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Thursday, October 12, 2006

Hyundai A-League Round eight preview

Round eight of the Hyundai A-League kicks off tonight with the Central Coast Mariners up against Sydney FC and Italian import Benito Carbone at the Central Coast Stadium. After playing a key role in his first game for Sydney against Adelaide United, Carbone was subdued last week as the Queensland Roar held on for a point.

Might be a case of similar tactics again this week for the Mariners but they have been leaking goals at the back with monotonous regularity this season. All time leading scorer Damien Mori found the back of the net last week for the Mariners and he will again need to score if the Mariners are to cause an upset. The Mariners have only scored the three goals this season in seven games while conceding eight.

The action continues on Saturday night at EnergyAustralia Stadium when the Newcastle Jets host the improving New Zealand Knights. Interim Newcastle coach Gary van Egmond gets a chance to put forward his credentials to be offered the job on a permanent basis in this bottom of the table clash.

The Jets have misfired this season resulting in Nick Theodorakopoulos being dismissed this week. Not going to be an easy assignment for the Jets who run into an improving New Zealand outfit. The Kiwis have lost their last three games 1-0, to Perth Glory in Perth last week and 1-0 to the Central Coast Mariners the week prior and Sydney FC.

Two A-League games on Sunday with the unbeaten Melbourne Victory FC hosting Adelaide united at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne while the Queensland Roar head west to tackle the Perth Glory at Members Equity Stadium.

Not much left to be said about the all conquering Victory who continue to impress with each passing week of the Hyundai A-League. Adelaide bounced back with a much needed confidence boosting win last week and will be improved by the return of Chinese striker Shengqing Qu.

A big game for the Roar this weekend with the Queenslander's out to cement a finals birth over the coming month. The Roar play four of their next seven games at home, included a trip to New Zealand to take on the lowly Knights.

Round 8 Tips
Sydney
New Zealand
Adelaide
Queensland

posted by Footballer at Hyundai A-League Round eight preview

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