The Elimination Finals are done and we’re now down to the battle for the two spots in this year’s Hyundai
A-League Grand Final.
And we’re set for a couple of enthralling Semi-Finals this weekend between four clubs who have certainly earned their rite to be in this position.
The action kicks off on Friday night over in the west, with premiers Perth Glory taking on Adelaide United at what will be a boisterous HBF Park.
Then on Sunday night it’s the clash between two clubs who are no stranger to finals football.
Sydney FC host Big Blue rivals Melbourne Victory in Kogarah, the third straight season these two proud clubs have met in the Finals Series.
For the second time in 12 months, Sydney FC will host Melbourne Victory for a spot in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final.
And if history is anything to go by, Sunday night’s Big Blue Semi-Final at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium (kicking off at 7:00pm AEST) will be choc-full of entertainment, drama and full-blooded passion.
It was Victory who prevailed at this stage last season on their way to a fourth Hyundai A-League championship, a defeat which really stung the runaway premiers Sydney FC. While they won’t admit it publicly, Sydney FC players involved in that match – a 3-2 loss after extra-time – will be desperate for revenge in this one.
Steve Corica’s side did have the luxury of resting last weekend but that has been offset by the club’s trip to South Korea for the AFC Champions League clash with Ulsan Hyundai. Victory are also in Korea for an ACL clash today but coach Kevin Muscat has left most of his stars at home as they are already unable to progress out of the group stage.
Up until Sydney FC’s late 2-1 win over Victory in Round 24, it had been the Big V that had won the previous three between the two bitter rivals, including a 2-1 triumph in Kogarah early in the campaign.
The visitors showed why they are a genuine chance to go back-to-back in their performance to beat Wellington Phoenix 3-1 at AAMI Park last Friday night. Imports Keisuke Honda and Ola Toivonen were brought to the club on big money and with big reputations to deliver at the business end of the season. The pair did just that and will now have the Sky Blues in their sights.
In the other semi Glory and the Reds do battle at HBF Park (kick-off 8.30pm AEST), with the winner heading into the decider. Tony Popovic’s side will rightly start favourites to do just that given their incredible season thus far.
Perth hardly put a foot wrong during the regular season, sweeping all before them to wrap-up the Premiership with games to spare.
While landing the club’s maiden piece of silverware in the Hyundai A-League era is reason enough to celebrate, Popovic has ensured Glory are hungry to win the double.
After all, the Championship trophy remains elusive for Popa despite coaching in three previous Grand Finals (2012/13, 2013/14 and 2015/16) during his time at Western Sydney Wanderers. Adelaide booked their spot in the Semi-Final thanks to a gruelling 1-0 win over Melbourne City last Sunday night.
