This weekend looms as a crucial round for Fantasy A-League managers with the top four sides in action across two blockbuster clashes in round 20.
Second-placed Melbourne Victory play host to league-leaders Perth Glory on Saturday night, while third-placed Adelaide United travel across the ditch to tackle the fourth-placed Phoenix.
It is no surprise that three of the four highest scoring players in Fantasy A-League come from these teams (Berisha, Burns and Keogh) and no doubt they will have a big hand to play on the weekend.
Meanwhile Sydney FC travel to Newcastle to tackle the struggling Jets and with marquee man Marc Janko in red-hot touch, expect plenty of goals at Hunter Stadium.
An in-form Fabio Ferreira will need to be at his best when the Mariners host a rejuvenated Melbourne City FC on Sunday afternoon, especially given the sparkling form of City midfielder Aaron Mooy.
The ever-improving Brisbane Roar round out the weekend’s action against the bottom-placed Wanderers with fit-again Thomas Broich looming as the main-man for the defending champions.
The competition is free to play and there are weekly prizes with new league’s starting every round. Click here to sign up or login and change your team for Round 20
So whether you’re challenging for the overall title or just trying to gain some bragging rights over your mates, The Scout is here to give you a helping hand.
A thrilling seven-goal Sydney Derby stole the headlines in round 19 with Sky Blues front-man Marc Janko netting a first-half brace to score an round-high 14 points for fantasy managers.
Phoenix duo Roly Bonevacia and Michael Boxall each scored an impressive 13 points in their win over the Victory, while Glory hard-man Dino Djulbic netted a handy 9 points after his second-half goal against the Roa
New City recruit Safuwan Baharudin showed he’ll be a handy acquisition with a 9-point haul against the Reds and marquee man Josh Kennedy netted his maiden goal for the club to rake in 8 points for managers.
This weekend promises to be another cracker and The Scout has highlighted some players who could help you’re Fantasy side get over the line.
THE SCOUT’S XI
OUT > Alex Gersbach IN > Safuwan Baharudin
OUT > Milos Dimitrijevic IN > Michael McGlinchey
Round 19 standout performers
Star Man – Nathan Burns ($339,000)
The Socceroo attacker has been outstanding in recent weeks without reaping the rewards his performances have deserved. He broke his mini goal-scoring drought last week against the Victory and expect him to be lining up for more this weekend. Staggering value at $339,000 – must have
Dud of the week – Jets and Mariners attack
The F3 derby was supposed to be a hard-fought contest played at a high-intensity – it was a fizzer with neither side able to find the net. The two sides are languishing in 8th and 9th respectively and with a lack of enterprise and cutting edge in the final third, don’t expect that to change.
Coach Killer – Besart Berisha ($412,000)
Football is a funny old game sometimes and ‘Bes’ proved this last weekend with a rare failure from the penalty spot against the Phoenix.
Value Pick – Safuwan Baharudin ($183,000)
The defender has been a shrewd pick-up for City boss John van’t Schip, with the Singaporean impressing on the flank with his energy and work-rate. The 23-year-old scored a crucial goal against the Reds last week and at just $183,000 he could be a handy addition to your back-line.
Pick of the week – Roly Bonevacia ($233,000)
Arguably one of the buys of the season, the ever-consistent Bonevacia is blossoming into a key attacking weapon for Ernie Merrick’s Phoenix outfit. The Dutch midfielder produced an absolutely stunning free-kick against the Victory and chipped in with a crucial assist to help the Kiwi outfit claim a stunning upset. Superb value at $233,000.
