This weekend’s Round 19 is shaping as pivotal in the finals race with Fantasy managers perhaps needing to reinvigorate their squad in order to climb the ladder.
Hyundai A-League Round 19 Ins and Outs
Points and pride will be on the line in two derbies on Saturday, while the Roar and Wanderers will have to negotiate playing their second match in four days on the back of their mid-week ACL encounters.
Melbourne Victory will be hoping to celebrate Archie Thompson’s 200th match for the club in style when they welcome Wellington to AAMI Park on Sunday.
However the action all gets underway tonight with the return of Harvey Norman Friday Night Football, which will see City hoping to move back into the six against an undermanned Adelaide.
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THE SCOUTS XI
OUT > Michael McGlinchey IN > Fabio Ferreira
The former Red proved to be a shrewd acquisition for the Mariners in the transfer window with his double last weekend and The Scout has drafted Ferreira straight into their starting side with an eye to him again being among the points against the Jets.
The suspended Andrew Hoole has been demoted to the bench along with teammate Sam Gallagher, with star marquees Besart Berisha and Thomas Broich recalled after they didn’t get a run last weekend due to Brisbane’s inclement weather.
Round 18 standout performers
Star Man: Fabio Ferreira ($296,000) The new Mariners frontman was the big mover this week on the back of his brace against the Sky Blues. He will have the chance to back up his 16 point haul in his first F3 Derby, with the fact he’s listed as a midfielder sure to temp many managers.
Dud of the Week: Roar and Victory players. Fantasy managers were warned prior to the transfer window closing that the postponement of the Roar and Victory clash would mean this fixture would no longer contribute to Fantasy points. The news no doubt left many mangers unable to field a full starting XI.
Coach Killer: Ben Kantarovski ($116,000) The Jets were on track to claim just their second win of the season until the midfielder’s late dismal for a clumsy challenge left his team short. Wellington made their numerical advantage count, finding a late equaliser at Hutt Recreation Ground.
Value Pick: Rhyan Grant ($210,000) The Sky Blues utility has been in great touch since returning from injury and got his name on the scoresheet in spectacular fashion to inspire Sydney to a win. The fact that Grant is listed as a defender but is often deployed in midfield means he’s a great chance to score points at both ends of the park.
Pick of the Week: Archie Thompson ($270,000) The Victory veteran is again in line to play his 200th game for the club this weekend. With the stars seemingly aligning so he could take the field in front of his home fans Thompson will be desperate to mark the occasion with a goal. Who would bet against one of the league’s all-time greats?
