We’re approaching the pointy end of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season with some crucial games ahead in Round 18.
The standout fixture is undoubtedly Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash between Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory which could have a huge bearing on the destination of the Premiers’ Plate.
There’s a massive top-six battle looming in the Hunter between the Jets and Wellington, while a top-four spot is on the line when Melbourne City hosts Adelaide United.
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Throw in a basement battle between and a State of Origin-like clash at Suncorp and this promises to be a massive weekend of matches.
Read on to find out how to watch all of this weekend’s Hyundai A-League action!
Viewers from outside Australia can find out how to watch at: https://www.a-league.com.au/our-international-broadcasters
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
Thursday, 7.50pm (AEDT)
If the Jets are to make a surge for a Finals Series berth, this is a game they simply must win.
Last Friday night’s 5-1 thrashing of the Wanderers – coupled with Wellington’s loss to Perth Glory – means there are now just eight points separating the sides in seventh and sixth place respectively.
The reward for Ernie Merrick’s men, if they can get all three points at McDonald Jones Stadium, would be to get within five points of the top six heading into the last third of the regular season.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5851472487001
While the Phoenix is backing up from a massive road trip to Perth last weekend, their away form has been encouraging, losing just one of their last six games away from Westpac Stadium.
If they can avoid a defeat here and – at the very least – maintain their eight-point buffer to the Jets, Mark Rudan’s side will fancy themselves to get to the finals.
That’s how big this Thursday night clash is in the Hunter!
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch the opening game of Round 18 on Thursday night – due to the Jets AFC Champions League play-off next week. Watch the match from 7.50pm (AEDT), or you can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, which is live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.
Brisbane Roar vs Sydney FC
Friday, 7.50pm (AEDT)
Brisbane Roar must still be wondering how they let slip a 3-0 lead to lose against Adelaide United last Saturday night.
Not only will coach Darren Davies need to pick-up his side mentally from that defeat, but he’ll also be without keeper Jamie Young and impressive youngster Dane Ingham through suspension.
It’s not ideal to be less than full strength against a Sydney FC team hungry for points to remain in the Premiership hunt.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5984390014001
The Sky Blues – who were too classy for Melbourne City 2-0 on Sunday – could move into second spot, four 48 hours at least, if they can register a win at Suncorp Stadium.
So motivation won’t be a problem for Steve Corica’s side, who could have new Iranian recruit Reza Ghoochannejhad in their squad for this one.
It was a late Andrew Redmayne penalty save which saw Sydney FC hold on for a 2-1 win against Roar when the two sides met earlier this season.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch Sydney FC’s trip north to face a wounded Roar, which kicks off at 7.50pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 5.35pm (AEDT)
It was less than six years ago that these two teams were fighting it out in a Hyundai A-League Grand Final.
It’s a different story this season with both sides hoping to pick up enough points in the next 10 rounds to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Wanderers are still chasing their first win of 2019 after succumbing to a 5-1 hammering to the Newcastle Jets last Friday night.
At least this match will be at Spotless Stadium and not ANZ Stadium, where the club has lost their last seven in a row.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5976741945001
The last-placed Mariners – who are four points behind the Wanderers in eighth – surrendered a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2 against Melbourne Victory in their last clash.
It was a 2-0 win for Western Sydney when the two sides last met back in Round 7, which was ironically the last game Markus Babbel’s men have won.
But expect to see both sides hand starting debuts to some of their January signings in this one, which should make for intriguing viewing.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch the first match on Super Saturday, while you can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App.
Melbourne City v Adelaide United
Saturday, 7.50pm (AEDT)
What a clash viewers on FREE TO AIR can enjoy this week as City and Adelaide face-off in a clash with huge ramifications on the top four.
City began last weekend in fourth spot but were leapfrogged by the Reds after losing 2-0 against Sydney FC on Sunday.
Despite the defeat, there will still be plenty of optimism in Warren Joyce’s squad, especially with key signing Jamie Maclaren set to make his club debut after his move last week.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5980077392001
The Reds were the beneficiaries of City’s slip-up on Sunday, ending Round 17 in fourth after their crazy 4-3 win over Brisbane Roar.
In what will go down as probably the game of the season, Marco Kurz’s men overcame a 3-0 deficit and will feel sky-high making the trip to Melbourne.
It was a win to the away team when these sides met in Round 8, with City heading to Coopers Stadium and coming away with a 2-0 victory.
How to watch: See if City can get back into the top four by beating the Reds LIVE and FREE on 10 Bold or tenplay, and on FOX SPORTS 505, with kick off at 7.50pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Sunday, 5pm (AEDT)
What better way to end Round 18 than with a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash between the Victory and Glory.
Victory come into this clash after the proverbial game of two halves against the Mariners last weekend.
A horror first 45 minutes had them trailing 2-0 before they showed why they are champions in the second stanza, roaring home to win 3-2.
It’s a result that kept them within four points of the league-leading Glory heading into this one.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5854448914001
Tony Popovic’s men have shown no signs of slowing down this season, flexing their title muscle with a convincing 3-0 win over Wellington in their last outing.
With Chris Ikonomidis back from the AFC Asian Cup joining the likes of Andy Keogh, Diego Castro, Joel Chianese, Brendon Santalab and co, Glory are rightly brimming with confidence.
And they also came away from AAMI Park with a last-gasp 3-2 win over Victory way back in Round 2.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch Sunday’s blockbuster contest, which kicks off at 5.00pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App.
