Round 22 of the A-League is upon us with some fascinating fixtures to look forward to in what should be another action-packed weekend of football.
Here’s a preview of this weekend’s A-League matches:
Adelaide United v Perth Glory
Friday March 15th, Coopers Stadium, 7:50pm AEDST
Adelaide will look to inflict a major upset when they host Perth Glory to kick-off Round 22.
The fifth-placed Reds are coming off a 2-0 loss to Sydney while the Glory’s lead at the top of the A-League was cut to six points following their second consecutive draw.
Marco Kurz's side have failed to win a match since February, having collected just two points from their last four games to sit just five points above seventh-placed Newcastle.
A win for Tony Popovic’s men will temporarily extend their lead at the summit to nine points.
Tip: Adelaide United 2 Perth Glory 3
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday March 16th, McDonald Jones Stadium, 5:35pm AEDST
A resurgent Newcastle will seek to maintain their late charge towards a finals spot when they take on bottom-placed Central Coast.
Former Matildas boss Alen Stajcic will take charge of his first Mariners game following the sacking of Mike Mulvey after their embarrassing 8-2 home defeat to Wellington.
The Jets are five games unbeaten and full of confidence after their 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory in Geelong last time out.
Ernie Merrick’s side are four points outside the top six and another three points will heap more pressure on sixth-placed Melbourne City.
Tip: Newcastle Jet 2 Central Coast Mariners 0
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Saturday March 16th, AAMI Park, 7:50pm AEDST
Melbourne Victory host the Brisbane in desperate need to snap their six-game winless run in all competitions.
The reigning champions are have failed to win in their past four A-League matches and tasted defeat in both of their Asian Champions League group stage matches.
Brisbane were thumped 4-1 by Western Sydney last week and have conceded nine goals in their two games against the Victory this season.
Darren Davies’ charges will look to put another dint in Melbourne’s fading hopes for the Premiers Plate.
Tip: Melbourne Victory 2 Brisbane Roar 1
Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday March 17th, Westpac Stadium, 5:00pm AEDST
Wellington should get a tougher examination this week against an in-form Western Sydney side.
The Phoenix destroyed the Mariners 8-2 to cement their spot in the top six and give their goal difference an almighty boost in the process.
The Wanderers extended their unbeaten run to four games after their 4-1 thrashing of Brisbane last Friday night to keep their faint finals hopes alive.
Mark Rudan’s men have won four of their last five matches at Westpac Stadium in what has become a fortress for the New Zealanders this campaign.
Tip: Wellington Phoenix 3 Western Sydney Wanderers 1
Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Sunday March 17th, Leichhardt Oval, 7:00pm AEDST
Sydney FC host a Melbourne City team in the midst of a major form slump.
City squandered a two lead in a 2-2 draw against Perth as their finals position now looks increasingly under threat following seven games without a win.
Sydney are back in the hunt for the Premiers Plate on the back of two straight victories and have won their last seven matches against Warren Joyce’s side.
Steve Corica’s men are coming off a 1-0 defeat to Japanese outfit Ulsan Hyundai in their second Asian Champions League group game.
Tip: Sydney FC 2 Melbourne City 1
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