It's the time of the season when everyone starts getting even more excited – finals time! The first leg of the Semi-Finals has come and gone, with Melbourne City FC, Central Coast Mariners, Sydney FC and Adelaide United all having just one more chance to book themselves a spot in the all-important Final.
So, here we are, the Semi-Finals (Leg 2), with Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC drawing in their first game, 1-1 and Central Coast Mariners proving too good for Adelaide United, 2-1. And it's the question on everyone's lips, who will win in their second Semi-Final match?
Well, who better than former A-League star, Jake Barker-Daish, to take you through the two all-important Semi-Final (Leg 2) clashes and provide his A-League tips. Check out all our soccer tips below:
A-League Semi-Final (Leg 2) Game 1: Melbourne City FC vs Sydney FC
After a tight affair in Game 1 of the Semi-Final on a pitch that was below par for an A-League Semi-Final, there is all to play for in Game 2. Melbourne City have been the best team all season and will be the favourites coming into the second leg at home.
However, Melbourne City have dominated the league before and lost in finals. Sydney will feel confident they can get a result, but there is no doubt Melbourne City’s weaponry of Leckie, Maclaren and Tilio will be the key.
If Sydney can keep the front three quiet or score early, they can progress, but I feel City will win this game 2-1 with Leckie and Maclaren to get on the scoresheet. Adam Le Fondre is a danger with an eye for goal and Anthony Caceres’ creativity will need to be limited to suit the light blue side of Melbourne.
Jake's Expert A-League Tip: Match Winner – Melbourne City FC
A-League Semi-Final (Leg 2) Game 2: Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United
Two of the most resilient clubs in the A-League with limited budgets and an influx of youth talent that has made this second leg a game you will want to watch. Socceroo, Craig Goodwin, is about as critical player for Adelaide United as any player in any A-League squad. His creative left foot, goals and assists are going to need to be at their best to salvage the 2-1 deficit from game one.
What Central Coast have showed this season is that you cannot not appreciate the endeavour, spirit and quality on display to give them the favouritism at home in this second leg affair. Similar to Craig Goodwin for Adelaide is the Joker himself, Jason Cummings for the Central Coast Mariners.
Joe Gauci will be kicking himself for the goal let in from Cummings in the first leg but that is what Cummings can do. He's great at catching defences off guard and if there is half a chance, he will be there to score it.
I am tipping a close game that could see a draw unfold with Central Coast to be the team to make the leap to the Final. Nestory Irankunda, I believe is Adelaide’s key man if on song to break that prediction. However, I am tipping a 1-1 draw with Cummings and Irankunda to get on the scoresheet.
Jake's Expert A-League Tip: Match Winner – Draw
We told you our A-League tips were on point! If reading our A-League Semi-Finals (Leg 2) preview has got you all fired up, make sure you head on over to the Dabble app, get all your bets sorted and share your thoughts in the Banter channel.
