The two Sydney teams are set to go to battle in the headline fixture of the 18th round, with both clubs seeking bragging rights as they also look to bolster their chances of finals football.
The league has lived up to its recent reputation as being one of the most competitive in the world as more than half of the teams still find themselves in contention of the top six (the finals positions).
As a result, every round holds significance with victories a premium now that we are in the second half of the regular season and the Sydney derby exemplifies that perfectly with both teams vying for a finals spot.
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
The New Zealand outfit is in desperate need of maximum points as they prepare to host last-placed Brisbane.
Wellington have had a positive last few games, amassing five points from their past three outings, though they will be dismayed that their 0-0 draw with Central Coast last matchday cost them a chance to overtake the Mariners on the ladder.
The Queenslanders were left even more disappointed last weekend after losing 0-1 to the Wanderers last week, a result that sent them back to the loser’s column just one game after earning their maiden win of the campaign.
The Roar will be striving to go better and muster a triumph at the expense of the Phoenix.
Adelaide United v Melbourne City
Both Adelaide and City are seeking to make up for losses last round to strengthen their finals prospects.
The South Australians were handed a shock blow at the hands of Sydney FC last Saturday, losing 4-1, which has brought the second-placed side back in range of the sides right below them.
The Reds will be keen to keep them at bay by defeating Melbourne City, who is coming off back-to-back defeats.
The Melburnians were left bitterly disappointed after falling to Macarthur two rounds ago, and they will be hopeful their bye has given them ample time to correct that and deliver a major win at Adelaide’s home.
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
Perth and Central Coast are in store for what could prove to be a season-defining contest for both clubs.
The Glory have had a poor season, sitting in second-last with nine points, which was only made worse after losing 0-2 to Melbourne Victory last matchday.
It is very likely they will not secure finals football, though they still have the ability to cause serious mayhem for the sides pushing for it, such as the Mariners.
The defending premiers and champions cannot afford to drop points if they wish to strengthen their case for a top six finish, especially after their 2-2 draw in the F3 derby last week.
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Arthur Diles’ Victory side is fighting for their third straight success as they set their sights on the top two.
The Big V have been in strong form of late with Diles overseeing a 0-2 triumph over Perth Glory to consolidate his official appointment as permanent head coach.
The Jets enter the fixture off the back of a 2-2 draw against Central Coast wherein they fought from two goals down to grab a point.
Diles stressed ahead of their clash that Victory cannot take them lightly, with the Jets no doubt confident in their abilities following their strong comeback.
“We will recover from this one first and make sure we are in a position where we have got a lot of fit players to choose from, to put out the strongest team that we can,” the Greek Australian said to media after the Perth game.
“Newcastle will be a very tough match, especially away from home…(on the draw) They will be confident from that and so are we.”
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
The two Sydney clubs are raring to secure bragging rights and push their respective cases for finals football.
The Sky Blues and the Wanderers both come into the clash with renewed confidence after snapping three-game and two-game winless streaks respectively last round.
Sydney dominated Adelaide United 4-1 in a huge statement result while Western Sydney earned a narrow but crucial 0-1 victory over Brisbane.
The game holds even more significance in that the Sky Blues have the chance to seal their third straight win over their crosstown rivals this campaign.
The Wanderers will give their all to prevent that from happening, knowing well that three points would also bring them back in contention of the top six.
Macarthur FC v Western United
The Bulls are on the hunt to overtake Western United in a fierce sixth vs fourth encounter.
Only one point separates the two sides, a gap that was created last matchday after Western’s draw with Central Coast took them ahead of Macarthur (who lost to league leaders Auckland).
The Campbelltown club will do everything they can to procure maximum points and ascend further up the ladder.
Matchday 18 – Schedule AEDT
Thursday 6/2
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar 3pm
Friday 7/2
Adelaide United v Melbourne City 7.35pm
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners 9.45pm
Saturday 8/2
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory 5pm
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers 7.35pm
Sunday 9/2
Macarthur FC v Western United 5pm
Standings (as of the completion of Round 17)
Teams Win Draw Loss Points
1. Auckland FC 10.3.2.33
2. Adelaide Utd 8.4.2.28
3. Melb Victory 7.4.4.25
4. Western Utd 7.4.4.25
5. Sydney FC 7.3.6.24
6. Macarthur 7.3.6.24
7. Melb City 7.3.4.24
8. Western Sydney 6.3.6.21
9. Central Coast 4.8.4.20
10. Wellington 5.3.6.18
11. Newcastle Jets 3.3.8.12
12. Perth Glory 2.3.11.9
13. Brisbane Roar 1.2.11.5
