The action is set up this weekend in the Hyundai A-League with a number of teams desperate to bounce back from last-start losses in Round 8.
Here’s five reasons not to miss a minute of the action.
JETS FACE LIFE WITHOUT ROY
The Jets’ top six credentials will be tested when they welcome Melbourne Victory to McDonald Jones Stadium to open round eight.
They’ll have to find another source of goals though with Golden Boot leader Roy O’Donovan ruled out with a groin strain.
Victory finally awoke from their early season slumber against Glory last weekend and will sniff back-to-back wins in the Hunter Valley.
GOALS IN PROSPECT AT AAMI
There are usually goals when Melbourne City and Perth Glory meet, with 17 in their last three contests.
After a flying start to the season, City have picked up just one point from the last available nine and need to quickly recapture their October mojo.
Glory aren’t playing very well at the moment either, going down 2-0 at home last weekend, seven days after shipping five goals in Wellington.
WHO CLIMBS FROM THE CELLAR?
Wellington and Central Coast have had their moments this season, despite their lowly table positions.
The Mariners beat Sydney FC a fortnight ago and on the same weekend, the Phoenix put five past Perth Glory.
Both sides are desperate to climb the table and show they’re genuine top six contenders; a win for either would put them in the mix with a third of the season gone.
CUP WINNERS LOOK TO EXTEND UNBEATEN HOME RUN
Fresh from claiming the Westfield FFA Cup, Sydney FC welcome Brisbane Roar in a Saturday night blockbuster.
John Aloisi’s side finally got their campaign moving last weekend, with Avraam Papadopoulos grabbing a brace in a 3-1 win over Melbourne City.
But with the Sky Blues seeking a 20th straight unbeaten game at Allianz Stadium, Brisbane will need to lift again to keep their own run going.
JOSEP’S RETURN
Popular Spanish coach Josep Gombau returns to the club he spent two seasons with, when Western Sydney take on Adelaide on Sunday.
With last weekend’s clash with Wellington postponed, we haven’t yet had a real chance to see Gombau’s stamp on the Wanderers side.
The Reds will meet the challenge head-on, buoyed by their last-gasp win over the Mariners which snapped a three-match losing streak.
