Stats preview: The peculiar omen that could bring five-star Victory crashing back to earth
They may have won 5-0 on Tuesday, but we've found a Hyundai A-League stat that suggests Melbourne Victory may need to tread very carefully on the weekend.
Kevin Muscat's side offered a five-star performance in their demolition of Brisbane Roar, but they can't afford to drop their intensity for the arrival of Wellington Phoenix.
This is because Victory have lost their last two Hyundai A-League matches immediately after registering five goals or more in a game.
The last time the reigning Champions backed up a five-goal performance with a win was - ironically - in November 2014, in a 2-0 triumph against the Phoenix.
Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix,
Sunday 5.00pm (AEDT)
Perth to lay siege on City’s AAMI Park fortress to equal club record
There’s no doubt about it – Perth Glory are the real deal this season.
But another huge test of their Premiership credentials will come under scrutiny in the form of Saturday evening’s match at Melbourne City.
City have made AAMI Park a tough venue to travel to this season, and are undefeated in their last five games at the venue.
But it would be another tick in Glory’s growing claim for the title if they were to navigate one of the trickier away tests in the league with a win – and in doing so, equal the club’s record of five consecutive wins.
Melbourne City v Perth Glory,
Saturday 7.50pm (AEDT)
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Equalling four-year nadir could spell the end for Wanderers
It’s approaching now or never time for Western Sydney Wanderers.
Markus Babbel’s side currently sit eighth on the ladder, ten points away from sixth-placed Adelaide United, who they welcome on Friday night.
That deficit would widen to a near-unsalvageable point should the Wanderers fall again, in what would be their fifth straight loss.
The last and only previous time they lost more was a five-match stretch from May to November in 2014.
Babbel will hope the Red and Black hear his plead to be more ruthless on the pitch for the Reds’ visit, with their start set to be absolutely crucial. Adelaide have conceded just four first-half goals this campaign, fewer than any other team in the competition.
In comparison, the Wanderers have conceded 12 in that period.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United
Friday, 7.50pm (AEDT)
Familiar foe could deliver hammer blow to Newcastle’s finals hopes
Alex Brosque has been the scourge of Newcastle Jets in recent times.
And on the back of his hat-trick against Central Coast Mariners a fortnight ago, the sight of Sydney FC’s evergreen forward will likely send shivers down Ernie Merrick’s spine.
Brosque has tallied seven goals in his last nine matches against the Jets and approaches Saturday’s contest in lethal nick.
He’s scored six goal goals with 12 shots on target this season, and has scored more goals against the Jets (14) than he has against any other Hyundai A-League opponent.
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets,
Saturday 5.35pm (AEDT)
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Happy hunting ground could snap Roar out of their misery
Brisbane Roar could plunge to their 10th straight match without a Hyundai A-League win, but there could be solace on the horizon.
That saving grace is a trip to Central Coast Stadium to face the Mariners, where Roar have won in each of their last five visits and conceded just two goals in the process.
Moreover, Brisbane are undefeated in their last 13 matches against Central Coast, with their last defeat arriving back in April 2014.
But if Darren Davies’ side think they can rely on the weight of history to get over the line, they could be in for a rude shock.
Central Coast should be in a euphoric mood after their first win of the season – and first Hyundai A-League victory for 11 months – against Melbourne City on Wednesday evening.
Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar,
Sunday 7.00pm (AEDT)
