Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season kicks off in fascinating fashion as the cellar-dwellers meet in a battle that will go a long way to determining wooden spoon status.
Elsewhere, Sydney FC face a Wellington Phoenix outfit looking for breathing space in the top six before the final Melbourne Derby of the regular season lights up Saturday night.
Then, on Sunday, Newcastle Jets host Adelaide United in what will be their fourth game in 12 days, and Perth Glory travel east to take on an improving Western Sydney Wanderers outfit.
PAPER TALK: Fans flock to Hyundai A-League in big numbers for Round 19
HEROIC MOMENTS: Champness breathes life into Newcastle’s finals hopes with stunning cameo
SIGNING NEWS: Taylor commits future to Wellington
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
TEAM OF THE WEEK: See who made the cut for Round 19
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Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar
Friday, February 22, 7:50pm (AEDT)
Central Coast host Brisbane Roar on Friday night with a bit of swagger in their step.
The Mariners recruited well during the summer transfer window and it paid dividends when they held on for a 1-1 draw against Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon.
Aiden O’Neill’s strike, which gave the visitors the lead, wasn’t enough to see off Sydney FC, but it did lend Mike Mulvey’s men some positive energy to take back to Gosford.
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Brisbane, meanwhile, are smarting from a 4-0 loss to Perth Glory on Saturday night in a fixture where they were completely outclassed.
A match against the Premiers Plate favourites was never going to be easy, made all the more difficult by the four-plus hours spent on a plane to get to HBF Park.
Adam Taggart’s departure has left a huge void for Darren Davies to fill, though the emerge of Dylan Wenzel-Halls, Izaack Powell and Jay Barnett suggests there are long-term gains to be made.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch the Friday night fixture, which kicks off at 7:50pm (AEDT). You can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers, or via Kayo Sports.
Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC
Saturday, February 23, 5:35pm (AEDT)
Following the first ever Hyundai A-League match at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney FC’s next venture takes them to Campbelltown Stadium for a date with nominal hosts Wellington Phoenix.
Mark Rudan’s men have not tasted victory in three games, though their performance against Melbourne Victory, coupled with a record regular-season crowd for the hosts, gives cause for optimism.
Rudan has revitalised Wellington by instilling belief into his players and giving his attacking contingent the confidence and licence to express themselves.
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Such expression will be needed against a Sky Blues outfit left frustrated after being held by the Mariners on Sunday afternoon.
Steve Corica’s men threw not only the kitchen sink – but perhaps the whole kitchen itself – but were unable to grab all three points.
Sydney have grabbed one point from their last two games, something they will no doubt seek to change on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides have claimed one victory apiece in their two meetings this term, with Wellington prevailing 3-1 in Kogarah before Sydney FC won 1-0 on the Phoenix’s turf.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch this Saturday afternoon fixture, which kicks off at 5:35pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City
Saturday, February 23, 7:50pm (AEDT)
Jamie Maclaren’s first ever Melbourne Derby could not have come at a more important time for Melbourne City.
Warren Joyce’s side have stalled of late, most recently losing to a depleted Newcastle Jets outfit.
City’s last win came five games ago in a thrilling 4-3 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, though one can almost safely bet that conceding three goals at Marvel Stadium against Victory will make a win nigh impossible.
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Victory, meanwhile, have grabbed only one point from their last two games, harming their chances of pipping Perth Glory to the Premiership.
Keisuke Honda grabbed a point for Victory in Round 19 against the Phoenix, and added creativity and guile in attack.
With the club’s opening AFC Champions League match just over two weeks away, it is vital Kevin Muscat’s men pick up as many points as possible before their schedule becomes packed to the rafters.
How to watch: Find out whether City or Victory can get back to winning ways LIVE and FREE on 10 Bold or tenplay, with kick off at 7:50pm (AEDT). You can also tune in on FOX SPORTS 505, stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Sunday, February 24, 5:00pm (AEDT)
Newcastle Jets are having a February to remember, grabbing three wins and a draw in four games.
One of those victories came almost a week ago as Merrick’s men downed Persija Jakarta to earn themselves a play-off fixture against J1 League Champions, Kashima Antlers.
Tuesday night’s clash in Kashima will be Newcastle’s fifth game in 19 days, but the rewards of playing in the AFC Champions League would be worth it.
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Newcastle’s win against Melbourne City on Friday night came out of the blue, as the Jets fielded a weakened side that got the job done thanks to Joey Champness’s pace and tenacity.
Adelaide United are licking their wounds after falling to an inconsistent Western Sydney outfit on Saturday, depriving them of a chance to put pressure on Sydney FC for a top-three finish.
The clash against Newcastle won’t be any easier, with the Reds facing a side that will be motivated for a win, regardless of Tuesday night’s result.
How to watch: Don’t miss this clash at 5:00pm (AEDT) on FOX SPORTS 505, via the MyFootball Live App, or through Kayo Sports.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory
Sunday, February 24, 7:00pm (AEDT)
A few weeks ago, this clash may have appeared a foregone conclusion.
However, with Western Sydney Wanderers grabbing two wins in consecutive weeks and scoring five goals along the way, Markus Babbel’s men finally appear to be clicking.
The Wanderers looked comfortable in their Round 18 win over the Mariners, before showing a seldom-seen maturity to see past Adelaide United 3-1 at Coopers Stadium.
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In saying that, Perth Glory will be a different proposition to those previous two matches.
Tony Popovic has this side firing and the full scope of their power was on display in the rout of Roar.
Perth have two players for every position and, without the AFC Champions League to worry about, can take their season one game at a time.
Diego Castro created seven chances in Round 19, while players like Chris Ikonomidis and Andy Keogh only need half a chance to make teams pay.
How to watch: Finish off your football fix by feasting on your eyes on this all-important 7:00pm (AEDT) clash on FOX SPORTS 505, via the MyFootball Live App, or through Kayo Sports.
