Short and sweet is what the doctor ordered apparently because we are keeping this prediction business in round three tighter than I am in giving away chocolate. Don’t worry, we still have as many punchy, food references as possible. It’s just slightly more bite size this round.
Hope you enjoy.
Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Brisbane will be hungrier to put points on the board than I am waiting for food to cook after work. The combination between Gorry and Yallop is oh so sweet. Where to watch is how they match up against the boisterous Wanderers midfield in O’Sullivan, Mastrantonio and Harrison. The clashes in midfield will be as delicious as a home cooked meal on a weeknight. It’s been a sweet, sweet time for the Wanderers and they’re surely heading into this one with the belief of winning three on a trot. A mighty feat for a club who won only a single match last season.
Prediction: Brisbane Roar 3 – 3 Western Sydney Wanderers
Newcastle Jets v Canberra United
Both sides will be feeling a little hard done by from last round, with points just alluding them like a lollypop kept out of reach. The Jets have shown they’re keen to spring the counter attack, while Canberra look comfortable on the front AND back foot. An intriguing matchup that could go a long way to boosting either team’s season. Canberra will need to rely on all their experience up top to put anything on the board against this Newcastle side. For the Jets, to get more than a dead rubber finding a way for their forwards to not look isolated is essential.
Prediction: Newcastle Jets 0 – 1 Canberra United
Melbourne City v Adelaide United
Structure will be the order of the day. Just like the structure a recipe gives, these are two clubs who will follow it to a tee. Adelaide struggled to convert their chances, while City struggled to create many clear cut opportunities. In the chess battle that is sure to play out, it could be in the cards of the internationals who sway this one. Weber and Mijatovic were on fire for their respective clubs last time out, while if Emslie returns and the early promise of Araujo at Adelaide fans into more, the structures of the two sides may burn to rubble and creative football will be on display at it’s best.
Prediction: Melbourne City 1 – 2 Adelaide United
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Sydney head into the unknown. Perth have only played a single match without their internationals in round one. In stark contrast, Sydney FC are predictable, with a very similar squad to last season who know how to grind out results. Experience may lend it’s hand in this one, with a midday clash in Western Australia doing no one any favours. The idea is like having a roast in the middle of summer, you do it on Christmas, but better saved for a later time. The Glory have a chance to really throw a spanner in the works if they can expose Sydney’s defence with pace and finish off opportunities. If Perth don’t come out much better than round one? It could be an easy stroll and early minute for Sydney in this one, with their ability to work the flanks and capitalise on the slightest of opportunities.
Prediction: Perth Glory 0 – 4 Sydney FC
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 