Five outstanding fixtures will take place in Week 9 of the A-League and the action is underway from Friday when the league-leading Perth Glory host Sydney FC.
Two derbies; the Melbourne Derby and F3 Derby will take place, while the action will conclude with the annual Boxing Day fixture – this year between Adelaide United and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
PERTH GLORY VS SYDNEY FC
Perth
Last 5 Matches: WWDWW
Ladder Position: 1st
Goal Difference: +8 (GF 15, GA 7)
Sydney
Last 5 Matches: DLWLW
Ladder Position: 3rd
Goal Difference: +5 (GF 14, GA 9)
The week is underway with a big when the Glory host Sydney FC in the nation’s west. It has been an outstanding start to the season for the table-topping Glory, who continued their winning form with an easy 2-0 triumph over the Jets in Newcastle. Sydney continued their outstanding form against the Wanderers by winning the Derby but face a far tougher assignment here.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX VS BRISBANE ROAR
Phoenix
Last 5 Matches: LLDWW
Ladder Position: 6th
Goal Difference: -2 (GF 9, GA 11)
Roar
Last 5 Matches: DWLLL
Ladder Position: 9th
Goal Difference: -4 (GF 9, GA 13)
A perfect opportunity at points looms for the Phoenix when they host Brisbane Roar on Saturday afternoon. Wellington made it two-in-a-row with an easy 2-0 win over the Mariners last weekend, while it was another loss for the struggling Roar, this time against the Victory in Brisbane.
MELBOURNE CITY VS MELBOURNE VICTORY
City
Last 5 Matches: WLWLW
Ladder Position: 4th
Goal Difference: +2 (GF 10, GA 8)
Victory
Last 5 Matches: WWWWW
Ladder Position: 2nd
Goal Difference: +11 (GF 20, GA 9)
The Melbourne Derby has fast become one of the league’s standout fixtures and we’re set for a thrilling edition when City and the Victory renew their rivalry on Saturday night. Both clubs were Week 8 winners and form rarely counts when the two square off. I’m happy to sit on the fence this time around.
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS VS NEWCASTLE JETS
Mariners
Last 5 Matches: LLLLL
Ladder Position: 10th
Goal Difference: -12 (GF 6, GA 18)
Jets
Last 5 Matches: DWLWL
Ladder Position: 7th
Goal Difference: -3 (GF 7, GA 10)
The second derby od the weekend will see the Mariners host the Jets on the Central Coast. The last-placed Mariners have weathered another tough start to the season, while the Jets have steadily built to the task. It’s too hard to trust the Mariners in betting and I’m happy to be with the Jets at even money and beyond.
ADELAIDE UNITED VS WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
Adelaide
Last 5 Matches: LWWLL
Ladder Position: 5th
Goal Difference: 0 (GF 10, GA 10)
Wanderers
Last 5 Matches: DLLWL
Ladder Position: 8th
Goal Difference: -5 (GF 9, GA 14)
The season’s annual Boxing Day fixture concludes Round 9 and Adelaide United will be confident of returning to winning form after a disappointing loss to Melbourne City last weekend. The Wanderers were also delivered a comfortable defeat by ‘big brother’ and face another tough task this week. I wouldn’t want them a lot shorter, but I think that Adelaide can get the job done in a low scorer at even money.