There’s only one unbeaten team left as we head into Round 6 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season, with everyone trying to chase down leaders Perth Glory.
Tony Popovic’s troops will hope to at least maintain their four-point lead at the top as they travel to Wellington on Sunday for the Distance Derby against the Phoenix.
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Saturday night’s free-to-air fixture is as equally intriguing as in-form champions Melbourne Victory host the Western Sydney Wanderers, while there’s also a NSW derby between the Mariners and Sydney FC which sees a couple of players come up against their former clubs.
Two winners from Round 5 kick-start the weekend on Friday night as Adelaide United takes on Brisbane Roar, while Melbourne City looking to bounce back on Sunday when they host the Newcastle Jets.
Read on to find out when and where you can catch your Hyundai A-League action!
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
Friday, November 30, 7:50pm (AEDT)
Both sides head into this clash at Coopers Stadium in winning form and with key attackers in excellent touch in front of goal.
The Reds came from behind to beat Wellington Phoenix 3-1 last weekend as Danish recruit Ken Ilso announced himself to Adelaide fans with a brace.
But the Roar have their own striker in ominous form with Adam Taggart’s double – making it five in five for the season – helping them overcome Melbourne City 2-0 last Saturday night.
Adelaide are always tough to crack on home soil but Roar boss John Aloisi – who hails from the City of Churches – is sure to have a plan in place to cause a shock.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch the Friday night fixture, which kicks off at 7.50pm (AEDT). You can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC
Saturday, December 1, 5:35pm (AEDT)
The Mariners must still be licking their wounds after conceding in the fifth minute of stoppage time to lose 3-2 against the Glory in Perth on Sunday.
It was a spirited performance from Mike Mulvey’s troops and they’ll need something similar against a Sydney FC side sure to be smarting from their 2-1 loss against Victory in the Big Blue.
The Sky Blues have dominated this battle in recent seasons, although the Mariners did pull off a shock win in Gosford early last season. Can they repeat the trick on Saturday afternoon?
The clash will see Mariners skipper Matt Simon acome up against the former club, adding further spice to what should be a hard-fought affair in Gosford.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to see what happens at Central Coast Stadium from 5:35pm (AEDT), or catch it on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, December 1, 7:50pm (AEDT)
In a worrying sign for the Wanderers, Victory appear to be hitting top gear.
After back-to-back losses to start the season, the champions have won three on the trot and have their big guns like Keisuke Honda, Ola Toivonen, Kosta Barbarouses and James Troisi in brilliant form.
The 2-1 away win over Sydney FC last Sunday was a sure sign Kevin Muscat’s troops are determined to make a strong tilt to retain their title.
Markus Babbel’s side played better than the 2-0 loss to Newcastle Jets last Friday night suggests, but were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal.
But if the likes of Oriol Riera and Alexander Baumjohann are in the mood, they’ll provide a good test for the resurgent Victory.
How to watch: Find out whether Victory’s winning run will continue LIVE and FREE on 10 Boss or tenplay, with kick off at 7.50pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Sunday, December 2, 5:00pm (AEDT)
Glory will embark on the longest road trip in Australian football as they head across the ditch to Wellington for the first ‘Distance Derby’ of the 2018/19 Season.
Perth have opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder courtesy of their last-gasp 3-2 win over the Mariners.
They are firing on all cylinders under Tony Popovic and seem to have weapons all over the park right now.
Which would be a concern for Mark Rudan and the Phoenix who have slumped to three straight defeats, including a loss at home against Adelaide last weekend.
But what better way to turn their season around than with a win over the league leaders.
How to watch: Don’t miss the Distance Derby at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Fox Sports 505 or via the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets
Sunday, December 2, 7.00pm (AEDT)
Round 6 concludes with an intriguing clash between a wounded Melbourne City and a Newcastle Jets outfit boosted by their first win of the campaign last time out.
It will be interesting to see if Bruno Fornaroli comes back into a City side that were toothless in attack without their South American talisman against the Roar on Saturday.
Playmaker Riley McGree, whose scorpion kick goal for the Jets dumped City out of the Finals Series last season, will be out to make his mark for the home side in this one.
But the Jets will be full of belief themselves after finally cracking it for a win by beating the Wanderers on the road last Friday night.
With a full nine days to prepare for this one, coach Ernie Merrick is sure to have his side primed for a big result at AAMI Park.
How to watch: Catch all the action on FOX SPORTS 505 from 7:00pm (AEDT) or tune in on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
