The Hyundai A-League 2011/12 finals series will kick off in New Zealand on Friday March 30, with Wellington Phoenix hosting their home elimination final, before Perth Glory take to the field on Sunday, April 1.
The Hyundai A-League 2011/12 finals series will kick off in New Zealand on Friday March 30, with Wellington Phoenix hosting their home elimination final, before Perth Glory take to the field on Sunday, April 1.
This weekend the Premier-s Plate and home final advantage are all at stake. The engrossing rivalry between Central Coast mariners and Brisbane Roar continues, without the two actually playing each other.
Can the Mariners maintain their grip on top spot or will the Roar come from behind to claim the Premier-s Plate? Either way, the two will go head-to-head again in the major semi-finals, with matchday details to be announced soon.
A rung or two down the ladder, Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix can keep the suitcases under the bed, knowing they-ve both earned a home elimination final.
And with Perth ahead on goal difference alone, both sides are desperate to claim third place and avoid an arduous trip should they make it to the minor semi-final in Week 2.
While guaranteed fourth place, Phoenix need a result to get up to third, with Perth Glory playing Melbourne Victory in Perth on Saturday.
Should Perth lose, a draw against the Mariners would be enough to push the Phoenix up to third place, while a Perth draw and a Wellington win would have the same outcome.
Wellington-s home final has already been announced, kicking off the finals series at 8pm local time (6pm AEST) on Friday March 30 at Westpac Stadium.
Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said he-s already excited about the big match.
“Night games under lights are fantastic, especially when there is a big crowd,” Herbert said.
“Anyone who was at the All Whites- World Cup qualifier against Bahrain will testify to that fact, and I-m looking forward to a good turnout of fans in the finals, whoever our opponents are.
“The last time we played at home in the finals around 60,000 fans watched our matches against Perth and Newcastle and will tell you what thrillers they were.”
Perth Glory will play their first home final since the club-s NSL days when they take to the pitch in the third match of Week 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2012 Finals Series at nib Stadium on Sunday 1 April (kick off 5pm West / 7pm AEST).
Click here to get your tickets to the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 finals series.
