Trimmer's A-League Preview: Round 15

On Fox Sports Australia website. Submitted FYI.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26372263-5019172,00.html
A-League round 15 preview

Fox Sports football commentator Paul Trimboli offers his thoughts and predictions for round 15 of the 2009-2010 A-League season

Adelaide United v Gold Coast United, Friday, 8pm (EDT), Hindmarsh Stadium

Gold Coast United got back on track a little in their last game by defeating Sydney FC 1-0 at Skilled Park. Being the first game of the round, they have the added incentive of being able to move back on top of the ladder with a win. I also think they'll appreciate being away from home after all the drama surrounding their poor crowd attendances in recent weeks. Adelaide are still a bit unsettled at the moment ï¿½ they don't seem to be able to convert general play into goal-scoring opportunities. Gold Coast grabbed a 2-0 win over Adelaide at Hindmarsh in round three and I think they'll get the job done again.

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory, Saturday, 7pm (EDT), Suncorp Stadium

Melbourne Victory will be embarrassed after their last-start thumping at the hands of Central Coast Mariners. They'll be looking to bounce back, which is something they did last time after a big loss to Sydney, putting together three-straight wins. They've had some pretty good results up at Suncorp so I don't think it's a road trip that will bother them. Brisbane Roar's confidence has been building in recent weeks and they are slowly getting some players back. Goalkeeper Liam Reddy and Charlie Miller return from injury ï¿½ big inclusions. This is a pretty evenly matched contest. Melbourne will put in a much stronger performance but I think Brisbane have enough momentum to see this match end in a draw.

North Queensland Fury v Central Coast Mariners, Saturday, 9pm (EDT), Dairy Farmers Stadium

Central Coast Mariners are coming off their best win of the season ï¿½ against Melbourne Victory ï¿½ but they haven't been able to put back-to-back wins together all season. They have, however, kept seven clean sheets, meaning they are always a hard team to beat. North Queensland Fury came back to earth after two-straight wins with a loss to Newcastle Jets in round 14, leaving them back at the bottom of the ladder. This is going to be a very close match because the Mariners don't seem to back up well and the Fury are a much tougher prospect at home. I'm tipping a draw in this one.

Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix, Sunday, 5pm (EDT), EnergyAustralia Stadium

These two teams played a couple of weeks ago in a Wednesday night fixture ï¿½ won 3-0 by Wellington ï¿½ so they will remember each other fairly well. I think Newcastle Jets are a chance of gaining revenge at home. Wellington Phoenix players may well be a little flat, especially those who were involved in New Zealand's World Cup qualification win over Bahrain. They now have to travel all the way to Newcastle to play a Jets team who have won their last two at home. Newcastle beat the Phoenix at EnergyAustralia Stadium in round one and I think they might get the points again.

Perth Glory v Sydney FC, Sunday, 7pm (EDT), ME Bank Stadium

This is an interesting game because Perth Glory have been pretty good at home and Sydney FC's away form has been mediocre. Alex Brosque has been in great form for Sydney and will be even more confident after spending a week away with the Socceroos. Both team's midfield will be a little undermanned with Wayne Srohj suspended for Perth and Steve Corica injured for Sydney. The teams haven't met this season so there should be a feeling out process early on. Sydney seem to follow up their best performances with a poor one, but I think they'll be pretty focused heading over to Perth. I can't separate the two for this one ï¿½ draw.

Trimmer&#039;s A-League Preview: Round 15