Just six rounds into the A-League season, and a sharp divide has emerged between the top and bottom half teams, with four points separating fifth placed Melbourne City from sixth placed Brisbane Roar.

This weekend’s round seven provides two top half clashes and two bottom half clashes, and triple header of matches kicking off this afternoon in Sydney.

Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix: Saturday 8 December, 5.35 pm, Jubilee Stadium
The third placed Sky Blues are expected to dominate and win this match against the ninth placed Phoenix, who were a little unfortunate to get just a point at home to league leaders Glory last week.

Phoenix will be without suspended defender Ryan Lowry, and possibly keeper Filip Kurto due to injury. Ex Heidelberg United star Reuben Way made an appearance for Phoenix off the bench last week. For the Sky Blues, they had a Brandon O’Neill wonder strike to thank for securing a win against the Mariners last week. Their fans will be looking for a more convincing display at home and the return from injury of Dutch marquee player Siem de Jong.

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United: Saturday 8 December, 7.50 pm, Marvel Stadium
Arguably the match of the round between two teams with a historical rivalry, and currently separated on the table by just a point. Both sides are coming off wins with the in-form Victory aiming for five wins in a row. Victory will be further strengthened by the return of defender George Niedermeier and defender James Troisi. The game promises some intriguing match ups with the Reds midfield general Isaias coming up against Victory’s star Keisuke Honda. The Reds, however, will also be wary of Victory’s other attacking options, including Antonis, Barbarouses and Troisi. The visitors will need to be at the top of their game defensively to stop Victory scoring, particularly with the loss to suspension of defender Taylor Regan.

Perth Glory v Melbourne City: Saturday 8 December, 10.00 pm, NIB Stadium
City’s 3-0 win over the Jets last week eased the growing pressure on coach Warren Joyce, as they managed to put the “where’s Bruno?” question aside, to get back on winning track. But a loss against the league leaders tonight will only revive the growing unease surrounding the omission of the City star striker Fornaroli. Tonight’s match against Glory is the first of three tough matches Joyce’s team faces against top four opponents in the run up to Christmas.
For Glory, the welcome return of star midfielder Diego Castro last week was a boost as he scored a late equalizer against Phoenix. City will be also be wary of the threat posed by Glory’s in form winger Chris Ikonomidis who provided the assist for Castro’s equalizer last week.

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar: Sunday 9 December, 5.00 pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Both teams have made slower than expected starts to the season and will be determined to bounce back from losses last week. The Roar will have to make do without suspended midfielder Stefan Mauk and possibly in form spearhead Adam Taggart as well as creative midfielder Eric Bautheac, both of whom are under an injury cloud.

The Jets are hoping to recall previously injured Brazilian attacker Jair to the first team squad. They’ll also be hoping Dimi Petratos can find the net against his former club.