With the Caltex Socceroos spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia now secured, the attention now turns firmly to the Hyundai A-League.
Here are five reasons to watch the action this weekend.
WORLD CUP HOPEFULS
With Australia sealing a fourth straight World Cup birth, a number of players will be desperate to put themselves in the selection frame.
Rhys Williams, a 14-cap Socceroo, is one man who will be eager to impress after a solid start to life at Melbourne Victory.
Young prospects Daniel De Silva and Bruce Kamau are also knocking on the door, along with Jets star Dimitri Petratos.
ROAR’S UNWANTED RECORD
Bottom of the Hyundai A-League table and without a win in their past seven games, Brisbane are on the cusp of their worst winless streak in the competition’s history.
Crippled by injuries, John Aloisi’s side will be hoping a return to Suncorp Stadium can help them overcome Melbourne City this weekend.
CAN THE JETS KEEP SOARING?
After finishing with the dreaded wooden spoon last season, Newcastle have turned their fortunes around under Ernie Merrick and sit on top of the table after six games.
Their spot at the summit will be tested big time on Saturday night when they travel to Allianz to tackle reigning Champions Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues were shocked by the Mariners last weekend and will desperate to return to winning ways.
BROSQUE’S MULTIPLE MILESTONES
Sydney FC skipper Alex Brosque is set to make his 200th Hyundai A-League appearance against the Jets this weekend.
The 34-year-old will also break the club’s all-time appearance record should he take the field at Allianz Stadium, with the striker set to overtake Terry McFlynn (178 league games).
WESTFIELD FFA CUP RAMIFICATIONS
Adelaide United will attempt to become the first team to win the Westfield FFA Cup twice when they take on Sydney FC in the Final on Tuesday.
But which side will take form into the decider?
Both suffered defeats in Round 6 and will want to generate momentum before the silverware goes on the line.
