25 Jan Round 16 A-League preview

Round 16 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:

Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday January 25th, Suncorp Stadium 7:50pm AEDST

Brisbane and Western Sydney are playing for the pride on Friday night, with both clubs almost certain not to feature in this year’s finals series.

The Roar earned a point against fellow strugglers Central Coast in their last outing and have recorded just two wins from their last 10 matches.

After being on course to claim a morale boosting win, the Wanderers capitulated to lose 3-2 against Melbourne City, conceding two late goals in a heartbreaking defeat for Markus Babbel’s men.

With both teams leaking goals left, right and centre, expect goals aplenty in this one.

Tip: Brisbane Roar 2 Western Sydney Wanderers 2

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City
*Saturday January 26th, Westpac Stadium, 5:35pm AEDST

Wellington host Melbourne City on Saturday in a match that could be vital in shaping the A-League’s top-six.

The Phoenix will be looking to return to winning ways after their nine-match unbeaten run came to an end against Sydney FC last week.

City staged a remarkable come-from-behind win against the Wanderers and will look to carry that momentum into Saturday’s trip across the ditch.

At home, Mark Rudan’s men will continue their charge towards a top-four finish against an inconsistent City outfit.

Tip: Wellington Phoenix 2 Melbourne City 1

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Saturday January 26th, AAMI Park, 7:50pm AEDST Live on SEN+

Melbourne meets Sydney on Saturday night in a blockbuster clash that could have big ramifications on the A-League’s top-three.

The Victory are unbeaten in three but only managed a draw against Wellington, coming from behind to earn a 3-3 draw in a pulsating match.

The Sky Blues come into the game on the back of three straight wins and could stretch their buffer over the reigning champions to five points with an away win.

Kevin Muscat’s side cannot afford to drop more points in their quest to catch league leaders Perth Glory.

Tip: Melbourne Victory 2 Sydney FC 1

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Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners
Sunday January 27th, Coopers Stadium, 5:00pm AEDST Live on SEN+

Adelaide will see this as a great opportunity to further cement their spot in top-six when they face bottom-placed Central Coast.

The Reds earned a deserved point against Perth mid-week and were unlucky not to earn a penalty during the first-half.

After securing their first points of the campaign, the Mariners were brought back down to earth last week, going down 1-0 to Newcastle.

Another three points here for United would keep them in touch with a top-four place.

Tip: Adelaide United 3 Central Coast Mariners 1

Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Sunday January 27th, HBF Park , 8:00pm AEDST Live on SEN+

A-League pace setters Perth have hit a stumbling block in recent weeks and will look to arrest that form slump against Newcastle on Sunday.

The Glory have drawn two games on the trot and have failed to score in both those matches which is a growing cause for concern for coach Tony Popovic.

After a winless run that lasted six matches, the Jets returned to the winners list with a 1-0 victory over the Mariners to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

With Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory breathing down their necks, Perth must return to winning ways to maintain their status as the competition’s top dogs.

Tip: __Perth Glory 2 __ Newcastle Jets 0

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