Melbourne A-League derby headlines Round 4

Perth Glory's Chris Ikonomidis (R) continued his goal scoring form against Phoenix last week and celebrated with team mate Bruno Fornaroli. Photo: AAP

31 October 2019 6:25pm

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Last weekend’s round of A-League matches produced close matches across the breadth of the round, with just single goal winning margins in each of the five games, indicating an evenness in the competition.

Adelaide United has the bye this round which starts with the Friday night fixture between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.

Saturday’s matches kick off in West Sydney.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Brisbane Roar 5.00 pm, Saturday 2 November, Bankwest Stadium
The Wanderers are the only team with a perfect record after the first three rounds which has them sitting on top of the table. A lot of the build-up ahead of Roar’s visit centres around the two coaches, Markus Babbel and Robbie Fowler both former team mates at Liverpool FC. Last week, the Wanderers treated their fanatical fans to a long awaited derby win over Sydney FC. Although a little fortunate not to concede, they defended strongly against a strong Sydney team, and one expects them to go on the front foot a lot more against the Roar. Mitch Duke is the main goal scoring avenue for the Wanderers so far this season, but he can expect strong support from Bundesliga recruit Nicolai Muller who looks set to make his Wanderers debut off the bench.
Tip: Wanderers win

Melbourne Victory v Western United, 7.30 pm, Saturday 2 November, Marvel Stadium
This could be the match of the round with Western United featuring in its second Melbourne derby against the team with the biggest membership in the land. A lot of the pre-match publicity centres around Western United striker Beshart Berisha’s playing against his former club. If he scores, one imagines he’ll keep the celebrations mute. United comes up against a Victory side which despite picking up its first win of the season last week, suffered an injury blow to its attacking stocks with the loss of goal scorer Andrew Nabbout to a hamstring injury. South Sudanese international and former Heidelberg United star striker, King Kenny Athiu could start the game in Nabbout’s place.
For Western United, defender Jonathan Aspropotamitis receives a recall to the match day squad.
Tip: Low score draw

Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix, 4.00 pm, Sunday 4 November, AAMI Park
City bounced back from its midweek FFA Cup Final drubbing to win the derby against Western United last week, but suffered a huge blow with the loss of star striker Jamie MacLaren to a hamstring tear. Although the visitors Phoenix, are currently at the opposite end of the table, without a point this season, they showed in their match against Perth Glory last week, they were competitive. English import Craig Hooper could have his first start for Phoenix after a short appearance off the bench last week. With MacLaren’s absence, City coach Eric Mombaerts may start Lachlan Wales or Craig Noon as the central striker with youngster Ramy Najjarine on the wing.
Tip: City win

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners, 6.00 pm, Sunday 3 November, HBF Park
Perth’s first win of the season last week, coincided with striker Bruno Fornaroli’s first league goal for his new club. He also provided the assist for Chris Ikonomidis’s second goal of the season. This week, Perth hosts the Mariners who are fresh off a bye. Their leading scorer is playmaker Milan Duric. This will be a big test for the Mariners who will be hoping that striker Jordan Murray and Matt Simon can put the Glory back three under pressure. Mariners’ young forward Samuel Silvera has been impressive since joining from the Wanderers.
Tip: Perth Glory win