Game 3 

Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory

If you are looking for a round upset this would be the one that is most likely to happen. Adelaide is itching for a win and seems on the cusp every week. Melbourne Victory has looked strong as of late, but their inconsistency earlier in the season makes it feel almost too good to be true for them to sustain it.

Due to the game last week being postponed from the fires and a scheduled bye both of these teams got the week off in round 9. So the argument of too much rest for one team is voided here. 

Adelaide is practically out of the race for post season while Victory is just two points outside the top four. Could this be the week Adelaide gets out of the basement or the week Victory fully lives up to their potential?

 

Key Matchup

Natasha Dowie vs Julia Ashley

One of the top goal scorers every year she plays, this year is no different for Natasha Dowie. Last year she got second place for the golden boot and she is currently in the top ten with three goals. 

Dowie has played every minute for Victory being a part of almost all of the team’s offence. She was able to get the scoring going last game, by netting a goal in just the 10th minute of play. Dowie is the spark that gets Victory going and they will need it to beat Adelaide this week.

Trying to stop Dowie and the rest of Victory’s offence will be defender Julia Ashley. A staple in Adelaide's backline will have her work cut out for her this week. 

Stopping a goal scorer is always easier said than done and Adelaide’s track record this year proves that point. Ashley will have to step up multiple times for her team this week if they want to have a fighting chance.

 

Score Prediction

2-1 Melbourne Victory

Victory is riding a three game unbeaten streak into this game and they will look to keep it alive against the last place team. Melbourne Victory are not blowing teams out and they have the closest goal differential of any team with -1. 

Adelaide’s main problem is they cannot close out games and lose most of them by one goal fashion. Look for this to be much of the same with Adelaide walking off the pitch going through the what ifs.