The Sydney Derby headlines a huge Hyundai A-League Round 21, with each game vitally important as teams either look to consolidate their spot in the Finals Series or make a run for the top six.
It’s important to have your big guns fit and firing for the business end of the season and there are a few clubs welcoming back some key players this weekend.
We’ve picked out four stars who are likely to be vital to their team’s chances of taking maximum points in Round 21.
Henrique (Brisbane Roar)
How good it is to see the ‘Slippery Fish’ back in the Hyundai A-League!
After signing with Roar this week, the Brazilian winger is straight into John Aloisi’s squad for the crucial home clash against Newcastle Jets.
Henrique just knows how to get it done on the big occasion and with Brisbane four points outside the top six, it’s a massive game for the men in Orange at Suncorp on Saturday.
Wout Brama (Central Coast Mariners)
The Dutch midfielder returns after missing the last two matches through suspension for his horror tackle on Brisbane Roar’s Corey Gameiro.
The Mariners were unable to win in his absence and they could do with his experience and technical ability in the middle of the park against the improving Phoenix on Friday night.
And Brama will want to repay his teammates for his silly red card with a big performance in Gosford.
Tarek Elrich (Adelaide United)
The experienced defender has been named in an extended Reds squad for the blockbuster clash with Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
It’s been a long road back for Elrich, just under a year since he ruptured his ACL in a clash with Melbourne City late last season.
One of the real good guys in the Hyundai A-League, Elrich’s likely return is set to be a big morale boost for the Reds against their traditional rivals.
Oliver Bozanic (Melbourne City)
After signing with the club a fortnight ago, Bozanic is set to make his Melbourne City debut in the club’s clash with the desperate Glory in Perth.
Bozanic will provide some extra spark in City’s midfield and if he can strike up a good partnership with Luke Brattan, it augurs well for the clash at nib Stadium.
