The Top 4 Equation. Objective: Catch the Mariners

I was suprised last night that the formation pregame was announced as 4-3-3 but those 3 central were once again happy to stand off and set up just outside the box which is dangerous with players runnig through.

i just read in the program that Jedanik played his last game for CCM on New Years Eve (off to Turkey). Isn't he rated as the best central midfielder in the league? If so, that's a major loss ahead of those last 3 games and very helpful to the Nix ambitions.

Yes, jedinak has gone for (a rumoured) $800k.

If the cover is Gumprecht they will do okay.

Yeah very much part of the equation is outperforming them. We need to win atleast 2, and they can only win 1, if they do we need another point too, ie a win and a draw against adelaide and melbourne, presuming we beat sydney this weekend. hellobeaver2009-01-08 15:01:24

a) 1 v 2
b) 3 v 4

c) Winner b v Loser a

Winner c v Winner a

so if we finish 4th (possible but an outside chance), we would be away to 3 in a playoff game before and actual effective semifinal?

Yes and we play the loser from 1 vs 2nd provided we win that match vs 3rd.

A) and B) above are a home/away series

Oh, those first two games (major and minor semifinals) are home/away. But it's still an extra game to play to get to the final.

I think a draw tonight between CCM and Queensland is ideal. And then we will be in the top 4, but with a game less to play. Also, either CCM or Queensland would be catch-able depending on their results, eg I think they can only win a max of one each really.

After tonight, Queensland play Adelaide (tough game) but then Sydney and Perth, both at home.  If they draw with CCM tonight and beat both of those last two, they'd go to 33 points, even without having to get a result from Adelaide.  That would leave the Phoenix needing three wins from three to pass them.

dunno if I buy into that but you've fired me up for Qld now. Off to the 4 Kings dressed in putrid bright orange

Yeah, I'm still undecided. I see the logic of LF1's posting though - Queensland do have the easier run-in. I will watch the match hoping to see lots of red cards and 3/4 game injuries for both sides!

I've changed my mind. I was just asked at home who we want to win, so I explained the situation and it became clear that LF1 is spot on.

As usual!

YAAAAA. Queensland deserveed that. now just one more... hellobeaver2009-01-10 21:49:00

How bad is it going to feel if we tie on points with them and lose out on GD. We both play Melbourne Away and Adelaide at home so no team has an advantage there. The only advantage I can see us having is we play Adelaide after alot of games in a small timeframe which (If they have minor premiership tied up) means they will play a weaker squad.

I reckon!

I would feel pretty cheated!

Lets just pray for a win tommorrow, then we can have a lot of fun at the ROF next weekend

+1 a loss to Sydney makes it much harder.
valeo2009-01-10 23:52:08

here's the plan - ccm don't get any more points. they've got two tough games ahead so that's not out of the question. from there all we need is a sloppy four from three games and we're in. Provided some of those points come at the expense of sydney - every other side can do whatever they want and we're right in there.

That seems to be the plan...

Every week seems like a must win game......but tonight against Sydney is the MOTHER of must win games. 3 points makes us level with CCM. Mathematicaly we could lose but still qualify if CCM get no more points but we would need 4 points in the last two games....Adelaide have a horrible run of games to play....weekend...midweek. They don't have a particularly great away record. We have got a great home record. Sooner or later Adelaide's tough run will hurt them and someone will beat them real good....sure hope it is us....

who are the CCM playing in the next 2 games. was happy they lost last night. does make it easier for us.

It's all set up for us....now all we need to do is beat Sydney.

A 12nil win would make it easier with the GD

yeah I can see where your coming from rightstr but Id feel a lot more comfortable taking all nine. that would be nice.

Definitely need the win today, then hopefully snatch a point against either Melbourne or Adelaide. Then the playoff against the Roar home and way - they are easily beatable too. After that a semi-final. Then the unthinkable! My god. I'm getting carried away. Back to tonight -3 points, doesn't matter how, it's a must win.

Tonight is what i would call a 6 point game.

How so?

6 point?
Do you mean important?

Thats what i gathered, but i havent heard the expression before!

Like the commentator from the jets game..

"He has got pretty.. Agricultural"

What?

we lose 3 they gain 3

Huh..
that makes sense..
but we dont lose 3.. just miss out.

We should get 3 though

Its not sydney we want though, we are playing for fourth spot with CCM not 5th with Sydney! Lets be positive. Is it 8pm kick off in NZ time?