With Round 8 of the A-League to be completed this weekend, there is little separating the top 6 in the competition. Just three points separate top team Brisbane Roar from 6th placed Wellington Phoenix following the Phoenix’s scoreless away draw at Sydney FC on Thursday evening.

The weekend’s matches kick off this afternoon at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle.

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar, Sat 28th Nov, 5.15 pm Hunter Stadium, Newcastle.

The hard working Jets sit in 5th place but will have to be at their best to get a result against league leader Roar at home later today. Scot Miller’s Jets last week grafted out a scoreless away draw at winless Adelaide United without managing a single scoring attempt. Fans at the Hunter will be hoping for more goalmouth action from the Jets today. Its attacking stocks will be boosted by the return of Brazilian striker Leonardo who will hope he can emulate the goal scoring feats of countryman Henrique.

The Slippery Fish has come off the bench to score crucial goals for Roar in its last two outings and his presence boosts an already potent Roar attack boasting Thomas Broich and speedsters Jamie McLaren and Brandon Borello.

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United Sat 28th Nov, 7.30 pm Etihad, Melbourne.

Melbourne Victory go into this game well rested on the back of a nine day break. It’s difficult to see bottom of the table Adelaide, which is winless in its last eight starts, break its duck over an in form reigning champion.

Last week, in the absence of the injured Beshart Berisha, Gui Finkler stepped up to score two excellent goals to give Victory three home points against the Mariners. This week Victory will go from strength to strength with the return of Berisha, skipper Carl Valeri and defender Jason Geria.

For the Reds, keeper Eugene Galekovic’s welcome return last week helped stemmed the goals conceded, but it’s hard to see an out of form Adelaide attack break down a well organized Victory defense.
Melbourne Victory’s active supporters will be hoping for early goals from the home team before they stage a walkout in protest against a leak to the media of a list of banned supporters.

Central Coast Mariners V Western Sydney Wanderers Sun, 29th Nov, 5.00pm Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.

Both these teams have played attacking brands of football this season, but the Wanderers have fared much better with results in recent weeks with four wins on the trot.

In contrast Tony Walmsley’s Mariners have entertained fans but won just once all season.

Both teams feature a creative foreign import midfielder. The Wanderers have Spaniard Andreu pulling the strings whilst the Mariners have Caceras. But the Wanderers also have multiple avenues to goal at present with Bridge, Piovoccari, Andreu and Nichols all finding the net more than once this season.

The Mariners have been relying on the ever ready and always willing striker Roy O’Donovan and super sub Matty Sim for its goals.
Wanderers’ active supporters are also planning a protest walk out during the match.