Season 21 Archives
A "Cool" look at Week 29
Written 21-10-10
TM Australia is proud to announce ex Australian International Midfielder Charlie 'Mr Cool' Cole as its new expert reporter on all things A League.
Charlie will preview each round of games in the A League and give his expert tips on who he thinks will come out on top.
Week 29
Week 29 is a tricky round for some of the top sides. Although expected to win, they all face tricky opponents who on their day can cause major slipups.
Arsenal F.C. vs Narre Heart
This is a game that could have a massive bearing at the bottom end of the table. Both sides have been in or around the relegation zone for the vast majority of the season and this is a chance to pickup valuable points against a close rival. Arsenal has had a rich run of form of late, despite the last loss to Bora. In their last 4 league games they have picked up victories over high flyers Guards FC and League Leaders Harry Cool. Narre on the other hand have only managed 1 point in their last 4, although that was against Alcoholics Utd.
I can't look past Arsenal here, although they have a tough Cup encounter before this match Narre have 3 key first teamers out, including their keeper Dall, who is invaluable to their cause.
TIP: Arsenal 3-1
The Gladstone Granites vs Kuumonica
Simple equation here for Granites; win or go down. With Memphis facing Alco there is the chance that the Granites could pull to within 3 of the Demons with a win, but a loss could see them as far as 12 (most likely 9) behind with only 5 games remaining.
At this stage Granites will have a full roster to pick from (Cup injuries/suspensions pending) but all I can see in this game is a draw. Neither side deserves to stay up, and I think they will seal each other’s fate.
TIP: Draw 1-1
Memphistopheles FC vs Alcoholics Utd
Crucial game for both sides for different reasons. Alco are fighting to hold onto the 5th place in the league and a guaranteed ROW place for season 22, whilst Memphis are fighting to avoid a drop straight back to Division 2. Both sides will be coming into this match off tough Cup games against Guards FC (Memphis) and Harry Cool (Alco) and injuries and suspensions could prove the difference but in all seriousness in no way could I tip Memphis.
They are coming off a run of 6 straight League defeats, all to rivals of AU whereas the Piss heads are unbeaten in 8 league matches. Memphis will be hoping Kuu can do them a favour at The Cauldron or it could be a nervy last 5 games for Demons fans.
TIP: Alco 4-1
Guards FC vs Bora Juniors
This is a game which could turn out to be a corker or a fizzer at the Guardbox depending on the outcome of their impending cup fixtures. Bora is another team fighting for survival in the A League and although they are in safety at this point, they could be in a spot of bother with a loss in this match. Upcoming fixtures against DA, Harry, and Collingwood would have Bora boss, Hawz Durv, rather concerned.
Guards on the other hand are flying high, well above all expectations. It could be the cup which determines Bora's chances in this game. A win in the cup for Guards against Memphis could see Guards Boss Richie Pell rest players to have a real crack at the cup. Durv will no doubt be hoping this is the case, Either way I don’t think it will matter
TIP: Guards 2-1
Milo Magic vs Jmaerson FC
Milo are the most enigmatic team in the A League. One minute they can pull off wins against this likes of Guards and Collingwood then they come out and get beat by Gladstone. They have game breakers in their side and when on, can match anyone on their day.
Jmaerson boss James Nyman said at the end of last season that his team was not ready for the A League and he's been proven 100% correct. Even with McCann between the sticks they have not been able to stem the flow of goals, and face a immediate return to Division 2.
The questions for me are which Milo will turn up? Will Florescu's final game for the nemo's be a happy one? Can McCann save Jmaerson?
TIP: Jmaerson 1-0
Dangerous Alliance vs 'The Snakes'
DA manager Rangitamoe must certainly be pulling his hair out, if he has any left. His side always promises so much but of late seems to be delivering nothing. A Stat that would be concerning Ranga is in the 10 matches against top 7 opposition this season DA are 0 wins, 2 draws and 8 losses. The only saving grace is one of those draws was against 'The Snakes'.
'The Snakes' have always been a team that creep along with no fuss and fanfare. They could cause a fuss in the DA camp this game however as a win against the Alliance would put them within striking distance of 6th place and a possible ROW berth next season. Doing so without star midfielder Brett Stone will be tough though.
TIP: Draw 2-2
Watson's Stingrays vs Granado FC
This is a crucial game in the context of the season. Granado cannot afford to drop more points in the run home if he is to take the title. The last minute equaliser by Collingwood has certainly put the pressure on Lee Enzo and his men to step up.
Once again it could be the cup fixture which affects the outcome of this game. Granado have to travel to Division 4 side All Star Soccer and although many are tipping an easy win, it is the state of the pitch which has been all the talk. How many injuries will Granado get?
The Main question will be however, Can Watson's questionable defence stop Granado from getting their regulation 4 goals a game?
TIP: Draw 3-3
Collingwood FC vs Beast County
Another one of these fixtures which affects both ends of the table. Collingwood are fighting to stay in the title race as well as fighting off Guards FC for the 3rd ROW League place. Beast County are fighting not to be drawn into a relegation battle.
Beast County will need to turn around a dismal run of form if they are to get anything from this match. One win in their last 8 league matches is hardly anything to write home about. Another concern for BC fans is their recent 5-2 loss to the Magpies in the cup, meaning Maz Amro's boys have put 8 goals past the County in their 2 meetings this season (previous league meeting 3-3).
TIP: Collingwood 4-2
Harry Cool vs Lactics
Lactics are one of only 7 teams to take points off Harry Cool this season. Holding Harrys men to 0-0 is a tough feat but they will be aiming to doing it again, this time at Harry Cool Stadium.
Lactics have surprised many this season by sitting in 8th spot, but Shad Latty will know that 1 slip up could see them slip right back into the relegation dogfight and Harry are a team who could give them more of a slipup.
Harry on the other hand this season has had a habit of dropping points just as it looks as though they are about to seal the deal. No doubt the likes of Granado, Collingwood and Guards will be hoping that 'DH' and 'The Answer' have a day out.
TIP: Harry 3-1
That's my preview of this week’s games. I'll be back again next week to preview more of the A League. Happy Punting,
Charlie 'Mr Cool' Cole
Charlie will preview each round of games in the A League and give his expert tips on who he thinks will come out on top.
Week 29
Week 29 is a tricky round for some of the top sides. Although expected to win, they all face tricky opponents who on their day can cause major slipups.
Arsenal F.C. vs Narre Heart
This is a game that could have a massive bearing at the bottom end of the table. Both sides have been in or around the relegation zone for the vast majority of the season and this is a chance to pickup valuable points against a close rival. Arsenal has had a rich run of form of late, despite the last loss to Bora. In their last 4 league games they have picked up victories over high flyers Guards FC and League Leaders Harry Cool. Narre on the other hand have only managed 1 point in their last 4, although that was against Alcoholics Utd.
I can't look past Arsenal here, although they have a tough Cup encounter before this match Narre have 3 key first teamers out, including their keeper Dall, who is invaluable to their cause.
TIP: Arsenal 3-1
The Gladstone Granites vs Kuumonica
Simple equation here for Granites; win or go down. With Memphis facing Alco there is the chance that the Granites could pull to within 3 of the Demons with a win, but a loss could see them as far as 12 (most likely 9) behind with only 5 games remaining.
At this stage Granites will have a full roster to pick from (Cup injuries/suspensions pending) but all I can see in this game is a draw. Neither side deserves to stay up, and I think they will seal each other’s fate.
TIP: Draw 1-1
Memphistopheles FC vs Alcoholics Utd
Crucial game for both sides for different reasons. Alco are fighting to hold onto the 5th place in the league and a guaranteed ROW place for season 22, whilst Memphis are fighting to avoid a drop straight back to Division 2. Both sides will be coming into this match off tough Cup games against Guards FC (Memphis) and Harry Cool (Alco) and injuries and suspensions could prove the difference but in all seriousness in no way could I tip Memphis.
They are coming off a run of 6 straight League defeats, all to rivals of AU whereas the Piss heads are unbeaten in 8 league matches. Memphis will be hoping Kuu can do them a favour at The Cauldron or it could be a nervy last 5 games for Demons fans.
TIP: Alco 4-1
Guards FC vs Bora Juniors
This is a game which could turn out to be a corker or a fizzer at the Guardbox depending on the outcome of their impending cup fixtures. Bora is another team fighting for survival in the A League and although they are in safety at this point, they could be in a spot of bother with a loss in this match. Upcoming fixtures against DA, Harry, and Collingwood would have Bora boss, Hawz Durv, rather concerned.
Guards on the other hand are flying high, well above all expectations. It could be the cup which determines Bora's chances in this game. A win in the cup for Guards against Memphis could see Guards Boss Richie Pell rest players to have a real crack at the cup. Durv will no doubt be hoping this is the case, Either way I don’t think it will matter
TIP: Guards 2-1
Milo Magic vs Jmaerson FC
Milo are the most enigmatic team in the A League. One minute they can pull off wins against this likes of Guards and Collingwood then they come out and get beat by Gladstone. They have game breakers in their side and when on, can match anyone on their day.
Jmaerson boss James Nyman said at the end of last season that his team was not ready for the A League and he's been proven 100% correct. Even with McCann between the sticks they have not been able to stem the flow of goals, and face a immediate return to Division 2.
The questions for me are which Milo will turn up? Will Florescu's final game for the nemo's be a happy one? Can McCann save Jmaerson?
TIP: Jmaerson 1-0
Dangerous Alliance vs 'The Snakes'
DA manager Rangitamoe must certainly be pulling his hair out, if he has any left. His side always promises so much but of late seems to be delivering nothing. A Stat that would be concerning Ranga is in the 10 matches against top 7 opposition this season DA are 0 wins, 2 draws and 8 losses. The only saving grace is one of those draws was against 'The Snakes'.
'The Snakes' have always been a team that creep along with no fuss and fanfare. They could cause a fuss in the DA camp this game however as a win against the Alliance would put them within striking distance of 6th place and a possible ROW berth next season. Doing so without star midfielder Brett Stone will be tough though.
TIP: Draw 2-2
Watson's Stingrays vs Granado FC
This is a crucial game in the context of the season. Granado cannot afford to drop more points in the run home if he is to take the title. The last minute equaliser by Collingwood has certainly put the pressure on Lee Enzo and his men to step up.
Once again it could be the cup fixture which affects the outcome of this game. Granado have to travel to Division 4 side All Star Soccer and although many are tipping an easy win, it is the state of the pitch which has been all the talk. How many injuries will Granado get?
The Main question will be however, Can Watson's questionable defence stop Granado from getting their regulation 4 goals a game?
TIP: Draw 3-3
Collingwood FC vs Beast County
Another one of these fixtures which affects both ends of the table. Collingwood are fighting to stay in the title race as well as fighting off Guards FC for the 3rd ROW League place. Beast County are fighting not to be drawn into a relegation battle.
Beast County will need to turn around a dismal run of form if they are to get anything from this match. One win in their last 8 league matches is hardly anything to write home about. Another concern for BC fans is their recent 5-2 loss to the Magpies in the cup, meaning Maz Amro's boys have put 8 goals past the County in their 2 meetings this season (previous league meeting 3-3).
TIP: Collingwood 4-2
Harry Cool vs Lactics
Lactics are one of only 7 teams to take points off Harry Cool this season. Holding Harrys men to 0-0 is a tough feat but they will be aiming to doing it again, this time at Harry Cool Stadium.
Lactics have surprised many this season by sitting in 8th spot, but Shad Latty will know that 1 slip up could see them slip right back into the relegation dogfight and Harry are a team who could give them more of a slipup.
Harry on the other hand this season has had a habit of dropping points just as it looks as though they are about to seal the deal. No doubt the likes of Granado, Collingwood and Guards will be hoping that 'DH' and 'The Answer' have a day out.
TIP: Harry 3-1
That's my preview of this week’s games. I'll be back again next week to preview more of the A League. Happy Punting,
Charlie 'Mr Cool' Cole
A "Cool" look at Week 31
Written 26-10-10
Week 31
After a tough Round of tipping in Round 29 and unable to do a preview for Round 30, we now look to Round 31.
This Round could have significant implications on the table at both ends.
Dangerous Alliance vs. Beast County
Both these sides enter this match on the back of 4-2 victories last round. DA’s win, importantly pushing them back inside the top 5 after AU’s surprise fall to Arsenal.
Beast County have pulled themselves away from the relegation playoff zone for now, but a loss here could push them right back to it, and they will not be an easy pushover for DA.
Rang’s men will need to be switched on from the outset, but have plenty of motivation themselves. A win for them could almost seal 5th spot, with Rivals AU playing Harry (Although notably, last time these two played, AU smashed Harry off the park).
Tip: DA 2-1
Milo Magic vs. ‘The Snakes’
These two sides seem to be up and down every week. Both coming off crucial losses last round which see’s them both right in the relegation Playoff dogfight.
Although the Magic are still a mathematical chance of facing Automatic relegation, the likelihood is very very slim. The fans of these two sides will no doubt have no nails left at the end of this encounter as both sides continue to give heart flutters to all involved. One thing’s for certain, It will be a Cracker of a match.
Tip: Draw 1-1
Arsenal F.C. vs. Kuumonica
This game has two totally different sides to it. Arsenal coming of a big win over AU last round is fighting strong to seal 7th spot and a possible ROW spot, whilst Kuumonica’s season keeps going downhill. Losing 3-0 to Guards FC last round and dropping 3 points behind Jmaerson at the bottom of the table.
Basically this game will come down to Arsenal. If they show up to play they will win. If not then Kuu could pick up their 5th win of the season.
Tip: Arsenal 3-0
Harry Cool vs. Alcoholics Utd
Will we see a repeat of the cup fixture a few matches back?? Highly unlikely, but Aaron Smith will know if he is any chance of sealing a top 5 spot then he MUST get something from this game.
On the other hand Pure Owen knows that any slip up at this late stage will invite Granado and possibly even Collingwood right back into the title race.
AU’s downfall could come through injuries and suspensions from their Australian Cup fixture vs. Watsons Stingrays, although Harry will also have to overcome their ROW League match. Will be a classic encounter, but I feel Harry will be stinging at that 4-0 result a few games back.
Tip: Harry 3-0
Guards FC vs. Granado FC
There will be as much spite off the field as on it in this clash. Both managers have gone head to head this season and the barbs have flown hard and fast. Guards League season is all but over with only a ROW League spot to fight for whereas Granado are still firmly in the Title race.
Guards will still be smarting at their 6-0 loss the last two times these sides met, but the results go much deeper. The last 3 times these sides have played Granado have put on 14 goals against the Guards defence.
The question will be how will Guards approach this game? Will they rest players for their Cup fixtures or will they try and inflict the ultimate pain on Granado and end their season?
Match of the Round for sure and I’m tipping a classic encounter.
Tip: Draw 3-3
Collingwood FC vs. Lactics
Collingwood still hold slim hopes of winning the league, but realistically they are only battling for a ROW League spot. They will also have a Cup ¼ final to worry about which could lead to players being rested and a chance for Lactics.
Lactics on the other hand are right on the cusp of the relegation playoff zone and desperately need to get back in the winner’s circle after a disappointing 3-1 loss to fellow strugglers Memphis last round. A loss for Lactics here could well seal their fate, with games against DA and Guards in the next 2 rounds.
Tip: Collingwood 3-1
The Gladstone Granites vs. Narre Heart
Gladstone will be heartbroken after coming off a devastating 1-0 loss to Guards in the cup. They will however need to lift, and fast if they are any hope of dragging themselves out of the automatic relegation spot. Eight points adrift with 4 games remaining is no easy feat, but they have shown through their cup form that they can win pressure games.
Narre are one of the teams who are threatened by Gladstone and they know they can all but seal their own safety, from auto relegation at least, with a win in this match. Narre still have Dall out and that is a huge concern for me.
Tip: Gladstone 2-0
Watson’s Stingrays vs. Jmaerson FC
The Stingrays seem to holding a mid table spot pretty comfortably at the moment, However Wato will be hoping for a win to all but seal safety. A concern is cards/injuries from their continuing cup run however they will be thankful for taking on Jmaerson who are coming off a draw with Collingwood and don’t usually string results together.
Jmaerson’s fate is sealed they will be in Division 2 next season, so it’s all about pride for them and for some players who may get an opportunity to play in the top grade with thoughts for next season. They will be no pushover and could pose a problem for any team who faces them but u could not tip them with any confidence.
Tip: Stingrays 2-1
Memphistopheles FC vs. Bora Juniors
Memphis have now strung back to back wins together, but still need more if they are going to get out of the relegation playoff zone. Their luck has come through Bora still being in the cup so injuries and suspensions may force Hawz Durv to rest key players, although Bora are not yet safe themselves.
Bora will need to weigh up what is more important for them, a chance at a cup trophy or survival in the A League. If it were me I would be concentrating on the A League for now, At least until we were safe and then if we were still in the cup I would go all out for it. Hawz has a tough decision to make.
Tip: Draw 1-1
That's my preview of this week’s games; I'll be back again next week to preview more of the A League.
Happy Punting,
Charlie 'Mr. Cool' Cole
After a tough Round of tipping in Round 29 and unable to do a preview for Round 30, we now look to Round 31.
This Round could have significant implications on the table at both ends.
Dangerous Alliance vs. Beast County
Both these sides enter this match on the back of 4-2 victories last round. DA’s win, importantly pushing them back inside the top 5 after AU’s surprise fall to Arsenal.
Beast County have pulled themselves away from the relegation playoff zone for now, but a loss here could push them right back to it, and they will not be an easy pushover for DA.
Rang’s men will need to be switched on from the outset, but have plenty of motivation themselves. A win for them could almost seal 5th spot, with Rivals AU playing Harry (Although notably, last time these two played, AU smashed Harry off the park).
Tip: DA 2-1
Milo Magic vs. ‘The Snakes’
These two sides seem to be up and down every week. Both coming off crucial losses last round which see’s them both right in the relegation Playoff dogfight.
Although the Magic are still a mathematical chance of facing Automatic relegation, the likelihood is very very slim. The fans of these two sides will no doubt have no nails left at the end of this encounter as both sides continue to give heart flutters to all involved. One thing’s for certain, It will be a Cracker of a match.
Tip: Draw 1-1
Arsenal F.C. vs. Kuumonica
This game has two totally different sides to it. Arsenal coming of a big win over AU last round is fighting strong to seal 7th spot and a possible ROW spot, whilst Kuumonica’s season keeps going downhill. Losing 3-0 to Guards FC last round and dropping 3 points behind Jmaerson at the bottom of the table.
Basically this game will come down to Arsenal. If they show up to play they will win. If not then Kuu could pick up their 5th win of the season.
Tip: Arsenal 3-0
Harry Cool vs. Alcoholics Utd
Will we see a repeat of the cup fixture a few matches back?? Highly unlikely, but Aaron Smith will know if he is any chance of sealing a top 5 spot then he MUST get something from this game.
On the other hand Pure Owen knows that any slip up at this late stage will invite Granado and possibly even Collingwood right back into the title race.
AU’s downfall could come through injuries and suspensions from their Australian Cup fixture vs. Watsons Stingrays, although Harry will also have to overcome their ROW League match. Will be a classic encounter, but I feel Harry will be stinging at that 4-0 result a few games back.
Tip: Harry 3-0
Guards FC vs. Granado FC
There will be as much spite off the field as on it in this clash. Both managers have gone head to head this season and the barbs have flown hard and fast. Guards League season is all but over with only a ROW League spot to fight for whereas Granado are still firmly in the Title race.
Guards will still be smarting at their 6-0 loss the last two times these sides met, but the results go much deeper. The last 3 times these sides have played Granado have put on 14 goals against the Guards defence.
The question will be how will Guards approach this game? Will they rest players for their Cup fixtures or will they try and inflict the ultimate pain on Granado and end their season?
Match of the Round for sure and I’m tipping a classic encounter.
Tip: Draw 3-3
Collingwood FC vs. Lactics
Collingwood still hold slim hopes of winning the league, but realistically they are only battling for a ROW League spot. They will also have a Cup ¼ final to worry about which could lead to players being rested and a chance for Lactics.
Lactics on the other hand are right on the cusp of the relegation playoff zone and desperately need to get back in the winner’s circle after a disappointing 3-1 loss to fellow strugglers Memphis last round. A loss for Lactics here could well seal their fate, with games against DA and Guards in the next 2 rounds.
Tip: Collingwood 3-1
The Gladstone Granites vs. Narre Heart
Gladstone will be heartbroken after coming off a devastating 1-0 loss to Guards in the cup. They will however need to lift, and fast if they are any hope of dragging themselves out of the automatic relegation spot. Eight points adrift with 4 games remaining is no easy feat, but they have shown through their cup form that they can win pressure games.
Narre are one of the teams who are threatened by Gladstone and they know they can all but seal their own safety, from auto relegation at least, with a win in this match. Narre still have Dall out and that is a huge concern for me.
Tip: Gladstone 2-0
Watson’s Stingrays vs. Jmaerson FC
The Stingrays seem to holding a mid table spot pretty comfortably at the moment, However Wato will be hoping for a win to all but seal safety. A concern is cards/injuries from their continuing cup run however they will be thankful for taking on Jmaerson who are coming off a draw with Collingwood and don’t usually string results together.
Jmaerson’s fate is sealed they will be in Division 2 next season, so it’s all about pride for them and for some players who may get an opportunity to play in the top grade with thoughts for next season. They will be no pushover and could pose a problem for any team who faces them but u could not tip them with any confidence.
Tip: Stingrays 2-1
Memphistopheles FC vs. Bora Juniors
Memphis have now strung back to back wins together, but still need more if they are going to get out of the relegation playoff zone. Their luck has come through Bora still being in the cup so injuries and suspensions may force Hawz Durv to rest key players, although Bora are not yet safe themselves.
Bora will need to weigh up what is more important for them, a chance at a cup trophy or survival in the A League. If it were me I would be concentrating on the A League for now, At least until we were safe and then if we were still in the cup I would go all out for it. Hawz has a tough decision to make.
Tip: Draw 1-1
That's my preview of this week’s games; I'll be back again next week to preview more of the A League.
Happy Punting,
Charlie 'Mr. Cool' Cole
