The A-League match between Sydney FC and the Melbourne Victory. Photo / Getty Images
Melbourne Victory became the third team to have their play-off hopes dashed when they lost 1-0 to bitter rivals Sydney FC on Saturday night, but the Jim Magilton-coached Victory could still play a major role in determining the make-up of the top six.
The Phoenix and the Glory ended the
weekend with 40 points with the West Australians holding third by virtue of scoring more goals than Ricki Herbert's Phoenix. The Phoenix play the Victory in Melbourne on Friday night while the Glory are at home to them in their final game of the regular season a week later.
The Phoenix end the regular season at home to leaders Central Coast Mariners who lost for the sixth time this season - beaten 1-0 in Perth in Sunday's late game - in what appears the more difficult run-in than the Glory. Finishing third or fourth would earn the Phoenix a first-up home game in the play-offs.
One of the key games this weekend will be the second of the two games at Melbourne's AAMI Park when the Heart tackle Sydney FC. The Heart, in fifth place five points behind the Phoenix and one ahead of Sydney, could end Sydney's top six hopes with a win or even a draw if Newcastle Jets (equal on points with the Heart) can beat Brisbane Roar at Ausgrid Stadium.
The Phoenix have remained in Melbourne this week to prepare for their third clash of the season against the Victory who have beaten Herbert's team twice this season - 2-1 in Wellington in round four and 3-1 at AAMI Park seven weeks later.
