The Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season is beginning to take shape as we head into Round 7, with some intriguing match-ups to look forward to this weekend.
Melbourne Victory are the form team right now on the back of four straight wins but will get a stern test when they take on Adelaide United in Saturday night’s free-to-air clash.
Mark Rudan – a championship-winning captain of Sydney FC – brings his Wellington Phoenix to the Harbour City, while league-leaders Perth Glory are back at home for the visit of Melbourne City as part of a Saturday triple-header.
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Two teams desperate for three points kick-off the weekend on Friday night as Western Sydney Wanderers do battle with Central Coast Mariners, while Brisbane Roar are at home against the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
Read on to find out when and where you can catch your Hyundai A-League action!
Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners
Friday, December 7, 7:50pm (AEDT)
Both of these sides would do anything for a win to help get their 2018/19 Season off life-support and back on track.
The Wanderers were put to the sword by a ruthless Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and coach Markus Babbel will demand a response at Spotless Stadium.
A home clash against the winless Mariners could be seen as the ideal fixture to turn their fortunes around but the team from Gosford are playing better than their recent results suggest.
Mike Mulvey’s men have been terribly unfortunate to lose to both Perth Glory (3-2) and Sydney FC (2-1) over the last fortnight and will feel they are close to getting a reward for their efforts.
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.
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Saturday, December 8, 5:35pm (AEDT)
The Sky Blues snapped a two-game winless streak with a much-needed – but scarcely deserved – 2-1 win over the Mariners last Saturday.
While they were well below their best, the fact they were able to grind out a win must be pleasing for coach Steve Corica.
But he’ll want them to lift the intensity for the visit of an improving Phoenix to Jubilee Stadium.
Wellington almost became the first side to defeat league-leaders Perth Glory on Sunday but a late Ryan Lowry red card and Diego Castro goal meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
It will be a special occasion for Phoenix boss Mark Rudan, who will coach against the club that he led to the title in 2005/06 for the first time in the Hyundai A-League.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to see if the Sky Blues can get their first win at Jubilee from 5:35pm (AEDT), or catch it on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
Saturday, December 8, 7:50pm (AEDT)
What a ripper clash this promises to be!
Victory put on arguably the performance of the season last time out, with all their big guns firing as they thrashed the Wanderers 4-0.
But the Reds are also in pretty good touch, winning two on the trot including last Friday’s 2-1 triumph over Brisbane Roar.
The #OriginalRivalry is always a must-see fixture on the Hyundai A-League calendar but this one has all the ingredients to be the best yet.
Who will come out on top as Honda, Toivonen, Barbarouses, Antonis and co. come up against Goodwin, Halloran, Ilso and Adelaide’s wealth of attacking stars?
How to watch: Find out who will come out on top in the latest edition of the Original Rivalry LIVE and FREE on 10 Boss or tenplay, as well as 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.
Perth Glory v Melbourne City
Saturday, December8, 10:00pm (AEDT)
Glory remain unbeaten and continue to show a greater resolve under new boss Tony Popovic, who will want to see his side return to their attacking best in front of their home fans.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw in Wellington was probably Perth’s flattest performance of the season but their ability to fight back is a sure sign they have the right mentality.
After scoring the equaliser, Spanish star Diego Castro could be about to be unleashed from the start as Glory look for the creativity to unlock Melbourne City’s defence.
City eased the pressure on coach Warren Joyce with a valuable 3-0 win over the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
It was City’s slick attack against Newcastle which will be the biggest positive for Joyce and if history is anything to go by in this fixture, expect plenty of goals at nib Stadium.
How to watch: Don’t miss the league-leaders home clash with City at 10:00pm (AEDT) on Fox Sports 505 or via the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Sunday, December 9, 5:00pm (AEDT)
The curtain drops on Round 7 at McDonald Jones Stadium as the injury-hit Roar travel to meet a Jets side still smarting from their lacklustre showing against City.
In a blow for the visitors, leading scorer Adam Taggart (who has scored five of their seven goals this season) will miss out through injury, leaving a huge question mark as to where the visitors goals will come from.
It could be speedy young gun Dylan Wenzel-Halls that gets the chance to show what he’s got from the start after catching the eye in the 2-1 loss to the Reds on the weekend.
Jets boss Ernie Merrick accused some of his players of not trying hard enough in the defeat to City.
Expect them to be fired-up to make amends in this one, especially at home and in the knowledge a win would see the Jets leapfrog Brisbane into the top six.
How to watch: Catch all the action on FOX SPORTS 505 from 5:00pm (AEDT) or tune in on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.