The fight for finals spots is going down to the wire. With just two rounds left in the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season, seven teams remain in contention for the top six.
Crucially, the eventual finishing order – and all-important home advantage – is far from confirmed.
Sydney FC have won the Premier’s Plate.
But below the Sky Blues, who are flying into the Finals Series and who are faltering near the finish line?
Melbourne Victory
Currently: Second
Points: 45
Goal difference: +17
Highest possible finish: Second
Lowest possible finish: Third
Remaining games: Western Sydney Wanderers (A), Central Coast Mariners (H)
While they can theoretically be caught by Brisbane, it’s hard to see Victory not securing the solitary point they need in their last two matches to clinch second place.
That’ll give them the first week off in the Finals Series.
Victory’s star quality is undoubted, making them Sydney FC’s most likely challengers.
But with the business end of the season fast approaching, Kevin Muscat will demand more from his men after three losses in their last four games and a below-par performance against Wellington last time out.
Brisbane Roar
Currently: Third
Points: 39
Goal difference: +7
Highest possible finish: Second
Lowest possible finish: Sixth
Remaining games: Perth Glory (A), Wellington Phoenix (H)
After a curiously quiet February during which they collected just three of a possible 12 points, Brisbane have come right with a bang, winning three of their last four.
They’ve knocked in ten goals in the process, seven of them to red-hot striker Jamie Maclaren.
With Maclaren in such sizzling form, Roar look odds on for a top four finish and will fancy themselves to carry their recent momentum into the Finals Series.
Melbourne City
Currently: Fourth
Points: 36
Goal difference: +5
Highest possible finish: Third
Lowest possible finish: Sixth
Remaining games: Adelaide United (H), Perth Glory (A)
City have lost their last two games and are in danger of falling out of the top four for the first time this season at the worst possible juncture.
While their place in the top six is secure, it’s impossible to predict where in the final pecking-order City will finish up.
Michael Valkanis will be desperate for his side to regain some impetus against his former club Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Friday night before a crucial trip to Perth to wrap the regular season.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Currently: Fifth
Points: 34
Goal difference: 0
Highest possible finish: Third
Lowest possible finish: Seventh
Remaining games: Melbourne Victory (H), Adelaide United (A)
Western Sydney are on the charge, winning their last three matches and scoring three times in each of them.
Tony Popovic has his side humming and with games against faltering Victory and out-of-contention Adelaide to come, a place in the top four is on the Wanderers’ radar.
That’s something which looked highly unlikely two months ago.
They’ll also welcome back red-hot leading scoring Brendon Santalab for the final charge towards the Finals Series.
Don’t discount Western Sydney from having a say in the destination of the season’s most significant silverware.
Perth Glory
Currently: Sixth
Points: 33
Goal difference: -3
Highest possible finish: Third
Lowest possible finish: Seventh
Remaining games: Brisbane Roar (H), Melbourne City (H)
After looking like a lock for the top six at the end of February, Kenny Lowe’s men have been hit by an extremely untimely loss of form.
Without a win in their last four games and having shipped 11 goals in that time, Glory have the speed-wobbles.
They are now the side in most danger of being pipped at the post, especially with a worrying injury ward.
Tough clashes with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City will round out their season, but in Perth’s favour, both are at nib Stadium.
A win in either will secure their finals spot.
Wellington Phoenix
Currently: Seventh
Points: 29
Goal difference: -4
Highest possible finish: Fifth
Lowest possible finish: Seventh
Remaining games: Sydney FC (H), Brisbane Roar (A)
After losing a quintessential six-pointer to Western Sydney in mid-March, every one of the last four games became a must-win for Wellington if they were to stay alive in the fight for the Finals.
They’ve achieved that in impressive fashion so far, dispatching the Jets 5-0 before a head-turning 3-0 win at Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
When Phoenix kick-off against Sydney FC in Wellington on Saturday evening, the Finals Series door will still be ajar.
That gives Wellington every motivation to continue their late-season renaissance against the Sky Blue juggernaut and Premiers Plate winners.
