01 Feb Round 17 A-League preview

Round 17 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:

Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets
Friday February 1st, ANZ Stadium 7:50pm AEDST

Western Sydney and Newcastle head into tonight’s encounter in desperate need of a win for contrasting reasons.

The Wanderers squandered a 2-0 goal lead to draw 2-2 in comical circumstances against Brisbane that essentially summed up their season.

It was also a week to forget for the Jets who were swept aside 2-0 by Perth and now look increasingly unlikely to feature in this year’s finals series.

Ernie Merrick’s are 11 points outside the top six and are in a position where they cannot afford any slips up if they’re to make a late charge for a finals spot.

Tip: Western Sydney Wanderers 1 Newcastle Jets 2

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory
*Saturday February 2nd, Central Coast Stadium, 5:35pm AEDST

Central Coast face the daunting task of taking on reigning champions Melbourne Victory who are unbeaten in their last 16 games against the Mariners.

The Victory secured a vital win over Sydney FC to stay in touch with Perth at the top of the A-League ladder, while Mike Mulvey's men went down narrowly to Adelaide last week to make it back-to-back defeats.

While Central Coast have improved in recent weeks, this should be a routine win for Kevin Muscat's side.

Tip: Central Coast Mariners 0 Melbourne Victory 3

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
*Saturday February 2nd, Coopers Stadium, 7:50pm AEDST

Adelaide will look to maintain their charge towards a top-four finish when they host cellar dwellers Brisbane on Saturday night.

The Reds scraped past bottom-placed Central Coast to stay one point behind Melbourne City in fifth place, while the Roar salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Western Sydney in stoppage time.

A win for United will see them temporarily jump into fourth position with City playing the following day against Sydney.

Tip: Adelaide United 2 Brisbane Roar 1

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix
Saturday February 2nd, HBF Park, 10:00pm AEDST Live on SEN+

Perth and Wellington lock horns in a match that promises to be an entertaining contest.

Both clubs come into the clash in fine form with the Glory returning to the winners list with a comfortable 2-0 win over Newcastle to maintain their four-point advantage at the top of the table.

The Phoenix scored a crucial 1-0 over Melbourne City to maintain their spot in the top-six and made it just one defeat from their past 11 outings.

Tony Popovic’s side will be tough to beat at home in what should be an enthralling encounter.

Tip: Perth Glory 3 Wellington Phoenix 2

Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Sunday February 3rd, Jubilee Oval, 5:00pm AEDST

Sydney FC host Melbourne City on Sunday in a game that could shape the outcome of the A-League’s top-six.

The Sky Blues were edged out by the Victory last week and have fallen five points behind Perth in the race for the Premiers Plate.

City must bounce back from their defeat to Wellington with Adelaide continuing to snap at their heels for a spot in the top-four.

A win for Warren Joyce’s men will tighten things up at the top, while a Sydney win will stretch their advantage over their opponents to eight points.

Steve Corica’s charges will secure maximum points this one to stay within touching distance of both the Victory and the Glory.

Tip: Sydney FC 2 Melbourne City 1

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