Just three points separate the top five teams ahead of round 17 of the A-League. Two matches in this week’s round pit teams in the top four against each other, beginning last night with second-placed Melbourne City’s visit to league leader Western Sydney Wanderers.

Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners, Saturday 30 January, 5.15 pm, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Struggling Phoenix is winless in its last seven matches, a run which has seen it plummet to eighth spot on the table. Goals are proving hard to come by for Merrick’s men, scoring just four goals in their last six games.

Back on home soil, the Phoenix welcomes bottom of the table Mariners. Last time they met just four weeks ago, the Mariners triumphed 3-1 and this time they bring a wealth of experience in the form of ex Liverpool star Luis Garcia, who managed to provide an excellent assist in his debut last week against the WSW.

Phoenix on the other hand will be missing experienced players Durante and Lia.
But it’s up front where they are really struggling at the moment.

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar, Saturday 30 January, 7.30 pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Both teams meet on the rebound from losses last round. Aloisi’s team in particular is smarting from two consecutive heavy defeats, which has seen it leak goals at an alarming rate. Missing from those games was its Olyroos trio, so this week it can look forward to the return of pacey forwards Jamie MacLaren and Bradon Borello, as well as a welcome return to defence of James Donachie.

It comes up against a Sydney FC outfit which came close to keeping Melbourne Victory scoreless last week, only to concede an own goal. Arnold’s team is yet to win against a team from outside NSW this campaign.

Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory Saturday 30 January, 9.40 pm, NIB Stadium, Perth
Honours are even in the league this season between these two teams, each with a win apiece. Both have shown recent good form, with Ken Lowe continuing to recruit players during the January transfer window. Shane Lowry joins the Glory as a replacement for departing defender Michael Thwaite.

Fourth-placed Victory will be looking to continue its good run ahead of its next two fixtures against the current top two teams, WSW and Melbourne City.

Their last meeting produced a 1-1 draw just after Christmas, although since then Glory has regained Andy Keogh, while Diego Castro and Chris Harold have been scoring goals. Also in Perth’s favour is the short turnaround Victory faces since its Australia Day win over Sydney FC.

Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets, Sunday 31 January, 5.00 pm, Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Since these two played out a scoreless draw in their last meeting in mid-December, Adelaide is undefeated, winning four of the five games it’s played, while the Jets have lost five straight, including last week’s crushing 6-1 defeat to Perth Glory.

The Jets have just signed Danish International striker Morten Nordstrand but he won’t be available for tomorrow’s match.

The Reds have picked up midfielder Stefan Mauk from Melbourne City, who replaces Jimmy Jeggo after he signed with Austrian club Sturm Graz.

It’s difficult to see the Jets stopping the Reds’ unbeaten eight match run.