Melbourne Victory is looking to conquer a second side from Sydney as they go up against the Wanderers in their first home match of the season.
Victory will have to be wary of the rejuvenated Western Sydney outfit in their huge second round A-League clash, as both teams search for a second success after winning their opening games.
Melbourne City will also be aiming to go two from two when they head up to face Brisbane, while Arthur Papas’ Newcastle Jets will be eager to open their account with a triumph against a visiting Perth Glory side.
Western United and Sydney FC face off in another major clash to close the round, as Wellington hopes to give their fans a home victory over Central Coast after a disappointing draw last round.
Macarthur FC goes up against Adelaide and both sides will be keen to for all three points after recording stalemates in their opening fixtures.
Brisbane Roar hosts Melbourne City on Friday night in a major early test of the Queenslanders’ abilities.
Brisbane finished last season second-last and, after a 0-0 home result against Macarthur last weekend, they will have to step up further to defeat the reigning Premiers.
City comes in with significantly more momentum after beating rivals Western United to exact vengeance for their Grand Final loss.
Melbourne Victory competes with Western Sydney on Saturday night in their first game at AAMI Park this term, a fact which will be an extra source of motivation for the home side.
Star winger Chris Ikonomidis guided the Melbourne club to derby delight last weekend and new recruit Luis Nani hopes the talented Greek-Australian will be able to maintain that form.
“I hope he can continue like that because he’s an important player to the team. When you have a player who can come on and have an impact like that, it’s so important,” the former Manchester United and Portuguese International told media ahead of the clash.
Newcastle collides with Perth and they will be desperate to have a positive start to their season after their game was washed out last weekend.
The WA-club enters the game with a huge desire to improve following a loss to the Wanderers last round, though head coach Ruben Zadkovich’s belief in his team remains firm.
“We’re only looking forward and if we continue to look forward and grow and improve, performances and results will start to come,” Mr Zadkovich said to media.
Central Coast travels to play Wellington on Sunday afternoon in what will be their first game of the campaign and they will need to be ready against a hungry Phoenix side that wants to deliver three points for their supporters.
The Mariners will not have the luxury of match sharpness, making the trip to New Zealand an even tougher prospect which they will have to overcome.
Adelaide United travel to face Macarthur and the Reds will be looking to be the ultimate villain as they aim to spoil the Bulls’ first home match this term.
The Campbelltown side will be looking to their recent Australia Cup triumph for motivation in their aim to seal their first league win, having earned a goalless draw last round.
Western United hosts Sydney FC in the closing contest of the second matchday and both outfits are looking for improvement after each suffering tough derby losses.
The Green and Black team will be hoping to use their home ground advantage to good use and deliver back-to-back defeats for the Sydneysiders at the hands of a Victorian club.
A-League round 2 fixtures (AEDT)
Brisbane Roar-Melbourne City: 19.45, Suncorp Stadium, Fri 14 Oct
Newcastle Jets-Perth Glory: 17.00, McDonald Jones Stadium, Sat 15 Oct
Melbourne Victory-WS Wanderers: 19.45, AAMI Park, Sat 15 Oct
Wellington Phoenix-CC Mariners: 13.00, Sky Stadium, Sun 16 Oct
Macarthur FC-Adelaide United: 15.00, Campbelltown Stadium, Sun 16 Oct
Western United-Sydney FC: 17.00, AAMI Park, Sun 16 Oct
