The two elimination finals went largely as were expected. On Friday night, Melbourne City had a comfortable win over Brisbane Roar, Stefan Mauk scoring the first goal on the hour mark and Nick Fitzgerald making it 2-0 in stoppage time.
Two nights later, it was Melbourne Victory’s turn, in a much closer game. Adelaide United got a surprise lead, but Victory pegged back quickly through Leroy George. Extra time beckoned until the 89th minute, when (who else) Besart Berisha not only scored, but scored with style:
Embed from Getty ImagesThat goal took Victory to the semi-finals, and a chance to get revenge on Sydney FC.
The Predictions
FADR did get one back on me this week, tipping Melbourne Victory to beat Adelaide. But it’s a bit late now.
Now, we tip the same thing – Sydney to beat Melbourne Victory 2:1, and Newcastle over Melbourne City in a close one.
The Ratings
There won’t be much change in these anymore, now that half the teams are out. Unsurprisingly, the four teams left are the top four offensive teams, and they make up the top three defensively – Newcastle are the exception.
Offensive ratings
- Sydney FC, 1.51
- Newcastle Jets, 1.37
- Melbourne Victory, 1.04
- Melbourne City, 0.99
- Western Sydney Wanderers, 0.95
- Perth Glory, 0.88
- Brisbane Roar, 0.86
- Wellington Phoenix, 0.86
- Adelaide United, 0.85
- Central Coast Mariners, 0.63
Defensive ratings
- Sydney FC, 1.90
- Melbourne City, 1.23
- Melbourne Victory, 1.12
- Adelaide United, 1.09
- Brisbane Roar, 1.06
- Newcastle Jets, 0.98
- Western Sydney Wanders, 0.87
- Perth Glory, 0.83
- Central Coast Mariners, 0.82
- Wellington Phoenix, 0.80
The Season Ahead
Both of us are tipping a Newcastle-Sydney final. And both of us are tipping a 2:1 win to Sydney.
The Flag 