Pressure is mounting for Sydney FC and Western Sydney as they prepare for the latest clash in their fierce rivalry, with both clubs desperate for a win to reignite their stuttering campaigns.

Both sides have been hot and cold this season and three points now loom as a must as they battle in the biggest fixture of the A-League’s 17th round.
League leaders Melbourne City look to swiftly end Wellington Phoenix’s hot run of form while their contenders for first, Western United, take on Arthur Papas’ Newcastle team.

Melbourne Victory faces a revitalized Macarthur FC as a misfiring Central Coast outfit collides with Brisbane.

Perth Glory plays Adelaide United in their first match on home soil after seven weeks on the road.

Melbourne Victory matches up with Macarthur FC at AAMI Park on Friday evening with the challenge of downing the rejuvenated Bulls who, after two wins and a draw, have ascended into third.

This fixture is the first of seven scheduled for the Melbournians this month which their manager, Tony Popovic, is unfazed by.

“Yes, it will be difficult, but it’s an exciting month ahead and we want to win as many points as possible to ensure we’re in a position where we can challenge the best sides at the end of the year,” Mr Popovic told media.

Sydney FC travels to Paramatta for the much-anticipated Sydney Derby on Saturday night, hoping to get back to winning ways after two draws and losses.

The Wanderers have had their own issues this campaign and a victory here could elevate the club’s spirits and aims for finals football.

The Sky Blues will be hoping for an impact from stars like Kosta Barbarouses, who is still building up match fitness after an ankle injury.

“I’ve definitely used that time (while recovering) to get back to as much fitness as I can and make the body strong because, before the injury, we had a long pre-season and I was feeling really fit and strong and I wanted to get back to that,” Barbarouses told Neos Kosmos.

Western United hosts Newcastle with aims to reclaim first place from their rivals, Melbourne City, after falling behind on goal difference (though they have two games in hand).

The Jets have a big challenge ahead of them but will be encouraged by their valiant 2-2 draw to Macarthur last week.

Central Coast has a visit from Brisbane and the Gosford side is looking to put an end to their dire form, going eight matches winless.

The Mariners’ fortune has been against them but they have a golden opportunity to taste triumph at the expense of their opponents, who have lost their last three contests.

Melbourne City travels to face Wellington with maintaining first their main priority.

The current champions reclaimed first on the ladder with their midweek 2-2 draw to Perth and they will be keen to hold onto it.

The Phoenix comes in to the tough battle with confidence in their abilities after going five games unbeaten.

Perth Glory plays Adelaide United in their long-awaited return to HBF Park, their first match in Perth since their 1-1 draw on November 20 with the same opposition they will face this weekend.

Glory’s spirits will no doubt be sky-high for the match and the challenge falls on the Reds to upset the home team’s return to home.

Round 17 A-League fixtures currently scheduled at time of publication

  • Melbourne Victory-Macarthur FC: 19.45, AAMI Park, Fri 04 Mar
  • Western United-Newcastle Jets: 15.05, Mars Stadium, Sat 05 Mar
  • CC Mariners-Brisbane Roar: 17.05, Central Coast Stadium, Sat 05 Mar
  • WS Wanderers-Sydney FC: 19.45, CommBank Stadium, Sat 05 Mar
  • Wellington Phoenix-Melbourne City: 19.05, Leichhardt Oval, Sun 06 Mar
  • Perth Glory-Adelaide United: 19.05, HBF Park, Sun 06 Mar