We checked out Opta Data to breakdown which team has the more potent strike-force ahead of Sunday’s season-defining Round 27 clash in Wellington.
With Melbourne Victory all-but assured of the Premiers’ Plate, this is effectively a play-off for that second spot, which brings with it a pass straight through to Week 2 of the Finals Series.
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That’s how huge these 90 minutes will be on Sunday at Westpac Stadium.Â
Both sides are blessed massive firepower in attack and have 94 goals between them this season.Â
Wellington Phoenix’s trio of Nathan Burns, Michael McGlinchey and Roy Krishna
Ernie Merrick has transformed Phoenix into one of the best teams to watch in the Hyundai A-League and much of that is down to the combination of their front three.
While Krishna and McGlinchey are vital cogs in the Phoenix wheel, Burns has been the star of the show
He has scored in nine matches this season, with Wellington winning every one of those games he has scored in.Â
Goals between them:Â 27
Shots:Â 119
Assists:Â 12
Chances created:Â 103
Crosses:Â 213
Minutes per goal:Â Burns 148.4, Krishna 168.7, McGlinchey 390
Successful dribbles:Â Burns 83, McGlinchey 35, Krishna 27
Shooting accuracy:Â Burns 70.8 percent, Krishna 54.8, McGlinchey 41.4
Sydney FC’s front three of Marc Janko, Alex Brosque and Bernie Ibini
All new signings for the Sky Blues at the start of the season, these three have gelled incredibly quickly and been a huge part of the side’s success.
Janko is all power and a pure finisher. Brosque brings the experience, class and guile while Ibini’s work-rate, speed and directness is second to none.
It’s a combination that’s made them a partnership which is hard to stop.
Which trio will come out on top on Sunday?
Goals between them:Â 28Â
Shots:Â 153
Assists:Â eight
Chances created:Â 77
Crosses:Â 97
Minutes per goal:Â Janko 108.7, Ibini 432.6, Brosque 301.7
Successful dribbles:Â Ibini 62, Brosque 15, Janko 3
Shooting accuracy:Â Brosque 69.4 percent, Ibini 53.5, Janko 41.9
