Last week’s Rd 23 A-League highlights included Victory’s win in Perth against league leaders Glory in the first of their two matches in succession against the top two teams.
This week Victory travels to second placed Sydney FC. Other highlights of the last round were Western Sydney’s continued mini revival with a 3-0 win over a toothless Melbourne City and Phoenix’s crushing 4-1 win over the Jets which has all but buried any hope the Jets had of making the finals.
Some big match ups loom this weekend which could have a bearing on the top four and the top two.
This week’s rd 24 kicks off at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Friday evening.
Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar, Friday 5th April, 7.50 pm AAMI Park
Both teams are coming off losses but the stakes are much higher for the home team, Melbourne City which is currently in 6th place, just four points outside of the top four. A top four finish will earn City a home final where its form is strong. City fans will be hoping for a more potent attack with the return from concussion of striker Jamie MacLaren. Roar is battling a long injury list and poor away form.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Saturday 6th April, 5.35 pm McDonald Jones Stadium
The Jets have slipped up with back to back losses in recent weeks and coach Ernie Merricks concedes that last year’s grand finalist has probably missed the last train to the finals blaming their inability to convert chances.
It will be boosted in this battle for seventh place with the visiting Wanderers, by the return of star midfielder Ronald Vargas. However is hard to see them stopping an in form Wanderers which has lost just one of its last six games and has striker Oriol Riera in a hot streak.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Sat 6th April, 7.50 pm SCG
The SCG hosts the big blue, the match of the round as both these top two contenders go head to head at near full strength. Victory has had the edge in recent meetings between the two winning the last three encounters.
Their away form is also impressive losing just once in their last 12 away games. Both sides face busy schedules over the coming week with a midweek Asian Champions League fixture against Chinese teams.
Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix Sunday 7th April 5.00 pm Coopers Stadium
This is another intriguing match up again with a top four finish at stake. Just three points separate fifth placed United from fourth placed Phoenix. A David Williams hat trick spearheaded Phoenix to victory over the Jets last week. It will be further strengthened by the return of Golden Boot leader Roy Krishna from suspension.
How Adelaide coach Marco Kurz must envy the goal scoring talents that his opposite number Mark Rudan has at his disposal. Adelaide gets Nikola Mileusnic back for a much needed boost to an attack which has scored the second lowest number of goals in the league this season.
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory Sunday 7th April, 7.00 pm Central Coast Stadium
Bottom of the table hosts top of the table in the final fixture of the round. With just two wins needed to secure its first ever Premiers Plate, the Glory will be primed to try and repeat their 4-1 win in their last visit to Gosford earlier in the season. The match looms as Mariners’ coach Stacjic biggest test since taking over last month.