Check out our league-wide fixture run-in and we predict how many points each club might win as a thrilling Hyundai A-League Premiership race enters the final turn with three games to go.
Team: Western Sydney Wanderers
Current position: first on 42 points
Fixtures: Victory (a), Mariners (h), Phoenix (a)
Prediction: Friday night is absolutely, utterly crucial. A point ahead of City who have a relatively easy home game on Monday night, the Red and Black must pick up at least a point against Victory in Melbourne on Good Friday. However, they finish the season against two sides outside the six and with that crucial point buffer, are edging towards a second Premiership. Seven points from the next nine.
Team: Melbourne City
Current position: second on 41 points
Fixtures: Phoenix (h), Perth (a), Adelaide (h)
Prediction: It’s the reverse for City compared to Wanderers. A relatively easy game this long weekend followed by two massive tests away to Perth then home to the Reds. If it comes down to goal diff they’ll be fine with a massive 19 + thanks in large part to Mooy and Fornaroli. Seven points from the next nine.
Team: Brisbane Roar
Current position: third on 41 points
Fixtures: Sydney (h), Jets (h), Victory (a)
Prediction: Roar can still win the Premiership and with two games at Fortress Suncorp, they’ll feel confident. But it’s that last game away to Victory that will likely decide their season. Six points from the next nine.
Team: Adelaide United
Current position: fourth on 40 points
Fixtures: Mariners (h), Sydney (a), City (a)
Prediction: They’ll have to win all three of their final games to have any hope of winning the trophy. They’ll be confident at home to Central Coast and away to Sydney but that final day clash against City in Melbourne will be their grand final. Six points from the last nine.
Team: Perth Glory
Current position: fifth on 37 points
Fixtures: Jets (a), City (h), Sydney (a)
Prediction: Just making the Finals Series will be a major achievement. That final day clash with Sydney FC will be absolutely massive, coming just a week after facing City at home. Should claim fifth spot at the very least. Seven points from nine.
Team: Melbourne Victory
Current position: sixth on 34 points
Fixtures: Wanderers (h), Phoenix (a), Brisbane (h)
Prediction: With Sydney FC three points behind them, the pressure remains intense. Add ACL commitments and a faltering team and this is going to be a nail-biter for Victory fans. We reckon they may pick up four points from their last nine.
Team: Sydney FC
Current position: seventh on 31 points
Fixtures: Brisbane (a), Adelaide (h), Perth (h)
Prediction: Could they be relegated from the top six? It’s a very real prospect after looking certainties earlier in the season. Arnie’s men simply have to win all three of their final games and hope Victory falter. Seems a long shot with ACL commitments but who knows in this crazy season. We reckon they’ll pick up four points from their last nine.
Team: Newcastle Jets
Current position: eighth on 27
Fixtures: Perth (h), Brisbane (a), Central Coast (a)
Prediction: The Jets have to win all of their remaining matches and hope the Sky Blues completely fold under the pressure. A long shot? Yes, though that final day F3 Derby will be a chance to finish the season off in style. Four points from their last nine.
Team: Wellington Phoenix
Current position: ninth on 25 points
Fixtures: City (a), Victory (h), Wanderers (h)
Prediction: Facing three desperate top six sides, the unpredictable Phoenix have pride to play for. A victory against any of these three would be a positive. One point from the final nine.
Team: Central Coast Mariners
Current position: tenth on 13 points
Fixtures: Adelaide (a), Wanderers (a), Jets (h)
Prediction: Last week’s late comeback against Sydney showed there’s still plenty of fight left in the Coasties, who’ll have a big say in who’ll finish in the top two. Three points from their final nine.
