So the fixture list is against me and Prediction Thursday right, with a game yesterday it just mucks up with things. But any who, you’ve got a quick match summary and will just have to trust me when I say I would have predicted a draw against Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets. (OK, OK I might… might have backed Sydney..)
There are some stellar games being played this weekend. My pick of the bunch? I’m going to go with Canberra United v Adelaide United, sure there are other games that will probably have greater impact on the top four, but the winner of this game I think will really press on for the rest of this season and challenge title contenders of Newcastle, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and City.
What do you reckon? Which game will be the best to watch? Which game will have the most impact on the league?
Sydney FC 2 – 2 Newcastle Jets
Yesterday arvo
A top of the table clash, and gee it lived up to the hype! Whilst I was legit on the side of Sydney FC and hoping for a solid win, my logical side knew somewhere deep (DEEP) inside this was likely to be a draw. Man I wish my logical side didn’t win so often. This game had everything, absolute pearls of goals, a penalty (it wouldn’t be a Sydney game if there wasn’t one for either side) and last minute efforts to prevent the draw. Whilst I could argue Sydney should have won, they had the chances to bury the game guys but they didn’t take them, a draw is probably a fair result. One key, and devastating moment, of the game was Amy Harrison going down towards the end of the second half clutching her knee. After just coming back this season from a long lay off due to an ACL injury, it looks like she might have ACL and MCL on her other knee. Hopefully she gets some good news and wish her a good recovery. Knee injuries suck.
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Friday 5th January, 5.20pm on SBS ViceLand and Fox Sports
Brisbane are living up to their name, they are roaring. Meanwhile Melbourne are in search for a Victory to keep any hopes of finishing in or around the top four alive. I love an underdog, and it would be brilliant to see Melbourne beat Brisbane, you know just to continue this season’s narrative of any team can beat anyone on their day. The problem Melbourne face is Brisbane have a mean defence, who have given up a measly eight goals all season (the best in the league thus far), and Melbourne really struggle to score. This game might not have heaps of goals, but it will nonetheless be a good one, even if it is to see Brisbane win to solidify their spot at the top of the table.
Prediction: Brisbane Roar 2 – 0 Melbourne Victory
Canberra United v Adelaide United
Sunday 7th January, 4.30pm
Both teams need a win. Canberra to make a last ditch effort to get into the top four, Adelaide mostly for pride right now. Last week Adelaide fought and were only just pipped at the post for valuable points against Sydney. If last season is any indication, Adelaide is a team who comes into form at end of the season team, so forget table standings. Adelaide won’t bow easily to Canberra despite the current point difference. Meanwhile Canberra have been a side hampered by injuries. One player they have been sorely missing, and likely to return for this game, is Ash Sykes. With that extra outlet upfront Canberra will hopefully be able to put away a few more chances than they have recently. Canberra’s defence often defend narrowly, which Adelaide should be able to utilize with their pace upfront. This game could go either way, but there ought to be a few goals if both teams are able to click.
Prediction: Canberra United 3 – 2 Adelaide United
Melbourne City v Perth Glory
Sunday 7th January 4.30pm
Jess Fishlock v Sam Kerr. Look I know both teams have more quality players than those two, on top of neither are likely to come up against one another positionally per say, but both women have proved pivotal to their teams success this year. Both players are capable of world class, jaw dropping goals and are just as likely to setup for their teammate to score. Neither side are coming into this in the form they should be. City have looked lacklustre at times this season, and were lucky to defeat the Wanderers last week. Meanwhile Perth once again looked lost without Kerr in the line up and lost to Brisbane. This game will go down as City having a majority of possession, and Perth having quick counter attacks through Kerr and Rachel Hill, only for Fishlock to do something magical and give Perth supporters heart attacks. I’m going with my heart this week though and am really hoping Perth can prevail.
Prediction: Melbourne City 1 – 2 Perth Glory
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 