5 reasons to watch Hyundai A-League Round 9

With the opportunity to assess their opening third of the season at the end of Round 9, each club will be intent on making the most of an intriguing set of clashes.

Here are your five reasons to get stuck in this weekend!

KITTO PURRING AS REDS SEEK REVENGE

Just 10 days after beating Adelaide United in extra-time to lift the Westfield FFA Cup, Sydney FC travel to Coopers Stadium to meet a more confident Reds.

The visitors will need to be espcially wary of in-form winger Ryan Kitto.

The 23-year-old scored a last-minute winner against the Mariners two weeks ago and added a brace against Western Sydney to give his side consecutive wins for the first time since their championship-winning 2015/16 campaign.

It’s just the kind of encouragement they need to take it to Graham Arnold’s men on Friday night.

Kitto and Mileusnic

YOUNG GUNS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD

Paul Okon’s improving Mariners laid down a marker against Wellington Phoenix last weekend, producing some dazzling football on the way to a convincing 4-1 away win.

Daniel De Silva starred in a performance which showed Central Coast to be genuine top six contenders.

Out west, Kenny Lowe appears to have unearthed a young starlet of his own, with 16-year-old Jacob Italiano playing 90 minutes in each of the last two games and barely putting a foot out of place.

Which attacking midfield talent will come out on top on Sunday?

central coast mariners

SLICK JETS TO TEST STRUGGLING CITY

Newcastle are flying and victory over Melbourne City would see them surpass their total number of wins from last season after just a third of this campaign.

Ernie Merrick has his side playing cohesive, attack-minded football, best showcased by the league-high 20 goals they’ve scored in eight games.

City, meanwhile, have come to a standstill after their stunning start of four straight wins, picking up only a single point in the four rounds since.

Saturday night’s trip to McDonald Jones Stadium is a good chance to make a statement.

andrew nabbout

HEAVYWEIGHTS MUST GET MOVING

Perennial Finals Series participants Western Sydney and Brisbane have endured stuttering starts to their respective campaigns, winning just once each so far this season.

Wanderers’ last victory came in the opening round, while Brisbane have not prevailed in seven successive road trips.

But both squads still boast undoubted quality and a win for either side would be the kick-start their campaigns desperately need.

Roar Western Sydney

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

The seasons of Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory could be shaped by what happens at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides were humbled 4-1 in their previous outings and the pressure is on the two managers to get it right sooner rather than later.

Victory, despite their much-vaunted strike-force, are the Hyundai A-League’s joint-lowest scorers, while Wellington have leaked an alarming 17 goals in seven matches.

Three crucial points will be keenly contested across the ditch.

kevin muscat