Let ‘The Chase’ begin! Round 19 means we’re into the final stretch of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season as we enter the last third of the campaign.
And there’s some intriguing match-ups to look forward to this weekend, starting with a huge double-header on Friday night.
Eden Park in Auckland is the venue as Wellington Phoenix host Melbourne Victory to kick-start the round, with these two sides already involved in a couple of thrillers this season.
Newcastle Jets get a chance to close the gap on the top six when they host Melbourne City, while it’s a replay of the 2016 Grand Final on Saturday as Adelaide United host Western Sydney Wanderers.
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Who made the cut for Round 18?
TALKING POINTS: Are Perth Premiership-bound after top-two tussle?
HEROIC MOMENTS: Ipswich kid topples Hyundai A-League giants with redemption story
Perth Glory and Sydney FC won’t have it all their own way either in home matches against Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners respectively to close out Round 19.
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 CLICK HERE to find out how to watch the fixtures.
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Friday, 5.35pm (AEDT)
The Hyundai A-League heads to Eden Park as Phoenix do battle with the Victory in a huge start to the weekend’s action.
If these two dish-up more of what we’ve seen in their two previous meetings then fans in Auckland are in for an absolute treat.
Both of those clashes ended in draws at AAMI Park (1-1 and then 3-3) which indicates there’s nothing between the two sides.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5991567348001
Wellington is coming off a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Newcastle Jets in their previous outing and have a had a full eight days to prepare for this one.
That’s in contrast to Victory who played on Sunday – a 2-1 loss to Perth Glory – and have to travel across the ditch.
All eyes will be on Victory’s marquee man Keisuke Honda who will be hoping to start this clash after returning off the bench on the weekend.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch the opening game of Round 19 as Phoenix take their home match to Eden Park. Watch the match from 5:35pm (AEDT), while you can also subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne City
Friday, 7.50pm (AEDT)
There were a few people willing to write off the Jets’ top six hopes after they were held to a 1-1 draw against sixth-placed Wellington Phoenix last Thursday.
While they are currently eight points behind the six – and nine behind City – a win over Warren Joyce’s men would close the gap to at least six.
It means there is still plenty to play for heading into this Friday night encounter in the Hunter.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5986440270001
City missed the chance to jump into the top four last time out as a goal to new recruit Jamie Maclaren salvaged a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United.
The addition of Maclaren – and Tottenham loanee Shayon Harrison – has suddenly boosted City’s firepower in attack and they are sure to ask Newcastle’s defence plenty of questions.
City goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic is set to make his 280th appearance in the competition after becoming the longest-serving gloveman in Hyundai A-League history last weekend.
Saturday night was Eugene Galekovic's 279th @ALeague match, making him the all-time leading goalkeeper for appearances and moving him into fourth in overall league appearances. Congrats Euge 👏 pic.twitter.com/5yGBC9SGLH
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) February 9, 2019
Fatigue could be an issue for the Jets – who play their AFC Champions League qualifier against Persija Jakarta on Tuesday night – in a vital match for both sides.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch Melbourne City’s trip up the M1 to face the Jets, which kicks off at 7:50pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, while you can also subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, 7.50pm (AEDT)
There may be four positions and 17 points difference between the Reds and Wanderers but this promises to be a tight tussle at Coopers Stadium.
Both previous clashes between these two in 2018/19 have gone down to the wire, the first a pulsating 2-2, while a late Craig Goodwin goal gave the Reds a 2-1 win last month.
So what will this Saturday night clash – LIVE and FREE on 10 Bold – serve up?
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5990941534001
The Reds are sure to be confident after they preserved their top four spot last week, taking a point away from Melbourne in a 1-1 draw with City.
But the Wanderers are suddenly searching for back-to-back victories after they snapped a 10-game winless run with their dominant 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners.
How to watch: See if the Reds can maintain their spot in the top four by beating the Wanderers 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 or you can also subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar
Saturday, 10pm (AEDT)
Can anyone catch Glory for the Premiership now?
That has to be the question after Tony Popovic’s men opened up a seven-point lead at the top courtesy of Sunday’s 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory.
While the attacking threat of Castro, Ikonomidis, Keogh and co. has been impressive, their defensive strength is also an asset, with just one goal conceded in more than seven hours of playing time.
The next challenge for the high-flying Glory is an injury-hit but rejuvenated Brisbane Roar.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5986458430001
In a major upset last Friday night, Roar dented Sydney FC’s Premiership hopes with a 90th minute 2-1 win over the Sky Blues at Suncorp Stadium.
The result has certainly lifted the mood in the Roar camp and they will head west with nothing to lose on Saturday night.
It’s been all Glory in the two previous clashes this season, including a 2-1 win at HBF Park back in Round 3.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch the late game on Super Saturday, while you can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
Sunday, 5pm (AEDT)
The Sky Blues head to their third ‘home ground’ of the campaign with this clash taking place at Leichhardt Oval.
And they’ll be hoping it brings with it a return to form following their disappointing 2-1 loss to the Roar last Friday night.
The only bright side from that clash was the debut of Iranian star Reza Ghoochannejhad, who is sure to be even better after clocking valuable playing time against Brisbane.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5985914721001
It was another tough road trip for the Mariners in their last outing, a lacklustre 2-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.
The defeat – coupled with Roar’s win – means there’s now a six-point deficit between the last-placed Mariners and Brisbane in ninth.
If Mike Mulvey’s side is to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons, they need wins and quickly.
While the Mariners have lost both previous games against Sydney FC this season, they have taken the lead in both of those matches.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch Sunday’s NSW Derby, which kicks off at 5pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
