There’s five games on the Isuzu UTE A-League agenda over this long weekend, capped off by a Monday afternoon clash between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory on ANZAC Day.
The Victory bookend the A-Leagues action with games against the Roar on Monday and Macarthur FC on Friday night in Campbelltown.
On Saturday it’s the F3 Derby, with Central Coast looking to strengthen their claim for a spot in the top six and Newcastle Jets looking to deny their rivals that opportunity.
On Sunday, Adelaide United host Perth Glory after Wellington Phoenix host Western Sydney Wanderers in Auckland.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
MACARTHUR FC v MELBOURNE VICTORY
Macarthur FC are in desperate need of a three-point display to avoid being left for dead in the race for a spot in the top six.
The Bulls lost 2-0 to Western United in midweek, and now sit just two points ahead of Central Coast Mariners who possess a game in hand over the team from Campbelltown. Melbourne Victory travel to face the Bulls on a rampant run of form, unbeaten in 11 games and eager to continue their late push for the Premiers Plate.
Tony Popovic’s Victory sit eight points behind league-leaders Melbourne City at the start of the weekend, with two games in hand.
KEY STAT:
This will be the fourth A-League Men match between Macarthur FC and Melbourne Victory; the Victory won their most recent meeting (3-1, 4 March 2022) after losing each of their first two games against the Bulls.
TIP: An entertaining draw.
Macarthur FC v Melbourne Victory
Campbelltown Stadium
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST
TV: P+
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SATURDAY, APRIL 23
NEWCASTLE JETS v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
It’s the 55th instalment of the F3 Derby on Saturday night, between two sides sharing an incredible record: in 54 prior meetings, both sides have won 18 games each and drawn 18 times, scoring 65 goals and conceding 65 goals each throughout those 54 games.
The Mariners have a spot in the top six well within their grasp; the Jets have finals aspirations too, but those hopes took a hit after a home defeat at the hands of Victory last time out.
KEY STAT:
The Central Coast Mariners have lost only one of their last five A-League Men matches against the Newcastle Jets (W3, D1), a 2-0 loss in June 2021; although, the Mariners have led at halftime on the day just once in that span.
TIP: In-form Mariners continue their top-six push with a win.
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
McDonald Jones Stadium
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST
TV: P+, Network 10
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BELOW: F3 DERBY HISTORY
SUNDAY, APRIL 24
WELLINGTON PHOENIX v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
The emotional homecoming continues for the Phoenix in Auckland on Sunday afternoon – but after a 4-0 trouncing in Wellington one week prior, Ufuk Talay’s side will hope to put on a better performance in their second of two home games for the season.
In 2020-21, Wellington played once at Eden Park, drawing 2-2 with Perth Glory. Former Wellington captain Ulises Davila missed a penalty in the 90th minute on that day in May, 2021 – the ‘Nix went on to miss out on the finals by just one point.
KEY STAT: Western Sydney Wanderers FC have lost only one of their last five A-League Men matches against Wellington Phoenix (W3, D1), a 2-1 defeat in May 2021; although, the Wanderers have not led at halftime on the day across that span.
TIP: Wellington triumphant on home soil.
Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers
Eden Park
Kick-off: 1.05pm AEST
TV: P+
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ADELAIDE UNITED v PERTH GLORY
Perth Glory’s season from hell continues on Sunday evening, with Ruben Zadkovich’s side travelling to Coopers Stadium to face Adelaide United.
The Reds are well rested, last featuring in the A-League Men’s on Tuesday, April 12 when Craig Goodwin orchestrated a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Sydney FC. That result sent the Reds into the top four heading into this weekend; defeating last-placed Perth seems a likely outcome for Carl Veart’s side as they look to cement their place in the top six.
KEY STAT:
Adelaide United defeated the Perth Glory 2-1 in their most recent A-League Men meeting (6 March 2022), snapping a four-match winless run against them (D1, L3); they will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the Glory for the first time since February 2018.
TIP: Adelaide to cruise to victory.
Adelaide United v Perth Glory
Coopers Stadium
Kick-off: 5.05pm AEST
TV: P+
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MONDAY, APRIL 25
BRISBANE ROAR v MELBOURNE VICTORY
Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory meet on ANZAC Day with Popovic’s side hoping their unbeaten streak – and Premiership hopes – are still alive. Triumph over Macarthur on Friday night, and Victory will be able to move within two points of City at the top of the table.
This is the third time these two sides have met this season, with Victory winning the first affair and the second ending in a 0-0 draw.
TIP: Victory win on the road.
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Moreton Daily Stadium
Kick-off: 2.05pm AEST
TV: P+
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