The A-League returns this weekend after a scheduled break for International action, with a host of young Olyroos coming back into their respective teams.

There’s some intriguing matches this round with the Jets flying across the ditch to try and keep their finals hopes alive. Victory take the longest flight to Perth to take on the leaders and keep pushing for a top two spot.

In the absence of a game last week Perth Glory star Chris Ikonomidis said he was getting itchy feet to play. Speaking to Football Nation Radio in the lead up, he said, “The boss here is working us really hard. We’re doing a few double sessions this week, so we’re going to be pumped and ready for the big game (against Victory). It’s going to be huge. We’re getting closer and closer to the end of the season and three points will be vital for us. In front of our home fans, to beat Victory again, it would be beautiful.”

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC, Friday 29 March, 7.50 pm, Suncorp Stadium

Sydney go into this game as warm favourites to bounce back after their 2-0 loss to Melbourne City last outing, and keep their slim hopes alive of catching Perth Glory. The return of key players Siem De Jong, Danny De Silva and Josh Brilliante should strengthen Sydney. Coach Steve Corica will be wary of the Roar attack led by in-form Dylan Wenzel-Halls and further boosted by the return of Olyroo striker Nick D’Agostino. Roar fans will be hopeful of a repeat of their team’s surprise win in the most recent meeting between these two teams.

Wellington Phoenix Newcastle Jets, Saturday 30 March, 5.35 pm Westpac stadium

The Jets may have blown their chances of a top six finish with their shock loss in the F3 derby against lowly Mariners in their last outing. They’ll be looking to keep within reach of the top six when they travel across the Tasman to take on fourth placed Phoenix, but will have to do it without their injured playmaker Ronald Vargas. On the positive side for Ernie Merricks team, the return of Olyroos trio Koutroumbis, Vujica and Champness should strengthen the squad. The Phoenix attack will have to make do without the services of sharpshooter Roy Krishna due to suspension.

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Western Sydney v Melbourne City FC Saturday 30 March 7.50 pm ANZ Stadium

City will be looking to achieve back to back wins against the two Sydney teams when it visits the Wanderers on Saturday evening. A win here, after a recent lean spell, could help it build much needed momentum in the run into the finals. Both teams are set to gain an influx of Olyroos, whose absence in the last round seemed to adversely affect the Wanderers more, in their loss to Phoenix.

Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory Saturday 30 March 10 pm, HBF Park
Arguably the match of the round featuring stellar line ups on both sides. Castro, Honda, Ikonomidis and Toivonen are just some of the talent which will be on display. Both teams enter the match on the back of wins but Glory should be favourites to make it three from three against the Victory this season. Victory have Antonis and Kamsoba returning from injury whilst Glory’s Spiranovic, Brimmer and Italiano return to the matchday squad.

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Central Coast v Adelaide Utd Sunday 31 March 5.00 pm Central Coast Stadium

Coach Alen Stajcic’s stewardship at the Mariners got off to a wonderful start with a first up win against the Jets, a remarkable turnaround from the pummelling they suffered against the Phoenix. Against an out of sorts Adelaide, the Mariners could possibly fancy their chances of rare back to back wins. The sixth placed Reds, who will be without current coach Marco Kurz next season, will be desperate to take all three points against the bottom of the table Mariners, and maintain the gap ahead of pursuing Jets.

The Mariners will be strengthened by the return of the experienced Hoole, Simon and Mc Glinchey.