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Date/Time: 2012:10:12 12:34:45 Source:FOX SPORTS
Fox Sports football commentator Mel McLaughlin previews round four of the A-League season and gives you her tips for every game.
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory, Friday 7.30pm (EDT), Hunter Stadium
Why you should watch this game
Another mouth-watering prospect to kick off the round. But who to tip? Two very exciting, very capable attacking teams with an interesting record against each other. The Jets have the edge at Hunter Stadium historically speaking, a bogey side in fact - even when the Victory have been flying in years gone by. Going forward things look very promising for Newcastle, but defence is still a work in progress. The Jets have conceded five and Victory eight so far - and this week Victory surprised many by unveiling one of Mark Schwarzer's back ups in the green and gold, Nathan Coe, as their new no.1 shot stopper. It's a timely announcement to go with a definite improvement in the team's defensive work overall. Victory's first (and much-needed) three points at Etihad last Friday came along with a lot to like, but there are one or two newer faces I'm not fully convinced of just yet. Importantly for the Victory, despite going behind there seemed to be the feeling they could still go on and win - something that didn't really exist last season. Hunter Stadium should enjoy a huge turnout and for viewers that can't get to the game, Fox Sports' Hero Cam will focus on Emile Heskey this week - press red on your remote or head to foxsports.com.au.
Key men
For the Jets last week, it was the outstanding youngster Craig Goodwin together with Ryan Griffiths, Emile Heskey and James Virgili doing much of the damage. Marco Rojas was an absolute stand-out for Victory last Friday, and this combination of Archie Thompson, Marcos Flores and him has huge potential. Mark Milligan is also a huge plus, and very handy in the midfield.
My tip
I've avoided this question for as long as possible, but I'm going to go with Newcastle.
Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix, Saturday 5.30pm (EDT), Hindmarsh Stadium
Why you should watch this game
Top of the table host the only unbeaten side after the opening three rounds. Adelaide happily return to Hindmarsh Stadium after things didn't quite go to plan against Melbourne Victory. Dario Vidosic returned and did well, but others that had been so influential the week before such as Jeronimo Neumann didn't have the same impact, and for that matter didn't last the full game. Wellington are back on the road, and this time for a tough couple weeks, after a hard-fought draw at home against the Roar. They face the Reds and then the Victory away in consecutive matches, and they'll return home with a better idea over any potential concerns about their away form.
Key men
For the home side, Bruce Djite and Sergio van Dijk were left out of the squad that travelled to Melbourne, and it looks like they might miss out again as Kossie looks to get back to winning form, so once again Jeronimo will be the key man for the Reds. Once again Manny Muscat will be key for Ricki Herbert's men, providing plenty of stability in the centre of the park, while young flyer Louis Fenton will hope to recreate his form from the opening two rounds after having a relatively quiet game last week.
My tip
I'm going with a draw for this one.
Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers, Saturday 7.45pm (EDT), Suncorp Stadium
| P | W | D | L | GD | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adelaide | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Perth | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Newcastle | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 4 | Wellington | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
| 5 | Brisbane | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| 6 | Central Coast | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 7 | Heart | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 4 |
| 8 | Sydney | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 3 |
| 9 | Victory | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -5 | 3 |
| 10 | Western Sydney | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
Why you should watch this game
It's hard not to feel for Western Sydney Wanderers. Yet to score a goal, although they have picked up a point and leaked just two goals, but after a tough few weeks and an enormous, emotion-draining Sydney derby they now head to the home of the champions. Ouch. That's not to say they haven't impressed with well-organised, resolute defence and they've perhaps been a bit unlucky not to have found the back of the net yet, but Brisbane Roar at home and doing its job is a scary prospect for the new boys still finding their feet. Tony Popovic will need to get his team up for this one. The Roar, meanwhile, are coming off a trip across the ditch in which they grew into the game as it progressed. They may not have Ange Postecoglou in charge but much of Brisbane's play so far this season has been the familiar, quick-passing style that they're now renowned for, and it will be hard for the Wanderers' midfielders to shut that down.
Key men
Besart Berisha's goalscoring record is second-to-none, and the Roar will be hoping the Albanian striker overcomes a training-ground injury scare to take his place on Saturday night. Berisha has continued his form from last season, showing just how valuable a clinical finisher is in the A-League. For the Wanderers, it's all about their forwards. Big man Dino Kresinger is out with injury, so it's up to the likes of Mark Bridge, Labinot Haliti and perhaps Youssuf Hersi to grab Western Sydney's first A-League goal.
My tip
I do think there will be some good wins for the Wanderers this season - but not at Suncorp on Saturday. Brisbane to win.
Melbourne Heart v Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 3pm (EDT), AAMI Park
Why you should watch this game
Melbourne Heart are back home after a disappointing performance against Perth at nib Stadium last weekend - a 2-0 loss in hot, tough conditions. They host Graham Arnold's side, who are smarting from not only a loss at Hunter Stadium but a fairly controversial one at that. Heart created chances last week but really failed to capitalise on any of them, and seemed to fade in the second half, much to the frustration of coach John Aloisi. He'll be looking for better in the final third for this one, which will be a tough ask up against the Mariners' solid backline. Many fans beyond that of Melbourne Heart will be excited or at the very least keen observers to see Vinnie Grella back in action, but a date for his debut has not yet been set as he looks to get match fit.
Key men
Fred is always a key man for the Heart, but some of his support cast from last season have been a bit quiet so far this time round. Mate Dugandzic will need to find some spark in attack to help the home side find the back of the net, while Richard Garcia will need to continue his impressive start in the A-League. For Central Coast, Graham Arnold may turn to the reliable Daniel McBreen after his impressive stints off the bench in previous games this season.
My tip
I'm going for a draw here - I just can't see the Mariners losing two games in a row.
Sydney FC v Perth Glory, Sunday 5pm (EDT), ANZ Stadium
Why you should watch this game
In the new surrounds of ANZ Stadium, two teams meet coming off wins - for Sydney, their first of the season, and what a big one, the first ever Sydney derby. We're also lucky in that we will get to witness the great man Alessandro Del Piero's 800th football match. I wonder if in his wildest dreams he thought he'd a) achieve that, and b) think he would do so at Sydney's Olympic Stadium? However, the team, and coach Ian Crook, will not want to rely on Del Piero for much longer. For long-term success, for a serious finals campaign, the whole team must be firing, and there are positive signs that things are coming together. Their first clean sheet last week was a confidence booster (OK, against a team yet to score) but it's important. You got the feeling, given the occasion and lack of points, anything short of a win would have been unacceptable. Their opposition meantime is flying in second position, two wins from three albeit both at home, and Perth are full of confidence despite the absence of injured star striker Shane Smeltz, with Billy Mehmet filling in nicely. The Glory were entertaining to watch against Melbourne Heart on Sunday, using the width of the park as well as through the middle, with well-worked movement going forward and creating a host of chances in the process. Many describe Perth as "physical", and whilst that is considered an insult by some, it is a part of their game, but one of many elements the Glory possess. Can they head to ANZ and pick up the points though? They haven't been great in Sydney, but they could cause huge problems for the home side on Sunday.
Key men
Paul Reid's presence in the midfield made a difference for Sydney last weekend, as did Brett Emerton further up the park, as the coach continues to tinker with positions and tactics. For Perth, there was a lot to like about a bunch of players who caused all sorts of problems for Heart's defence, from Travis Dodd to Dean Heffernan, Scott Jamieson and Josh Risdon - who had an excellent game at right back. - and Ian Ferguson's options on the bench are perhaps another good reason why Perth should be such a force this season.
My tip
For the first time this season, I'm going with Sydney for the win.
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