After the most embarrassing of failures last Wednesday night, our City boys will be looking to bounce back in a do-or-die match. Win, we retain the Premiers Plate. Draw or lose, we catastrophically bottle the job and allow our biggest rivals to take the cake.
It is all on us now.
While the majority of fans would agree that we should have had the title secured well before Monday night, all focus is on our Wellington opponent.
For the final time this regular season, here are three of our talking points:
Recent history is on our side
Though it feels like an eternity since, we only played Wellington four A-League Men matchdays ago, winning a 6-0 drubbing behind closed doors.
Becoming Marco Tilio’s favourite opponent, Wellington offered little to nothing in this match, allowing us to score five goals in the second half. This recent result will bode well for Patrick Kisnorbo and his playing group, but we all know that surprises can happen. We must be ready for anything.
Despite having some massive losses this season, Wellington have actually found their way into the top six and will not roll over easily, wanting to preserve some form going into finals.
PK has decisions to make
Final game of the season, what would you do? Enough has been said on the goalkeeper situation, but there are no second chances; we have to get this one right.
Do we drop Tom Glover? Or do we give Matt Sutton another chance?
We all have opinions that we should be in the market for a proven goalkeeper in the off-season, but in the meantime, these are the small decisions that either make or break title runs. It certainly is crunch time, and there is no room for mistakes.
According to FBRef.com, we have the lowest save percentage in the league with 63.4%. It simply is not good enough.
Either way, no matter whose name is first on the team sheet, we must back them on the night.
Plan B, please?
This is a chance for PK to demonstrate his worth, show that he is not just a ‘one-trick pony’, and display some depth.
Time and time again we have seen late substitutions, or little to no alteration in our game plan when things aren’t going right. I am all for backing the players and how we play, but some teams have simply had our number all season.
We could not beat Victory, Western United or Adelaide at all this season. From three of the best finals teams, we need to have a second route to goal when the ball isn't finding the back of the net, it is as simple as that.
Monday night has the potential to be like the fourth derby of the season. Victory fans will no doubt pack the Wellington end, we have to back our boys and fill the City Terrace.
Bring the boys. Bring the girls.
Back to back is on the line.
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