The regular season is coming to a close. Spots for the finals and the Premiership are still undecided. And my ability to predict scores is still wildly inconsistent. Here’s to the last round of Prediction Thursday’s for the regular season, it’s been grand.
Round 14 Predictions
Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory
Friday 2nd February 8pm
Pride. This game is for pride. Neither side has much to gain or loss by winning this. Both put in some good performances last week but were pipped at the post by better sides. It’s hard to seperate the two really. If the midfield for Melbourne can connect with Natasha Dowie, then they will have the upper hand. Otherwise if Adelaide can hold steady and can execute a high press effectively, they’ll be able to sway the result their way. Ultimately though I can see this game being a stalemate, with a few goals thrown in.
Prediction: Adelaide United 2 – 2 Melbourne Victory
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne City
Saturday 3rd February 8.15pm on FoxSports Live Stream
The decider. Will City hold onto fourth spot by the tip of their teeth? Or will Newcastle prove dominate and lay a claim on second spot? The way Newcastle played against Canberra last weekend was beautiful. They dominated the middle of the park. Meanwhile City probably have the best team on paper and should have already booked a place in the finals, on paper at least. But they haven’t. Will this give them some more fight? Probably. But Newcastle were just playing so sweetly last week, if they can repeat that performance then City will be in trouble
Prediction: Newcastle Jets 3 – 2 Melbourne City
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 4th February 4pm
The derby. Who doesn’t love a derby. Both sides have had differing fortunes this season, however both are coming into this game with some form. Despite coming in at second last on the ladder, Western Sydney have finally shown their worth, with a draw and win in their last two outings. Sydney are probably in the best form of any team going into this round. Even when their performances don’t warrant it, they’ve managed to win when it matters. So who’ll win? I’m backing the sky blue team. (Because Sydney is sky blue guys).
Prediction: Sydney FC 2 – 1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Brisbane Roar v Canberra United
Sunday 4th February 4.30pm on Fox Sports and SBS Viceland
The must win. For both sides. If Brisbane want that prized first place they have been holding onto throughout the second half of this season, they will need a point here to seal it. Meanwhile for any crack at the top four Canberra need to win this. Melbourne City, the other team hoping to clinch that fourth spot, play the day before, so if Melbourne lose, Canberra will know before they play they have a real shot at sealing that prized fourth spot. Brisbane, at home and top of the ladder, clearly have the advantages coming into this game. However after last weekend against Adelaide they demonstrated they aren’t unbeatable, rather they just have the ability to play the full 90 minutes and kill the game off in the last 15 minutes. For Canberra to win this they will need to pounce early and ensure their midfield work a heck of a lot better than last weeks thrashing by Newcastle. Canberra have the ability and talent to produce a better performance, but it will be a matter of will they show up?Prediction: Brisbane Roar 2 – 3 Canberra United
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 