The A-League returns from the international break and we’re set for five exciting fixtures from Friday evening.
Week 5 is undoubtedly highlighted by the 47th edition of the Big Blue on Sunday afternoon, while league-leaders Perth Glory can consolidate their position at the top of the table by beating the last-placed Central Coast Mariners.
Wanderers
Last 5 Matches: XDLWD
Ladder Position: 5th
Goal Difference: +1 (GF 6, GA 5)
Jets
Last 5 Matches: XLDLD
Ladder Position: 9th
Goal Difference: -2 (GF 3, GA 5)
An interesting match between a couple of similarly-formed sides opens Week 5 of the A-League when the Wanderers and Jets meet in Western Sydney. Neither club has hit peak condition yet, but the Wanderers have certainly exceeded early season expectations. This looms as another terrific opportunity to press for a position in the top four and at home, I think the Wanderers will be hard to beat in a low-scorer.
Phoenix
Last 5 Matches: XWDLL
Ladder Position: 7th
Goal Difference: -4 (GF 2, GA 6)
Adelaide
Last 5 Matches: XDDWL
Ladder Position: 6th
Goal Difference: +1 (GF 5, GA 4)
Two clubs that suffered disappointing losses in Week 4 and both the Phoenix and Adelaide will be eager to return to winning form in New Zealand on Saturday. The Phoenix really looked to be building towards something early on, but two consecutive losses have seen them plummet to seventh on the ladder and things don’t get any easier this weekend. The Draw represents good value here and is worth consideration.
Roar
Last 5 Matches: XDDLD
Ladder Position: 8th
Goal Difference: -1 (GF 4, GA 5)
City
Last 5 Matches: XWDLW
Ladder Position: 3rd
Goal Difference: 0 (GF 5, GA 5)
One of the championship’s real threats will travel to Brisbane on Saturday night and I am confident that they can take all three points. This Roar side is yet to record a win in season 2018/19 and while they have managed three draws, they seriously have their work cut out for them in the form of last-start winners Melbourne City.
Sydney
Last 5 Matches: XDWWD
Ladder Position: 2nd
Goal Difference: +5 (GF 7, GA 2)
Victory
Last 5 Matches: XLLWW
Ladder Position: 4th
Goal Difference: +2 (GF 8, GA 6)
Another edition of the Big Blue and we’re set for a thrilled contest between two of the league’s biggest clubs. Sydney have not been beaten through the first four weeks of the competition and will be confident of securing another win over the Victory, who have steadily warmed to the task after a couple of early losses. Given it’s in Sydney, I’m confident the Sky Blues will take it.
Glory
Last 5 Matches: XDWWW
Ladder Position: 1st
Goal Difference: +4 (GF 8, GA 4)
Mariners
Last 5 Matches: XDDLL
Ladder Position: 10th
Goal Difference: -6 (GF 3, GA 9)
It’s first versus last when the Glory host the Mariners in the final match of the round and unsurprisingly, the home side are clear favourites in head-to-head betting. This is the league’s most potent attack squaring off with the defence that has so-far leaked the most goals, and we could be in for a high scoring affair.