21 Dec Round 9 A-League preview

Round 9 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:

Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Friday December 21st, nib Stadium 9:00pm AEDST

League leaders Perth Glory put their unbeaten start on the line against a rejuvenated Sydney FC tonight.

The Sky Blues bounced back from their shock loss to Wellington with a comfortable derby win over rivals Western Sydney.

Perth solidified their position at the summit of the A-League table courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Newcastle, maintaining their two-point buffer over Melbourne Victory.

Steve Corica’s side have won eight of their past nine against the Glory and will see this as an opportunity to enhance their title credentials.

Tip: Perth Glory 1 Sydney FC 2

Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Saturday December 22st, Westpac Stadium, 5:35pm AEDST

Brisbane will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they travel across the ditch to take on the in-form Wellington Phoenix.

The Roar were beaten by high-flying Melbourne Victory in a six-goal thriller while the Phoenix secured their second consecutive win over Central Coast.

Mark Rudan will demand another strong performance on home soil to cement their spot in the A-League’s top six.

Tip: Wellington 2 Brisbane 1

Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
Saturday December 22nd, AAMI Park, 7:50pm AEDST
Live on SEN+

Melbourne Victory will seek to extend its winning run when they face Melbourne City in a mouth-watering derby clash on Saturday night.

The Victory swept aside Brisbane last week and will look to make it seven straight wins for the first time since 2006.

City bounced back with a morale boosting 2-0 over Adelaide United and will look for a repeat of their Round 1 performance when they secured local bragging rights over their rivals.

Kevin Muscat’s men are a different animal this time around and another Victory win is on the cards.

Tip: Melbourne City 1 Melbourne Victory 3

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Central Coast v Newcastle Jets
Sunday December 23rd, Central Coast Stadium, 5:00pm AEDST

Could this be the weekend Central Coast break their winless drought?

The Mariners are yet to taste victory after the opening eight rounds and have won just once in their last 26 A-League games.

Newcastle head into the F3 derby not in the best of form either, sitting in seventh position with just two wins next to their name.

The Jets won all three of their games against their rivals last campaign, but could we see Mike Mulvey’s finally rejoice in the sweet feeling of victory?

Tip: Central Coast 2 Newcastle Jets 1

Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday December 26th, Coopers Stadium, 7:50pm AEDST
Live on SEN+

After disappointing back-to-back defeats, Adelaide United are in need of a win to maintain their spot in the top six.

United boss Marco Kurz needs to find a solution in attack as the Reds have failed to find the net in their two losses to both the Melbourne clubs.

Western Sydney went down to rivals Sydney FC in a controversial derby encounter after goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic was sent off early in the first half.

It’s hard to get a read on both these sides as they have both been plagued by inconsistancy during the early stages of the season.

Tip: Adelaide United 1 Western Sydney Wanderers 1

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