. City will still be licking their wounds after being dominated by Brisbane last round. Meanwhile the Wanderers are coming off a late win against Adelaide. On paper this game is a bit like David and Goliath. The Wanderers only have a handful of international players, with many in their first season for the club. Unlike City, who are stacked with Matildas and international players, most who have played together before this season’s start. City should dominate the midfield and possession, however football is a game of goals, and I think the Wanderers could get some. Blunders at the back have cost City at times this year, and the Wanderers could yet exploit this.
Prediction: Western Sydney Wanderers 2 – 1 Melbourne City
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 