We’re down to the final three rounds of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 regular season, with an intriguing race brewing for some key spots in the top six.
We’ve got five big matches over four days this Easter weekend, with a host of key players back for their respective clubs.
We’ve picked out four stars that might just make the difference for their sides this weekend.
Ersan Gulum (Adelaide United)
Reds boss Marco Kurz may be reluctant to make any changes to his side after they destroyed the Jets last weekend but Gulum is a chance to come straight back in after recovering from a back problem.
The central defender has been superb all season and will stiffen up the Adelaide defence – which still conceded twice against Newcastle – for Friday’s clash with Wellington.
Roy O’Donovan (Newcastle Jets)
You can’t help but wonder how close the Jets might have got to Sydney FC if their star striker hadn’t missed so many games through injury this season.
O’Donovan has made just 11 appearances for a return of seven goals. With a top two spot secured, he’ll hope to get a consistent run of games under his belt before their home semi-final in a month’s time.
James Troisi (Melbourne Victory)
Troisi returns from Caltex Socceroos duty for Victory’s blockbuster Saturday night encounter against Western Sydney at AAMI Park.
There’s no denying Kevin Muscat’s troops missed Troisi’s creativity and goal threat in their loss to Perth on Sunday and the playmaker will look to combine with the likes of George and Berisha to boost Victory’s push for third spot.
Marcelo Carrusca (Western Sydney Wanderers)
The Argentine’s return is timely for the Wanderers, who are hanging on to their spot in the top six by a thread.
Before his injury, Carrusca was getting back to some of his best form and if they are to cause an upset in Melbourne, he’ll need to be at his scheming best for Josep Gombau’s side.
