Sydney match record, Glory charge – Opta predicts rest of A-League regular season
April 17, 2020 04:30 MYT
Sydney FC were never going to be stopped in the race for the A-League Premiers' Plate, but one club joined them in red-hot form late in the regular season.
The campaign was suspended last month due to the coronavirus pandemic with the Sky Blues on track to win a record fourth premiership.
Steve Corica's men were eight points clear and had three games in hand when the season was stopped.
Using Opta data, we predict the rest of the A-League regular season and while Sydney FC were unstoppable, one other club hit fine form.
SYDNEY MATCH POINTS RECORD
The Sky Blues' dominance continued late in the regular season.
Sydney went on to win each of their final six games and 21 of 26 to end up 17 points clear atop the table.
Only one team matched such a run late in the season – and they went on to finish second, a position that was held by Melbourne City when the campaign was suspended.
Sydney also matched their record points haul from 2016-17 with 66 points, despite playing one fewer game.
#OnThisDay in 2017 We capped off a historic, record-breaking season by lifting the Premiers Plate at Allianz! We call this squad 'The Record Breakers' #SydneyIsSkyBlue #WeAreChampions pic.twitter.com/8bghf8Ay4S
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) April 14, 2020
GLORIOUS PERTH PURR
Perth Glory, third when the season was stopped, also grabbed six wins from six to charge into second place.
With four of their last six at home and their two trips being to Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United, Perth found form to secure a home Semi-Final.
Sydney and Perth also finished as the top two last season before going on to meet in the Grand Final.
FOWLER'S ROAR, WESTERN UNITED IN FINALS AS VICTORY LEAVE RUN LATE
Under Robbie Fowler, Brisbane Roar managed just three points from their final four games, but even that was enough to finish fifth.
Still unbeaten at home in 2020! #RoarAsOne #BRIvADL @ALeague pic.twitter.com/4f9IInxYeg
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) February 8, 2020
Meanwhile, in their maiden A-League season, Western United clinched the last finals spot, finishing four points clear in sixth.
Struggling in 10th when the campaign was stopped, Melbourne Victory charged but fell short.
They grabbed 12 points from their last five games but it was only enough to finish seventh, missing the finals for the first time since 2011-12.
A-League table at end of regular season
7. Melbourne Victory – 32