The Sky Blues and Western Sydney are set to collide in the latest edition of their fierce rivalry, with each club desperately seeking three points to revitalise their inconsistent campaigns.
Sydney FC and the Wanderers spearhead an action-packed A-League weekend, being one of two Saturday derby matches.
Adelaide United hosts the Original Rivalry clash against Melbourne Victory, with each side fighting to secure their place in the finals’ spots.
League leaders Melbourne City contests with Wellington Phoenix as they strive to extend the points gap between themselves and Western United, who have their own tricky game against Central Coast lined up.
Arthur Papas’ Newcastle outfit travels to face Brisbane Roar while Macarthur FC takes on last-placed Perth Glory.
Sydney FC challenges Western Sydney at home on Saturday evening and they will be seeking revenge after their dismal performance in the reverse clash.
The Wanderers have had an inconsistent season but their 2-0 win in the same game earlier this season proves their ability to step up when it counts.
The Sky Blues will hope, after a comeback 2-2 draw midweek against Macarthur, they are better placed to earn maximum points, especially as veteran Rhyan Grant is set to become his club’s record appearance maker.
“It’s cool how it works out, such a milestone game for myself against our biggest rivals… we are going to need to be at our best, but I think being at our home and in front of our members and the cove will really push us along,” Grant said ahead of his landmark game.
Adelaide United hosts Melbourne Victory in a tough fixture wherein the Reds could be overtaken by their opponents on the ladder.
Victory is seeking to find their killer edge after being held to four consecutive draws but a win will take them level on points with their rivals.
Adelaide captain Craig Goodwin insisted, though, that his side is better positioned than their opposition.
“They have the games in hand and they are a good side, and they can get them (the points), but we’ve got the points on the board. The pressure is on them,” Goodwin said pre-match.
Melbourne City faces a resilient Wellington Phoenix in the latest test to their premiership ambitions.
The reigning premiers are preparing for a strong Phoenix club, which has fought their way to fourth, in spite of playing all games outside of New Zealand.
Wellington will give it their all as they attempt to end the current champions’ nine-match unbeaten run.
Western United plays an in-form Central Coast outfit at home as they continue their charge for the title.
The Green and Black club will not settle for anything less than a win, still finding themselves three points short of City.
The Mariners are well-poised to give Western a hard time, having gone five matches without loss, as they continue their late push for a top six spot.
Brisbane Roar takes on Newcastle Jets on Sunday afternoon with hopes of a victory to end their losing streak.
The Queenslanders are seeking to overturn their recent wretched form which has seen them lose three on the bounce at home.
The Jets, like their F3 rivals, are also in a place to launch a serious late surge for finals football and so will be sure to earn a win against their lower-ranked adversaries.
Macarthur FC goes head-to-head with a dismal Perth team in a much-needed victory for the Bulls if they wish to solidify their position in the top six.
The Campbelltown side is by no means safe in fifth and so they have to maximise their matches against the weaker clubs this season.
The Glory is as poor as they come this campaign but they will hope they can cause some surprises and upsets, having nothing to lose unlike Macarthur.
A-League Weekend fixtures currently scheduled at time of publication:
Western United-CC Mariners: 14.05, Mars Stadium, Saturday 2 April
Wellington Phoenix-Melbourne City: 17.05, Pointsbet Stadium, Saturday 2 April
Adelaide United-Melbourne Victory: 19.45, Coopers Stadium, Saturday 2 April
Sydney FC-WS Wanderers: 19.45, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Saturday 2 April
Brisbane Roar-Newcastle Jets: 16.05, Moreton Daily Stadium, Sunday 3 April
Macarthur FC-Perth Glory: 18.20, Campbelltown Stadium, Sunday 3 April
