Melbourne Victory vs Queensland Roar: Round 6 Preview

Melbourne Victory host the Queensland Roar on Sunday, as they try to maintain their hold on the top spot.

The Victory will be buoyed after their come-from-behind draw in Gosford last week, but they will have to meet Queensland without Michael Theoklitos and Ney Fabiano, who are both on suspension.

Lou Acevski comes into the squad as a back-up goalkeeper, as Mitch Langerak takes his place between the sticks.

It’s going to be a tough game for Langerak, with Queensland boasting a dangerous offence. Charlie Miller has scored in all but one game this season, while Reinaldo and Sergio van Dijk seem to be combining well up front. And with just one win so far this season, Frank Farina’s men need a win desperately.

My tips for the weekend:

• Central Coast Mariners to win at home against the Perth Glory. Perth got their first win last week, while the Mariners had victory snatched away from them by Archie Thompson. Home ground advantage will help the Mariners get the full three points this week.
• Adelaide United to lose to Newcastle Jets. The Newcastle Jets also picked up their first win last week, while Adelaide United have lost their past two A-League matches. Adelaide may be riding high after reaching the ACL semi-finals; but I think Newcastle will take advantage of their tired legs and steal an away win.
• Wellington Phoenix to draw with Sydney FC. There’s more hope than expectation behind this tip: most pundits are tipping a Sydney win, and it’s make or break time for the Phoenix, who are yet to win a game. Here’s hoping they snatch a draw or, even better, a win.
• Melbourne Victory to secure three points against Queensland Roar. It’ll be a fiery affair, but hopefully Melbourne will be able to finish the game with 11 men this week. If Vargas, Thwaite and Muscat can contain the Queensland attack, Melbourne will win this.