Week 17 of the A-League is underway in the western suburbs on Friday night when the Wanderers host the Jets, in what looms as a great opportunity at points for both clubs.
The match of the round will materialise in the nation’s west on Saturday night when the league-leading Glory host an in-form Wellington Phoenix outfit.
Wanderers
Last 5 Matches: LLLLD
Ladder Position: 8th
Goal Difference: -12 (GF 23, GA 35)
Jets
Last 5 Matches: LLLWL
Ladder Position: 7th
Goal Difference: -7 (GF 15, GA 22)
The Wanderers finally snapped a long losing streak by drawing with the Brisbane Roar last weekend but face another step up in class when they host Newcastle on Friday evening. The Jets themselves have not been in particularly convincing form of late and it’s tough imagining either side really taking it to their opponent here.
Mariners
Last 5 Matches: LLLDL
Ladder Position: 10th
Goal Difference: -21 (GF 16, GA 37)
Victory
Last 5 Matches: LWWDW
Ladder Position: 2nd
Goal Difference: +17 (GF 36, GA 19)
One club will almost certainly finish the season in last position, the other looks a live chance of winning another championship. The Victory are once again flying high after winning Saturday night’s Big Blue over the old enemy and should simply be too good for the down-and-out Mariners.
Adelaide
Last 5 Matches: WLWDW
Ladder Position: 5th
Goal Difference: +4 (GF 21, GA 17)
Roar
Last 5 Matches: LLLDD
Ladder Position: 9th
Goal Difference: -16 (GF 18, GA 34)
Adelaide are offered another great opportunity to win when they host the lowly Roar on Saturday evening. Draws against the Mariners and Wanderers have restored a little confidence in the Brisbane squad, but this is easily their biggest test in several weeks.
Glory
Last 5 Matches: WWDDW
Ladder Position: 1st
Goal Difference: +17 (GF 33, GA 16)
Phoenix
Last 5 Matches: WWDLW
Ladder Position: 6th
Goal Difference: +3 (GF 24, GA 21)
The match of the round looks like materialising in the nation’s west on Saturday night when the league-leading Glory host the in-form Wellington Phoenix. After a slight dip in form, both clubs returned to the winner’s stall via Round 16 wins and will each be confident of taking something from this. I am happy to sit on the fence.
Sydney
Last 5 Matches: LWWWL
Ladder Position: 3rd
Goal Difference: +10 (GF 29, GA 19)
City
Last 5 Matches: WLDWL
Ladder Position: 4th
Goal Difference: +5 (GF 21, GA 16)
It’s third versus fourth when Sydney FC host Melbourne City in Week 17’s final fixture on Sunday afternoon. The Sky Blues will be eager to respond after losing the Big Blue and they host a City side that dropped all the points in Wellington last weekend.