It is getting to the business end of the Hyundai A-League season and the action is starting to hot up as we move towards the finals series.
With just 10 rounds remaining time is fast running out to make your move in the Fantasy A-League competition.
Whether you’ve been with us all season or are a recent football convert after the excitement of the Asian Cup it’s never too late to sign up.
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 18.
Round 17 was one of the most hotly contested yet, with only Brisbane Roar able to emerge with maximum points following a hard-fought 2-0 win over the Mariners.
Roar talisman Thomas Broich showed glimpses of his sparkling best while new Serbian striker Andrija Kaluderovic netted on his debut from the spot.
Wellington Phoenix were left frustrated for a second straight week after being held to a scoreless draw by a dogged Melbourne City FC in New Zealand.
Golden boot leader Nathan Burns was at his elusive best for Ernie Merrick’s men, while Fijian flyer Roy Krishna was unfortunate not to net a goal after creating a string of chances.
City marquee Josh Kennedy made his first start for the club and proved a constant handful for Phoenix centre-backs Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund.
The Socceroo target-man showed he will be an effective weapon for John van’t Schip’s side, holding the ball up well and fashioning some half-chances against the Nix.
Shane Smeltz starred for Sydney FC netting a brace off the bench against Melbourne Victory, while Gui Finkler showed his class with a goal and an assist for Kevin Muscat’s men.
Perth Glory’s Nebojsa Marinkovic continued his outstanding season with a thumping strike to earn his side a come-from-behind 1-1 draw with Adelaide United.
Former Real Madrid midfield Miguel Palanca made his starting debut for the Reds and showed his class with an energetic performance against Kenny Lowe’s side.
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.
With Friday night’s Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory game rescheduled the match will no longer be included in A-League Fantasy calculations and players in these games will be flagged as Did Not Play (DNP) and score 0 points during these rounds.
THE SCOUTS XI
OUT > Craig Goodwin IN > Tarek Elrich
Round 17 standout performers
Star Man – Gui Finkler ($415,000) The Victory midfielder was involved in the controversial penalty awarded to Seb Ryall which took the focus off his goal and assist against the Sky Blues.
Dud of the week – Antony Golec ($136,000) The defender was guilty of the handball which cost the Wanderers all three points late-on against the Jets. He’s subsequently been left out of this weekend’s squad.
Coach Killer – Anthony Kalik ($86,000) The youngster was guilty of gifting away possession and compounded his mistake by being penalised in the box for fouling Thomas Broich while trying to win the ball back.
Value Pick – Nick Ansell ($202,000) The defender has shown strong form since returning from injury and will be a hard man for Kevin Muscat to leave out of the backline despite the imiinent return of Matthieu Delpierre.
Pick of the week – Miguel Palanca ($153,000) The former Real Madrid man made his first start for the Reds and showed plenty of quality throughout the contest which was widely applauded when substituted in the second-half.
