The A-League regular season is reaching it's climax, as all 10 teams look to grapple for position in the table. But the season is nowhere near done yet, as the top six head into the post-season to decide who will be crowned A-League champions 2017.
With 4 games to go in the regular season, 5 of the play-off positions are all but decided. Leaders Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City are mathematically guaranteed a place, and it would take something spectacular for Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory not to make it in fifth and sixth respectively.
However, it is all to play for as any one of Western Sydney Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix or Newcastle Jets could take the final 6th position.
Sydney FC have ran away with the league so far this season, currently sitting 11 points clear of second placed Melbourne Victory, having only lost one game out of 23. But that victory came recently against second placed Victory, giving them the psychological edge heading into the post-season.
Victory on the charge
Whilst Sydney FC have ran away with the league so far, Melbourne Victory have been comfortable in second place, and currently sit 9 points ahead of 3rd place, rivals Melbourne City. It is, therefore, looking high likely that with just 4 games to go, they will retain 2nd spot and automatically reach the semi-finals of the post season, along with leaders Sydney.
Until Sydney FC's trip to Victory in early March, many would have though they would run away with the regular and post-season. But with Victory achieving the first win against Sydney in the league - and with it being a crushing 4-1 win - they certainly have the momentum heading into the final weeks of the season.
On top of that, they have two of the top performers in the league this season.
Bersart Berisha leads the league for goals with 18, and Marco Rojas sits 4th with 12, as well as 11 assists. Berisha's form has seen him earn a call-up to the Kosovo national team, and the form of midfielder James Troisi has not gone unnoticed, as he gets a call-up to the Socceroos side. Victory are certainly a team high on confidence heading into the post season battle.
Complacency the key
Despite their form, they may also be relying on complacency from leaders Sydney FC. Whilst their confidence will almost certainly be knocked from their crushing defeat to their title challengers, they will certainly feel they are the favourites going into the post-season matches.
Having cruised in the league, one can maybe forgive them for being over-confident - and perhaps they won't be. But Victory have that knowledge that, on their day, they could beat them. And, if it comes down to a final between the two, which it very well might, then it's going to be a case of who holds their nerve.
