A-LEAGUE PREVIEW ROUND EIGHT
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday September 25, 2009
Newcastle v PerthTonight 8pm, EnergyAustralia Stadium, NewcastleSebastian Hassett's preview: Newcastle will be desperate to bounce back after a heart-breaking loss to Sydney, and get a boost after Tarek Elrich had his red card rescinded. But the Jets' stocks could be further depleted if Sasho Petrovski doesn't recover from a knock to the knee. Youngster Jason Naidovski is the likely replacement. Iraqi international Ali Abbas, who was impressive off the bench against the Sky Blues, is already pushing for a start. Perth will be keen to build on a rare away win in Brisbane and have stayed on the eastern seaboard to make things easier. Injury-plagued veteran Jamie Harnwell faces two months on the sidelines, while keeper Tando Velaphi is hoping for a recall.Referee: Matthew BreezeTV: Live on Fox Sports 2Head to Head: Newcastle 3, Perth 6, drawn 4Betting: Newcastle $2.35, Perth $2.80,draw $3.35Gold Coast v MelbourneSaturday 7.30pm, Skilled Park, RobinaSebastian Hassett's preview: Can the glamour club bounce back from two average results with top scorer Shane Smeltz [suspended] missing for the first time this season? Joel Porter and Robson are in line for timely returns, but midfield dynamo Zenon Caravella is battling osteo-pubis. Mark Byrnes adds depth as an injury replacement, while Jason Culina surely can't make it two quiet performances in a row. Melbourne have the spring back in their step thanks to a grinding win in Adelaide, and the return of Kevin Muscat can't be overstated. New Costa Rican import Marvin Angulo could get a debut off the bench.Referee: Peter GreenTV: Live on Fox Sports 3Betting: Gold Coast $2.35, Melbourne $2.85, draw $3.25Wellington v Central CoastSunday 1pm, Westpac Stadium, WellingtonSebastian Hassett's preview: Last-minute heartbreak against North Queensland makes the Phoenix more determined to give their fans something to sing about. With Paul Ifill rated 50/50, Adrian Caceres, who made his debut off the bench against the Fury, Chinese import Jiang Chen and local boys Marco Rojas and Costa Barbarouses are all in the frame to add extra attacking strength €“ something needed against the best defence in the league. The Mariners surprised everyone but themselves by demolishing Gold Coast last weekend and have added two midfielders, Lachlan Cahill and Matt Crowell, this week.Referee: Michael HesterTV: Live on Fox Sports 3Head to Head: Wellington 2, Central Coast 3, drawn 1Betting: Wellington $2.45, Central Coast $2.70, draw $3.30Brisbane v SydneySunday 3pm, Suncorp Stadium, BrisbaneSebastian Hassett's preview: Frank Farina's inconsistent team can be expected to rise to the occasion against the joint league leaders after a ragged effort against the Glory. Veterans Danny Tiatto and former Sky Blues player Andrew Packer are both due to return from injury, and will try to make sure of it. Goalkeeper Liam Reddy won't want a repeat of his error-strewn effort against Perth, but isn't sure of getting the chance with Griffin McMaster tipped to make his season debut. Sydney produced a typically resilient effort against the Jets, and will welcome back Karol Kisel, but the chances of Stephan Keller and John Aloisi playing remain uncertain.Referee: Strebre DelovskiTV: Live on Fox Sports 3Head to head: Brisbane 3, Sydney 4, drawn 7Betting: Brisbane $2.35, Sydney $2.80, draw $3.30North Queensland v AdelaideSunday 5pm, Dairy Farmers Stadium, TownsvilleSebastian Hassett's preview: A turbulent week in the boardroom threatens to derail a positive month for the Fury €“ three draws and a win have silenced the critics €“ at least for now. Robbie Fowler's response to the ownership dramas will be the key €“ he has the stature to bring the dressing room with him. A first-ever home win would be a timely tonic, but it will have to be achieved without Karl Dodd, who's facing a couple of months on the sidelines. Adelaide have been disappointing, and the clamour for Aurelio Vidmar to give Lloyd Owusu and Cristiano the chance to form a partnership grows louder by the day.Referee: Chris BeathTV: Live on Fox Sports 3Head to head: North Queensland 0, Adelaide 0, drawn 1Betting: North Qld $2.35, Adelaide $2.80, draw $3.35
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald