Matthew Spiranovic

[Carns]

He come back into the team easily, 

 

Spira and NTS in the middle, Golec on the left, and Mullen and Hamill fight it out for the RB

No way Popa will risk Hamill at RB in the final. It'll be either Mullen (most likely) or Cole.

 

Hamill and NTS have been pretty solid. I like the idea of Spira at CDM, and bring on either La Rocca/Poljak in the second half. I suppose there is no way to play Spira, Poljak and La Rocca in the same midfield is there?

[ManfredSchaefer]

 

He come back into the team easily, 

 

Spira and NTS in the middle, Golec on the left, and Mullen and Hamill fight it out for the RB

No way Popa will risk Hamill at RB in the final. It'll be either Mullen (most likely) or Cole.

 

Hamill and NTS have been pretty solid. I like the idea of Spira at CDM, and bring on either La Rocca/Poljak in the second half. I suppose there is no way to play Spira, Poljak and La Rocca in the same midfield is there?

 

 

Agree with Hamill not going to the RB pozzie.

I suspect that Popa will again start with both he and Poljak in their respective positions and then sees how the games goes. If we are struggling defensively and need an outlet to reassert some control then Spira could slip into BH's place. If we are matching it with Al Hilal and either up by a goal or at least better than an even chance of winning the put Spira into Poljak or maybe even La Rocca's spot to give a final flourish to the match.

I'm sure that Popa is building Spira up slowly, knowing full well that whatever he achieves on the field in the ACL campaign now is more for the future, either in the current A-League and/or future international commitments. 

Whatever the story we might need to get used to the idea of MS only playing a few full games this season with us.

[Zelinsky]

Spira as RB in Saudi please. Mullen was outclassed and outrun last night.

[ManfredSchaefer]

Spira as RB in Saudi please. Mullen was outclassed and outrun last night.

 

Rather have Cole there if we were looking for someone to replace Mullen. 

[wsyd12]

 

 

He come back into the team easily, 

 

Spira and NTS in the middle, Golec on the left, and Mullen and Hamill fight it out for the RB

No way Popa will risk Hamill at RB in the final. It'll be either Mullen (most likely) or Cole.

 

Hamill and NTS have been pretty solid. I like the idea of Spira at CDM, and bring on either La Rocca/Poljak in the second half. I suppose there is no way to play Spira, Poljak and La Rocca in the same midfield is there?

 

 

Agree with Hamill not going to the RB pozzie.

I suspect that Popa will again start with both he and Poljak in their respective positions and then sees how the games goes. If we are struggling defensively and need an outlet to reassert some control then Spira could slip into BH's place. If we are matching it with Al Hilal and either up by a goal or at least better than an even chance of winning the put Spira into Poljak or maybe even La Rocca's spot to give a final flourish to the match.

I'm sure that Popa is building Spira up slowly, knowing full well that whatever he achieves on the field in the ACL campaign now is more for the future, either in the current A-League and/or future international commitments. 

Whatever the story we might need to get used to the idea of MS only playing a few full games this season with us.

 

 

How come you reckon Spira will only play a few full games this season with us? Unless you know something I don't... obviously he'll get a few international caps and fingers crossed he comes out of the Asian Cup break all fit for us, but once he shakes off this injury and gets back to 100% (which surely isn't far away) why wouldn't he?

 

I agree with you though, would much rather have Cole at RB than him. If we have Cole/NTS/Spira/Golec as our back four in Saudi Arabia I'll be very happy. Spira has so much class on the ball and is able to play it out calmly from the back, something we really missed in that first half last night. And as has been mentioned, he's got so much more experience than the rest of our squad with those tough West Asian conditions , let alone big game experience. Absolutely love the bloke and I'm so happy he's back.

[GunnerWanderer]

I think Spira might come in for Poljak next week from the start. 

[Nnnnnathan12]

I think Spira might come in for Poljak next week from the start.

 

I wouldn't do that, Poljak and La Rocca have too much of a good thing going.

I would start with Spira and NTS

[Unlimited]

Mullen at RB and Cole at RW means - theoretically - that there is lots of cover on the right. If Cole plays at RB, whoever plays at RW needs to be pretty defencively switched on to provide good cover, I thought Haliti did a pretty good job of covering and helping out Golec last night.

[GunnerWanderer]

agree with you 

 

Nathan but I think popa will look Spira's ball retention in the away leg. wait and see.

[ManfredSchaefer]

 

 

 

He come back into the team easily, 

 

Spira and NTS in the middle, Golec on the left, and Mullen and Hamill fight it out for the RB

No way Popa will risk Hamill at RB in the final. It'll be either Mullen (most likely) or Cole.

 

Hamill and NTS have been pretty solid. I like the idea of Spira at CDM, and bring on either La Rocca/Poljak in the second half. I suppose there is no way to play Spira, Poljak and La Rocca in the same midfield is there?

 

 

Agree with Hamill not going to the RB pozzie.

I suspect that Popa will again start with both he and Poljak in their respective positions and then sees how the games goes. If we are struggling defensively and need an outlet to reassert some control then Spira could slip into BH's place. If we are matching it with Al Hilal and either up by a goal or at least better than an even chance of winning the put Spira into Poljak or maybe even La Rocca's spot to give a final flourish to the match.

I'm sure that Popa is building Spira up slowly, knowing full well that whatever he achieves on the field in the ACL campaign now is more for the future, either in the current A-League and/or future international commitments. 

Whatever the story we might need to get used to the idea of MS only playing a few full games this season with us.

 

 

How come you reckon Spira will only play a few full games this season with us? Unless you know something I don't... obviously he'll get a few international caps and fingers crossed he comes out of the Asian Cup break all fit for us, but once he shakes off this injury and gets back to 100% (which surely isn't far away) why wouldn't he?

 

I agree with you though, would much rather have Cole at RB than him. If we have Cole/NTS/Spira/Golec as our back four in Saudi Arabia I'll be very happy. Spira has so much class on the ball and is able to play it out calmly from the back, something we really missed in that first half last night. And as has been mentioned, he's got so much more experience than the rest of our squad with those tough West Asian conditions , let alone big game experience. Absolutely love the bloke and I'm so happy he's back.

 

 

Reason I say Spira may only play a few full games with us is because (a) he may not be back to full fitness for at least 2-3 weeks (b) Popa does like to rotate when required and (c.) I would not be surprised if at some point in early 2015 (perhaps after the AFC Cup) he and the club will get an offer that'll be too good to refuse.

 

Doesn't mean I am anti-Spira appearing for as many full games as we can get, however the combination of Popa's pragmatism in setting starting line ups, the demanding schedule ahead for Spira both in terms of club and country, and past experiences with other key players (e.g. Juric, Ono) it would seem to me that Spira is going to be a valued commodity to be used when an optimum result is needed, not worn down and over-used.

[Prydzopolis]

 

I think Spira might come in for Poljak next week from the start.

I wouldn't do that, Poljak and La Rocca have too much of a good thing going.

I would start with Spira and NTS

Agree, main reason poljak was substituted was to do with his yellow card rather than anything to do with his performance!

[Pablo]

 

 

 

 

He come back into the team easily, 

 

Spira and NTS in the middle, Golec on the left, and Mullen and Hamill fight it out for the RB

No way Popa will risk Hamill at RB in the final. It'll be either Mullen (most likely) or Cole.

 

Hamill and NTS have been pretty solid. I like the idea of Spira at CDM, and bring on either La Rocca/Poljak in the second half. I suppose there is no way to play Spira, Poljak and La Rocca in the same midfield is there?

 

 

Agree with Hamill not going to the RB pozzie.

I suspect that Popa will again start with both he and Poljak in their respective positions and then sees how the games goes. If we are struggling defensively and need an outlet to reassert some control then Spira could slip into BH's place. If we are matching it with Al Hilal and either up by a goal or at least better than an even chance of winning the put Spira into Poljak or maybe even La Rocca's spot to give a final flourish to the match.

I'm sure that Popa is building Spira up slowly, knowing full well that whatever he achieves on the field in the ACL campaign now is more for the future, either in the current A-League and/or future international commitments. 

Whatever the story we might need to get used to the idea of MS only playing a few full games this season with us.

 

 

How come you reckon Spira will only play a few full games this season with us? Unless you know something I don't... obviously he'll get a few international caps and fingers crossed he comes out of the Asian Cup break all fit for us, but once he shakes off this injury and gets back to 100% (which surely isn't far away) why wouldn't he?

 

I agree with you though, would much rather have Cole at RB than him. If we have Cole/NTS/Spira/Golec as our back four in Saudi Arabia I'll be very happy. Spira has so much class on the ball and is able to play it out calmly from the back, something we really missed in that first half last night. And as has been mentioned, he's got so much more experience than the rest of our squad with those tough West Asian conditions , let alone big game experience. Absolutely love the bloke and I'm so happy he's back.

 

 

Reason I say Spira may only play a few full games with us is because (a) he may not be back to full fitness for at least 2-3 weeks (b) Popa does like to rotate when required and (c.) I would not be surprised if at some point in early 2015 (perhaps after the AFC Cup) he and the club will get an offer that'll be too good to refuse.

 

Doesn't mean I am anti-Spira appearing for as many full games as we can get, however the combination of Popa's pragmatism in setting starting line ups, the demanding schedule ahead for Spira both in terms of club and country, and past experiences with other key players (e.g. Juric, Ono) it would seem to me that Spira is going to be a valued commodity to be used when an optimum result is needed, not worn down and over-used.

 

 

Spira is already back at full fitness, which is bit different to match sharpness

 

his rehab plan was aimed to be ready for these last 2 games of ACL 2014 campiagn

 

agree with other comments about his ball retention skills as a plus, and extensive West Asian football experience should not be underestimated

 

we'll have to wait and see what Popa sets up fr our biggest game ever, and the most important game for any Australian club in well over a century of football history

[Prydzopolis]

I think Adelaide's run was just as impressive but it didn't help that they got spanked 5 zip in the first leg, we are in the mix!

[Pablo]

I think Adelaide's run was just as impressive but it didn't help that they got spanked 5 zip in the first leg, we are in the mix!

 

it was 3-0 in first leg away to Gamba, and then 0-2 in second

 

Endo was at his best still for those games

 

also, AUTD played 2 games less than WSW - there was no R16 in 2008 and before

[luisenrique]

I suppose there's a small chance that Popa will play a Spira-La Rocca - Poljak midfield?

 

I know it's quite negative but we really need to stop them distributing it out to the wings from the middle. Bridge on the left, Haliti right, Tomi up front.  

 

Then Saba on for one of the midfielders if we need to score. 

 

Not an ideal formation but I think Spira has to play and it's a better option than messing with the defence.

[MCHammer]

Wouldn't be surprised if he starts on the bench again and will come on to slot into midfield. either that or he will start in defence. 

Mark my words though, Spira has a big role to play at CDM this season. Poljak/La Rocca can't play every game and I have confidence in Hamill and NTS at the back.

[GunnerWanderer]

Enrique likewise there could be a small chance we see all three and switch from 4 2 3 1 to 4 3 3

 

Bridge and haliti could play tucked in behind the striker and I guess cole to the bench

 

I actually think it may make sense but then again i have put 3 seconds thought into it

[Davo]

We've played 4-2-3-1 pretty much every game of our existence so I can't see a switch in the second leg of a final.

 

If we push Cole back to RB then we lose that outlet on the wing. Popa could switch Haliti to the right, push Bridge left and start Saba but I think he'll keep Bridge in the middle for his work rate. That leaves Kubi on the right wing and I'd rather Cole there.

[GunnerWanderer]

Yeah lets leave Kubi out this 

[Prydzopolis]

Enrique likewise there could be a small chance we see all three and switch from 4 2 3 1 to 4 3 3

Bridge and haliti could play tucked in behind the striker and I guess cole to the bench

I actually think it may make sense but then again i have put 3 seconds thought into it

We've played 4-2-3-1 pretty much every game of our existence so I can't see a switch in the second leg of a final.

If we push Cole back to RB then we lose that outlet on the wing. Popa could switch Haliti to the right, push Bridge left and start Saba but I think he'll keep Bridge in the middle for his work rate. That leaves Kubi on the right wing and I'd rather Cole there.

We have got a slight advantage going into the second leg, the first half will all be about making sure we keep that advantage at 1-0. Can't see us changing our starting line up or formation

[Stokz]

I would use Spira ahead of Poljak in the 2nd leg.

 

We aren't going to have much of the ball anyway, so when we do get it, we need someone with a bit more composure.

 

Also with Spira he has a better tackling game over Mateo so would be better breaking up play, holding the ball and playing it forward.

[Taurus]

Spira pulled up fine after his cameo on Saturday night.

Onward & upward from here.

[TehSmileyBandit]

Spira pulled up fine after his cameo on Saturday night.

Onward & upward from here.

 

Needs more "likes".

[theguyyouwishyouwere]

met the big man last night. jeez, imagine if he had a beard - he would be unstoppable.

[Delije]

All class our best player alongside Castelen.

[Lookers]

Nominated for PFA player of the year

 

[theguyyouwishyouwere]

Nominated for PFA player of the year

 

[mack]

22nd cap for Australia \o/

[Nnnnnathan12]

he's class, he must be over the moon to finally get win lol

[mack]

Sloppy Sausage Time reporting he's had several multi year offers from Holland.

 

Presumably he's got a release clause because he's contracted for another season beyond this one.