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A-League Semi Final Previews

A-League Finals Trophy. Image Credit: Asian FC
A-League Finals Trophy. Image Credit: Asian FC
Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory
Melbourne City

Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City

Etihad Stadium

Friday 8th May 7:30pm  Fox Sports 5

After Melbourne City caused a minor upset in their defeat of the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand last weekend, we are now greeted with the prospect of a Melbourne derby in the first semi-final. Melbourne Victory go in as unsurprising favourites for this game and to win the finals series altogether after finishing the regular season on top of the table.

In terms of results in the regular season the Victory have the upper hand beating the 2 times 5-2 and 3-0 respectively. Both of those results came at Etihad Stadium which is where this fixture is going to take place which may give them some sort of psychological advantage. The Victory are also vastly more experienced when it comes to the finals having won the league twice already, whereas this is only the second time that City have featured in the finals.

The only issue that the Victory may be faced with is that their first choice goalkeeper Nathan Coe has been ruled out of the rest of the season. Despite this, given the strike power they have in Besart Berisha and the play-making skill of Gui Finkler, the Victory should have little problem getting past City and securing a place in the final.

Adelaide United
Adelaide United
Sydney FC
Sydney FC

Sydney FC vs Adelaide United

Allianz Stadium

Saturday 9th May 7:30pm Fox Sports 5

In by far the more competitive clash Sydney are heading into this clash knowing that they have yet to beat Adelaide at all this season and fell to defeats in the games that were played this year in Sydney and despite having to wait until the latter stages of their match again Brisbane Roar they go into this game as favourites.

Last time these two teams met in the knockout stage of any competition was in the Football Federation Australia Cup and Adelaide ran out 3-1 winners in extra time once again at Allianz Stadium in a game that was surrounded by controversy surrounding the officiating of Ben Williams, who will also have control in this match. The fact that one of Adelaide’s key play makers in Marcelo Carrusca is under a bit of an injury cloud after missing the last couple of games with a calf injury may just give Sydney the advantage.

By Liam Warren

 

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