It is time for every A-League side to shake off the seasonal hangover now that the festive stretch of Christmas and New Year is firmly in the rear-view mirror. With no pause in the schedule until the end of March, this weekend signals the beginning of a relentless sprint, which will either solidify title credentials or expose lingering flaws.
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Brisbane Roar vs Auckland FC
January 9 @ 4:35PM (UTC+8)
Despite topping the standings, Auckland FC have endured a patchy run of form, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle Jets before being held to a draw by Macarthur. Even so, they should back themselves to return to winning ways against a Brisbane Roar side that has managed just one win in their last five matches.
Steve Corica’s men will also be acutely aware of the stakes in this top-four clash: another slip-up would allow their hosts to draw level with them at the summit.
Melbourne Victory vs Western Sydney Wanderers
January 10 @ 2:00PM (UTC+8)
It is the league’s most in-form side against its most out-of-sorts. Victory arrive on the back of four consecutive wins, moving to within four points of top spot, while the Wanderers are winless in five and increasingly short on confidence.
The visitors’ task has been further complicated by the departure of homegrown defender Alex Bonetig to the Portland Timbers, weakening an already fragile back line. Adding an extra layer of intrigue, this fixture marks Juan Mata’s first outing against his former club since his off-season move to Melbourne, which should heighten Victory’s sense of occasion.
Macarthur vs Sydney FC
January 10 @ 4:35PM (UTC+8)
The second top-four clash of the round sees Sydney FC make a short trip to face a Macarthur side quietly building momentum. The Bulls are unbeaten since late November and showed their credentials by holding league leaders Auckland FC to a draw earlier in the week.
That resilience will pose a stern test for Ufuk Talay’s side, whose recent fortunes have been challenging. Sydney slipped from first to second after a surprise defeat to Newcastle Jets, followed by the postponement of their highly-anticipated meeting with Auckland FC, and were arguably fortunate to escape with a point against Melbourne City last weekend.
Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners
January 10 @ 6:45PM (UTC+8)
The Mariners began the new year in emphatic fashion, thumping Adelaide United 4-0 away from home to snap a six-game winless run. The result was quickly followed by confirmation of Warren Moon as the club’s permanent head coach, providing added incentive to mark the start of his official tenure with another positive performance.
Standing in their way are a Perth Glory side coming off a narrow 3-2 defeat to Melbourne Victory. While competitive, Glory will need to tighten defensively if they are to halt a Mariners team riding renewed confidence.
Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United
January 11 @ 10:00AM (UTC+8)
Adelaide United make the trip across the Tasman nursing the wounds of their heaviest loss of the season. Depleted by the absence of Luka Jovanovic, Yaya Dukuly, and Ethan Alagich due to Australia’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup commitments, Airton Andrioli’s side were dismantled 4-0 at home by the Mariners.
Wellington, by contrast, appear to have steadied after a shaky spell. Two wins from their last three, including last week’s 3-0 victory over Brisbane Roar despite being reduced to 10 men, suggest an upward trend. Defensive reinforcements have also arrived, with All Whites centre-back Bill Tuiloma signing from the Major League Soccer and expected to be available for selection.
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Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets
January 11 @ 2:00PM (UTC+8)
The round concludes with a stylistic contrast as the league’s best defence hosts its most potent attack. Newcastle Jets have already netted 23 goals this season, with Lachlan Rose and Alexander Badolato spearheading an in-form frontline. Twelve of those goals have come in their last four matches — a tally bettered by only seven teams across the entire campaign.
Yet Melbourne City present a formidable obstacle. Joint-lowest for goals conceded with just 10, City also shut the Jets out in a 1-0 win when the sides met last month. If anyone can blunt Newcastle’s firepower, history and numbers suggest it is City.
