R27 vs Perth Glory | Sun 28th April | 9pm | SS3

5th or 6th matters in the unlikely event that if the 5th/6th seeds win both their play-off and semi away from home, then 5th hosts 6th in the final.

It's a very sophisticated thing, this A-League football. 

The finals thing is just weird, but it lengthens the season because of the small number of teams in the league.  

All of this is to Nix benefit.  For me there is absolutely no chance of being denied a place in the league at the end of next season.  It would just decrease the number of teams when more are needed.

I'd like to think if it's 100% confirmed that Kurto is gone, Sail would get a start. Nothing against Filip, but if he's gone, I'd like a young player to get some minutes in a game that now has no value, with Kurto comng back in for the run to the final

The finals are very much in place because that is what the Australian sporting public is familiar with and expects, rather than the number of teams in the league. Even if the league expands to 16 teams in the not too distant future, there'll still be a finals series (just like there is in the NRL and AFL).

COYN

So if we lose by 2, we will face the Victory.

who would people rather face adelaide or victory? over the years we have had problems at both these teams home grounds. i kinda like our chances more in melbourne but in saying that the victory are a team that know how to play in the playoffs. adelaide on the other hand seem to play well at home and at their home ground they seem to grow an extra leg with the crowd behind them.

Either teams will be extremely hard to beat.

In the unlikely event that we win the game, I would much much rather bring misery to Kevin Muscat. Just to see his miserable face, after the game has ended...

Absolutely, if that's not a driver, I'm not sure what is

If we lose by 1, we’ll still be ahead of city on GF. 

Having said that Popa rested half is starting Xl last week and they have a break next week so I reckon they’ll be going all out to smash us. 

Also I thought Rudan would want Williams in a forward role for next week’s game so am surprised he didn’t try Burgess at RWB last week. Has the pace and the engine. 

True.  Perhaps a little late in the season to be trying inverts, or even target men (like Cillian).

Ok, here's my plan.

Big bet on Perth GLory handicap (-1.5), currently paying 2.47. If it wins, it pays for the family to go to Melbourne for the first final.

If it loses, well, that kind of sux. But not sure the bookies are factoring in our resting strategy. I won't place until ALF plays tonight. If he gets 1 goal or less, I'll place the bet immediately, because Krishna likely to be rested.

I think if we're gonna rest some key players this is what we could see

Which will give others a decent run and chance to show their form.  Maybe Sheridan, Stensness, Elliot and that young Striker Waine....

It seems Rufer and Dura will be rested (from the chance of more yellows) for sure.

And it would be nice to see a little more experimentation at Right Wing Back.

What ever happened to Tom Doyle? He's become the forgotten man since we signed Golec.

injured is he not?

Have not seen him on the Ins and Outs list in a very long time, same with Burns

he is usually in the stands behind the goal with nathan and a few of the other boys not in the match day squad.

So if we lose by 2 or more we drop to sixth and get Melbourne Victory away in playoffs, any other result we stay 5th and we get Adelaide away?

Who would we prefer to play, Adelaide or Melbourne? I don't want to have to cheer for Perth tonight! Away trip to Melbourne also better for the budget and easier to convince the wife on.

Right here's another scenario. We finish 5th and beat Adelaide and Perth meanwhile City finish 6th and beat Victory and Sydney.

We host a Grand Final.

Just saying...

And, just to add some spice, Nix owners fly in all the Presidents of the Aussie state federations for the GF too. 

Waine and Stensness get a start. The Sheriff leading the line. Dura, Krishna and Rufer rested. Sail in for Kurto. This could be a wild game

Excited to see the youngsters play but with the team Perth named could be a long night

As someone who has watched the kid since he was 9 years old, Ben Waine is the real deal. He will not look out of place tonight.

Quite an interesting like up that. Hopefully catch some of it tonight 

Waine looked slow against Newcastle when he came on. An 87 year old hyphen out paced him in one instance.

It will be interesting indeed to see how he fears. 

I wouldn't be too dismayed if they performed poorly this game. It's a disrupted team. Would love a good performance from some of them though. (looking at you Singh)

If we finished 5th and City beat Victory, wouldn't it be Sydney v  Nix, and Glory v City?

Stensness has big boots to fill.

Ending season at the 6th place? It’s bit like kids football, everyone get to play.

Well you get the theory. Facts not included!

Close but not quite! Have known the family for years and he has constantly been a class above. He was one of the best players in the Premier division of College Sport Wellington football as a 14 year old and has been named to the U20 World Cup squad while being eligible for the U17 team. Clearly I'm biased but I would bet my life savings on this kid becoming a top top quality player very quickly.

Not much of a rest for Roy if he comes off bench.  Hopefully he is not needed.

Horrible fixture this. Nothing good can come from it other than potentially being the first match in a 4 game winning streak

Will be a wild ride, smart move from Rudan, give the guys who need a run a decent amount of time and let the guys with card issues take a break.

My Football on youtube don't seem to have it up yet. Anyone else seeing it? (Only works if you're in a country where they don't show the a-league)

Anyone got a stream?

this looking a little ominous