We are on the countdown to the finals as Round 24 of the A-League season it set to kick off this weekend. Incredibly it is possible, and even likely, that one of the A-League's traditional two marquee clubs could miss post-season action.

For those with a short memory, these were the two teams who lined up in May for last season's decider. The Victory, as well as being reigning champions, are also reigning premiers and FFA Cup winners.

With only four rounds remaining, the Victory sit in sixth position, three points ahead of Sydney FC in seventh.

Although the order is far from being decided, four sides, the Wanderers, Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United, are all but assured of a spot in the finals, leaving the two grand finalists in a battle with Perth Glory for the remaining two positions.

The Glory, currently a point in front of the Victory, and four in front of FC, have arguably the easier run home than their rivals.

They will play Newcastle and Wellington who are mathematical chances at best to play in the finals, before playing Melbourne City and Sydney FC.

They have their destiny in their own hands, with two games they're favoured to win, and two games that can heavily damage their opponents' chances.

The Glory also have the luxury of not having to travel across Asia and play the midweek fixtures that come along with the Champion's League competition.

Sydney FC have a very winnable fixture against the rock-bottom Mariners, but they must also play the three form teams of the competition in succession when they play Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.

Given their form, it's hard to see them banking anything more than the almost gift wrapped three points against the Mariners.

If I were a betting man, I'm not even all that sure you could count on Sydney beating even the Mariners right now.

Although the Victory have fixtures against the Jets and Phoenix to look forward to, they must also play the Roar and the Wanderers, the current top and second placed side on the competition ladder.

They, much like their fellow Champion's League representatives Sydney FC, have struggled for wins lately, and are far from certainties to beat the sides below them.

On form, you would all but guarantee Perth will be there meaning either the Victory will not be there to try and defend their crown come finals time, or Sydney FC will have failed in their bid to go one better than 2014/2015.

Despite the congested fixture list, given the make-up of both squads, that seemed near impossible at the end of last year.

Sydney FC have not won since round 15, when their derby win over the Wanderers looked set to catapult last season's runners-up toward the top of the table.

They were in brilliant form, and the last minute win over their rivals at Pirtek looked as though it was going to define their season.

Unfortunately Sydney fans, it may have been their season highlight, and even more unfortunately their last highlight for the A-League season.

As for the Victory, their form too has been very poor, but given their three point lead over the seventh placed Sky Blues, and the horrid form of their only genuine threat to missing the finals, they may qualify almost by default.

If it sounds as though I'm a little in shock that both are not firmly tucked in toward the top of the table, it is because I am.

Neither team can blame the champion's league either, as the dip in form started well before the continental competition.

I don't know what the problem is, but one set of fans is going to be very upset come mid-April.