The latest installment of the Sydney Derby headlines a bumper Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League, with a host of sides also looking to break into the top six.
History might be on Sydney FC’s side in the Derby but the Wanderers are at home and buoyed after a strong win on Friday night.
Tony Popovic’s league-leading Perth Glory face a rejuvenated Newcastle Jets in the Hunter, while Wellington Phoenix will shoot for back-to-back wins as they host strugglers Central Coast Mariners.
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Brisbane Roar will look to stop Melbourne Victory from making it six straight wins, while the round ends with a pivotal clash between the Reds and City in Adelaide.
Read on to find out when and where you can catch your Hyundai A-League action!
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Friday, December 14, 7:50pm (AEDT)
When you’re languishing in ninth spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder with just one win for the campaign, the last team you’d want to face is a confident and high-flying Melbourne Victory.
But that’s the scenario facing John Aloisi’s Roar who somehow need to pick themselves up after a disappointing loss to the Newcastle Jets on Sunday to take on the hottest team in the Hyundai A-League right now.
Victory – on the back of their 2-0 defeat of Adelaide United on Saturday night – have won five on the trot and have been purring with Keisuke Honda and Ola Toivonen pulling the strings.
These sides have played out some sensational games at Suncorp Stadium and this promises to be another to kick-off Round 8.
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.
Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, December 15, 5:35pm (AEDT)
A huge opportunity awaits the Phoenix at Westpac Stadium on Saturday as they host the winless Mariners.
After their shock – but well-deserved – 3-1 away win over Sydney FC last weekend, Wellington could force their way into the top six with a win in this one.
And with striker Roy Krishna in sensational form, they will take some stopping.
Mike Mulvey’s side has performed better than their two points for the season suggests but confidence must be on the wane after their lacklustre 2-0 loss to the Wanderers on Friday.
With attacking stars Ross McCormack and Tommy Oar likely to miss through injury again, the Mariners will need to call on all their fighting spirit to get a result across the ditch.
How to watch: Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to see if Phoenix can register back-to-back wins from 5:35pm (AEDT).
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
Saturday, December 15, 7:50pm (AEDT)
If this match was played a few weeks ago you would tip nothing but a Sydney FC win. But on current form the Wanderers might just go into this Derby as slight favourites.
Markus Babbel’s men picked up their second win – and second clean sheet – on Friday night in the 2-0 win over the Mariners to sit outside the top six on goal difference only.
The return of central defender Patrick Ziegler is hugely significant, with the German adding some composure and steel to Western Sydney’s defence.
While the Sky Blues have recent history on their side – they’ve lost just one of the last 14 Sydney Derby’s in the Hyundai A-League – they were underwhelming in their upset 3-1 loss to the Phoenix on Saturday.
Of major concern is Sydney’s normally resolute defence was opened up very easily against Wellington and will need to tighten up against the likes of Alex Baumjohann and Oriol Riera.
How to watch: Find out which side of Sydney will claim bragging rights LIVE and FREE on 10 Bold or tenplay, 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.
Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory
Sunday, December 16, 5:00pm (AEDT)
A week ago Jets coach Ernie Merrick declared the next month would determine the Jets’ season.
And after their 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Sunday, the Hunter club have made an excellent start and sit inside the top six heading into Round 8.
Significantly, attackers Kaine Sheppard and Jair registered their first goals of the season against Roar, ensuring they’ll play with a bit more freedom at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Glory remain the only unbeaten team in the Hyundai A-League after grinding out a 1-0 win over Melbourne City on Saturday night.
While Tony Popovic’s side hasn’t been as free-flowing in recent weeks, it’s the sign of a good side to keep picking up results while not at their best.
Glory have a strong record in the Hunter as well, meaning this should be an interesting match-up to kick-off Super Sunday.
How to watch: Don’t miss the Jets’ clash against top-of-the-table Glory at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Fox Sports 505 or via the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Adelaide United v Melbourne City
Sunday, December 16, 7.00pm (AEDT)
Round 8 comes to a close with a huge game between Adelaide United and Melbourne City who are both coming off tough losses on the road.
The Reds were a little unlucky in going down to Victory 2-0 but will be delighted to get back in front of their home fans at Coopers Stadium.
City also probably deserved more in their 1-0 loss away to the Glory and will hope to get marquee man Ritchie De Laet back for the trip to the City of Churches.
This clash has had a habit of throwing up plenty of drama and fiery clashes and with the chance to consolidate a spot in the top four at stake, this should follow the same script.
How to watch: Catch all the action on FOX SPORTS 505 from 7:00pm (AEDT) or tune in on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
