We’re back in action after the international break, and what do we have here? The first Unite Round in Sydney.
Every fixture this week will take place at Allianz Stadium, the A-League’s rendition of NRL’s Magic Round.
With Unite Round being held in Sydney, it’s only right that fans are treated to a Sydney Derby. They also get a helping of top four match-up between Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix.
Auckland FC travel across the Tasman for the first time this season to carry on their 100% record.
11th plays 12th, what a thrilling match-up. Both teams are in desperate need of a win to kickstart their seasons.
I’m actually not kidding about this potentially being a great game to kick off Unite Round. Last time these two teams met Western United came away with a dramatic 4-3 victory.
I’m expecting we’re in for a few goals considering Perth have conceded the most in the competition with a whopping 13.
They haven’t been troubling the scoresheet themselves with only the one goal scored, but they’re off the back of a 5-0 loss to Melbourne City so I’m still liking the goal total to go over.
Another fixture where the two teams going head-to-head are holding hands on the table. Newcastle in 9th and Central Coast in 10th. The reigning champs are yet to record a win this season, but they’ll be hoping to continue their dominance over Newcastle.
Having won five of their last five meetings, Central Coast should be feeling like they’ve got a great chance to take three points this weekend.
It’s hard to pick the winner in this one, Newcastle suffered a 4-1 loss to Western Sydney before the break and Central Coast copped a 3-0 home loss to the Nix.
I’m staying away from the head-to-head market and just backing both defenses to leak some goals.
Bottom of the table Brisbane take on Adelaide United for Saturdays entre.
Adelaide are yet to lose this season with two wins and one draw, on the other hand, Brisbane are yet to win, suffering three loses with only two goals scored and seven conceded.
There’s not a lot encouraging about Brisbane’s start to the season. The one exception would be Thomas Waddingham. The young gun continues to impress but he needs the rest of the team to help him out.
It’s hard to see anything but a win for Adelaide here but the numbers do suggest goals. When these two last met, Adelaide came out on top after a 4-3 win at Suncorp.
The second Sydney Derby of the season headlines Saturday night at Allianz Stadium. Their first meeting came in Round 1 which ended in a 2-1 win for Sydney FC.
Both teams should have their overseas stars on the pitch with Douglas Costa hoping to make his return and Juan Mata should be in the line-up for the Wanderers.
Juan Mata’s usage has been questioned after being dragged at halftime and only getting on for eight minutes in their last fixture. If the Wanderers want to be competitive, the need to have Juan Mata on the field being an attacking general.
Until they work out their ‘best starting XI’ I don’t see them being able to win too many games.
Wellington fans packed out Sky Stadium for the second leg of their semi-final clash against the Victory last year. After 90 minutes, the Nix trailed until Oskar Zawada netted one with nearly the last kick of normal time.
The stadium went bonkers! But Victory broke the hearts of the yellow fever with an extra time winner to send them to the finals.
The new look Phoenix have started above par this season, this could be a real prove it game for them.
I’m a big fan of revenge spots and if there was ever a time to rise from the ashes, it’s against the top of the table team during the inaugural Unite Round.
The final game of Unite Round pits Auckland FC against the Macarthur Bulls.
Auckland FC are 100% on the season and looking to make it four from four when they head cross the Tasman for the first time.
Macarthur have had an up and down start to the season with two wins and two draws. The 2024 Australian Cup winners have been lifted by Marin Jakolis, who has scored four goals through four games.
Jakolis poses a rea threat to the Black Knights who are still yet to concede, if they want to come out on top, they’ll have to keep him quiet.
I’m backing the Black Knights to keep it clean against Macarthur and carry on their unbeaten streak.