Welcome to the second edition of our One-stop A-League Photoshop. The big talking point of the round is the recent improvement of our international neighbours. If the other teams aren’t careful the Hyundai A-League could have its first ever New Zealand champions.
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| Will the Phoenix be a threat come finals time? |
1. Kiwis bearing fruit
Wellington have moved from being the dark horse of the competition to a team that can make some noise this finals series. The Phoenix jumped into outright second place with an impressive 3-1 win over the Heart leapfrogging Brisbane Roar, who lost at home to the Jets.
With Paul Ifill in red-hot form and the team finally breaking their hoodoo away from home it could be time for the Trans-Tasman team to put their feet up as they solidify their place in the finals.
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| McKay was king of the world at Brisbane last season |
2. Brisbane’s got that sinking feeling.
Talks of a short-term loan deal for Matt McKay will be music to the ears of the Brisbane faithful after stuttering to a 1-0 loss to Newcastle at Suncorp. Since leaving Roarcelona after their landmark championship the current Socceroo has found game time hard to come by.
McKay would no doubt slot effortlessly back into Ange’s side and could help his former team fly high once again.
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| It’s pure mathematics. Defensive error + Shane Smeltz = Goal |
3. Not happy Dan
You’ve got to feel sorry for Eugene Galekovic. After his side butchered three golden chances to take the lead the United captain headed into half time 2-0 down without making a single save.
Kiwi international Shane Smeltz took advantage of a Daniel Mullen error to slot the ball into the goal with Perth’s first shot of the game after being on the back foot for most of the opening exchanges.
4. Lead by example
Another Victory match, another late goal scored. This week Sydney were the benefactors with Sebastian Ryall scrambling an equaliser over the line to earn a 2-2 draw at AAMI Park.
It’s too early into Magilton’s tenure to be questioning his appointment but the Northern Irishman must be pulling his hair out at his defence’s continual lapses in concentration.
Surely he’s telling his team to hold onto their lead, but do they really understand what he means?
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| Levchenko sporting some very fashionable beach-wear |
5. Lev on the Lounge
The injury curse has hit Adelaide’s back four hard this year and their squad depth will be tested this coming week after losing Daniel Mullen and Antony Golec to Olyroos duty. Already without Milan Susak and Jon McKain, Kosmina will call on the forgotten Evgeniy Levchenko to step up to the plate.
With experience in the Ukrainian national team and a deft left boot, Kossie said he expects Lev to be so comfortable at the back he could set up a banana lounge during the game.
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