…kicks off tomorrow at Sydney Football Stadium, where the Mariners-SFC rivalry will spark off for another season. With the added push from the defection of Sasho Petrovski this should be another memorable chapter.
The punters are giving it to the home team $2.05 to the Mariners’ $3.40 (63%-37%) which this Skyblue loyalist thinks is way too harsh on our northern cousins. Sydney’s squad is still injury-wracked and way out of the groove, Juninho nonwithstanding; while the team in yellow has had an impressive pre-season, and is the better balanced side overall. If Branko’s been selling the media a yarn with our formation plans and we do play with a back three, this match will be a cracker, otherwise it isn’t hard to see Kwasnik and Brown ripping into our ersatz fullbacks.
In a supreme fit of optimism I says: SFC 2, Juninho “35, Brosque “78; CCM 1 Mrdja “43
Other matches:
($2.45)Queensland Roar vs Adelaide United ($2.65) 7pm 25/8/07
Super Crimefighting Frank Farina‘s youth revolution vs Vidmar senior and the Olyroo contingent. This is going to be an intersting one to watch as both teams have done extensive renovations since V2, and both will aim to play expansive attacking games (wether they’ve got the talent and tactics to match is another question). Though he’s got squad depth coming out his ears Vidmar will be hoping that Burns and Djite aren’t shagged out after Olyroo duty in Qatar – both can turn a game around on their day. Meanwhile some questions about Farina’s squad, and in particular Brazillian A-Mid Marcinho should be answered as well, though the real fire in Frank’s lineup could come from Danny Tiatto on the left.
Either way, a tight, close match between two serious contenders. 2-2.
($1.85) Perth Glory vs Newcastle Jets($4.00) 3pm (WST) 26/8/07
The punters favouritism is well deserved — it’s hard to see the Jets pull this one off at the moment. Glory have had a stunning pre-season, and are easily the most improved side in the comp. Joel Griffiths feet will need to be on fire and Denni or Drovandi are going to have to pull some serious moves, otherwise Dutchie and co are going to have a disappointing trek back East.
3-0 to the Glory.
($4.30) Wellington Pheonix vs Melbourne Victory ($1.77) 4pm (Kiwi time) 26/8/07
This is going to be an interesting match. The premiers and champions have already been stunned by Ricki Herbert’s resurrected Kiwi side at home in pre-season. Although they’re sure to have gotten some groove back and Patafta has improved dramatically since his clangers earlier in pre-season I don’t think this going to be the walkover some punters are obviously tipping, MVFC are going to have to work for this one.
2 – 1 to the visitors.
10 responses so far ↓
Bring Back CL's blog // Aug 24, 2007 at 9:23 am
I like the Mariners. good all round squad. I think they will win and challenge Melbourne.
Sydney needs a striker.
I wil Be interested in the Roar/Adelaide game. It could be a cracker.
Perth will look when injuries are over. The Jets to me are early favourites for the wooden spoon.
Leinad // Aug 24, 2007 at 12:58 pm
With you on all four counts, Homer. The Jets are going to have a wretched couple of weeks methinks, though if their South American contingent does spark then all bets are off — though looking at Jardel that’s a big if
I was a little disappointed with Juninho’s signing for just that reason, we’ve got a pretty neat attacking-midfield, our real problem is that Brosque and Zdrillic can’t hit the back of the net.Hopefully Patrick will be the goods, otherwise it’s gonna be whole season of “Brilliant slide/cross/backheel from Juninho to Zdrillic who… belts it into Row 87.”
Mungo Amanda // Aug 24, 2007 at 2:03 pm
I have two free ticks for the FC game.
I think toothache and sudden uni work will keep me away. ;-(
Leinad // Aug 24, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Urrgh… Sasho inside 7 minutes, FFS.
I guess I can say I was right apart from the ‘sydney getting goals’ bit. When Branko played a back four in the first half we did really get the shit knocked out of us. Second half was better, and Middleby and Zadkovich had some good runs, but in general this team is still trying to get it’s stuff together.
Biddle was energetic but not the finished product, Brosque really needs to be paired with someone upfront, Corica is useless out on the left and everyone in blue had goalfront impotence issues.
As for the Mariners, Jedinak did a good job marking the Little Fella, though was clumsy at points, Sasho was his usual opportunistic self, Kwassie and Osman were dangerous and the Heff thuggish albeit effective.
There are positives for SFC fans and we’re going to get better and fast. Adelaide next week will be telling one way or another.
Shaun // Aug 25, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Go Mariners! I should go down to a game one day considering I live not far from the Stadium.
Leinad // Aug 25, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Shaun, you really have no excuse: Bluetongue lager on tap, great friendly atmosphere oh, and the Mariners aren’t bad either
In fact they’re kinda like the Eels. Only they’ve got lots of money. And play football…
Well, the colours are the same.
Leinad // Aug 25, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Oh and, I picked it! 2-2, and a very pacy game. Queensland are a bit of a worry – they really did have it over the inb-Reds as far as posession and shots, but like last year they aren’t finishing. Djite and Dodd had massive games for people who got off the plane from Qatar yesterday morning.
This is going to be a very close season
Leinad // Aug 26, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Pleased to be be wrong about the ‘Nix v Tards match as well — and what a match for the 14k who showed up, a lot of the walk-ups will be buying another ticket by the sounds of it.
Bring Back CL's blog // Aug 26, 2007 at 7:57 pm
you can call me genius at any time.
This season looks to be a beauty.
Shaun // Aug 26, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Yes, I’m going to try and tee up a mate with a bit more football knowledge than me to come up and go to a game.
Bluetongue is one of the best footy stadiums not matter the code (except AFL obviously) around. And of course, Bluetongue beer is better than the watered down swill you get at a venue like Telstra or Aussie.