A-LEAGUE ROUND 16
The Age
Friday November 27, 2009
MELBOURNE VICTORY v GOLD COASTTomorrow, Etihad StadiumTV: 7pm, Fox Sports 2WHAT€™S AT STAKE Melbourne needs to start winning at home to convince the doubtersthat it can become the fi rst team to win back-to-back titles. Gold Coast will be seekingrevenge after an unlucky loss last time.TEAM SHEET Heaps missing for Gold Coast, including key centre-backs Kristian Reesand Baas Van Den Brink, and former Victory old boy Steve Pantelidis. Melbourne isvirtually at full strength.VERDICT If Melbourne can€™t win this one against a much-depleted Gold Coast, there willbe plenty of questions asked.CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v PERTH GLORYTonight, Blue Tongue StadiumTV: 8pm, Fox Sports 2.WHAT€™S AT STAKE Mariners have looked terrifi c in two recent wins, scoring nine goals,and they need to keep the pressure on those in front. Perth has to show form away fromWestern Australia.TEAM SHEET Matt Simon is a good addition for Central Coast. Wayne Shroj and JamieHarnwell return for Perth.VERDICT Mariners to show they are the real deal.NORTH QUEENSLAND v ADELAIDE UNITEDTomorrow, Dairy Farmers StadiumTV: Fox Sports 2, 9pm.WHAT€™S AT STAKE Fury were savaged at home last week and must win to show their fanssomething. Adelaide can€™t afford to lose touch with the fi nals positions.TEAM SHEET Fury brings in Jason Spagnuolo against his old club, Chris Grossman andPaul Kohler. Adelaide has regained Daniel Mullen.VERDICT Joy for the Fury €” a narrow win.SYDNEY FC v NEWCASTLE JETSSunday, Sydney Football StadiumTV: 5pm, Fox Sports 2.WHAT€™S AT STAKE Sydney can go top depending on Melbourne€™s result on Saturdaynight €” or fall further behind the defending champion.TEAM SHEET Karel Kisel laid low by a groin injury for Sydney. But Rhyan Grant and SteveCorica return. Jets lose Fabio Vignaroli to suspension.VERDICT Jets could sneak a draw.BRISBANE ROAR v WELLINGTONSunday, Suncorp StadiumTV: 7pm, Fox Sports 2.WHAT€™S AT STAKE Plenty for Brisbane, who need to start winning at home for new coachAnge Postecoglou.TEAM SHEET Massimo Murdocca is a big in on the team-sheet after missing the wholeseason with a broken leg.VERDICT Roar was unlucky against Wellington and can make amends.
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