A number of unexpected results over the weekend have increased tension in the race for qualification into the A-League finals series. First place Central Coast lost to Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets flew past Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC stopped the rampant run of Perth Glory.

These results mean that only one team in the ten club competition, Gold Coast United, are unable to finish in the top six, and secure a spot in the A-League finals.

Newcastle Jets (5th)

After a season of flying under the radar, Newcastle has burst into prominence with a number of impressive results in recent weeks. Notching up four wins and a draw in their last six encounters, the Jets have shot up the A-League table, overtaking Melbourne Heart last Saturday after a three-nil victory.

And it all could have gone so wrong. Newcastle sacked manager Branko Culina just four days before the season began, while a dispute with star midfielder Jason Culina threatened to cause the club further grief.

Gary van Egmond may have started slowly, but the tactician has weaved his magic and his team are on a roll. With games against lowly Adelaide United and Gold Coast in coming weeks, the Jets will be hot on the tail of fourth placed Perth.

Prediction: 5th, losing in first round of finals series.

Sydney FC (7th)

The announcement earlier in the month that manager Vitezslav Lavicka had mutually agreed to depart the Sky Blues at the end of the season was a sorry metaphor for Sydney FC’s mediocre season. The club weren’t prepared to sack the Czech, given the team is only just outside the top six, yet nonetheless seventh place was not good enough for the competition’s glamour club.

An average season, when the signing of marquee Socceroo star Brett Emerton had promised so much more. Although the former-Blackburn midfielder has combined well with Nicky Carle recently, it is a case of too little, too late, for Sydney’s finals aspirations.

A surprise win over high flying Perth Glory demonstrated the A-League’s unpredictability, but it does not hide Sydney’s otherwise poor form. With a traditionally tough away trip to Adelaide beckoning, along with clashes against Central Coast and arch rivals Melbourne Victory, the club may struggle in the coming weeks

While a winning streak against tough opposition could spur them on to finals football, a lack of morale and playing depth would suggest Sydney’s season will be over shortly.

Prediction: 8th.

Melbourne Victory (8th)

Where to start with Melbourne Victory? After signing Socceroos star Harry Kewell in the off season, and with the likes of Archie Thompson, Carlos Hernandez and Danny Allsopp on their books, Melbourne had the attacking talent needed to steamroll the rest of the competition.

Yet manager Mehmet Durakovic never really got things going at the Victorian club, with player and fan unrest ultimately leading to his sacking midway through the season. The signing of former-Northern Ireland international Jim Magilton may have caused controversy, but it failed to lift the Victory. Magilton’s new charges were unable to find a win in their first six games under him, and while last weekend’s victory over Central Coast has lifted the team, much is still to be done if Melbourne are to qualify for the finals.

While superficially the Victory has the talent, the side find themselves lacking across a number of key areas. With an ageing squad and with few promising youngsters, fatigue may get to Melbourne before the season is out. Last weekend’s win may propel them forward, but it is unlikely the Victory will be joining local rivals Melbourne Heart in the finals.

Prediction:  7th.

Adelaide United (9th)

Another team to make managerial changes midway through the season, Adelaide United sacked Dutchman Rini Coolen, replacing him with John Kosmina. While the change may have been necessary to placate angry fans, it certainly hasn’t brought around a reversal of fortunes.

An unexpected Asian Champions League qualifier to be played midweek will hamper Adelaide’s A-League hopes, although the four point gap between them and sixth placed Melbourne is certainly not insurmountable.

Adelaide has struggled away from home however, picking up only two points from their nine trips away from Hindmarsh Stadium. With away games against Newcastle, Brisbane and Central Coast in the coming weeks, Kosmina’s side may have a disappointing end to the season.

Prediction: 9th.

Gold Coast United (10th)

A horror season on and off the pitch, Gold Coast United’s time in the A-League continues to reflect poorly on Football Federation Australia’s expansion plans. The club currently sits last with an eight point margin separating them from ninth placed Adelaide, while their game in hand against the Mariners is unlikely to provide further points.

Off the field Gold Coast has allegedly failed to pay $340,000 in damages to former midfielder Peter Perchtold, while in return club owner Clive Palmer has fired off two $10 million dollar lawsuits at the arbitrator and a newspaper that reported on the decision.

With little relief in sight for the struggling team, finishing last could raise serious questions over its long term viability. Poor crowd numbers, disappointing on field results and distractions behind the scenes, it seems unlikely Gold Coast will find many positives in the 2011/12 A-League season.

Prediction: 10th.

What do you think? Who will take home the Championship and who will finish last? Let us know in the comments section.