How to watch Hyundai A-League Round 17

Just when we thought the Hyundai A-League ladder was taking shape, wins to Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory against their nearest rivals have shaken things up. 

Now, 11 points separates six teams in one of the closest races to the Premiership in recent memory. 

Kickstarting the action are Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets on Friday night, each team knowing anything less than a win will cost them dearly in their hopes of Finals football.

TALKING POINTS: Are Melbourne Victory becoming Big Blue supremos?
ROUND 16: Blackwood hits stoppage-time winner to break Central Coast hearts
ROUND 16: Toivonen’s sublime free-kick sparks Victory to claim Big Blue bragging right

Saturday’s triple-header sees Central Coast Mariners host Melbourne Victory, before Brisbane Roar travel to Hindmarsh Stadium for a crucial clash against Adelaide United.

And then it’s a Distance Derby when Wellington travel 5,225km west to take on Perth Glory in a match that can have huge ramifications for themselves and the teams near the summit. 

Before Round 17 finishes off in the Harbour City as Sydney FC host Melbourne City at Jubilee Oval on Sunday afternoon. 

Viewers from outside Australia can find out how to watch by CLICKING HERE.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets

Friday, 7:50pm AEDT

Two wounded birds do battle in a must-win for both sides. 

Western Sydney Wanderers will be particularly fired up after conceding a last-gasp goal to Adam Taggart, throwing away what would have been their first win in nine games. 

Newcastle Jets, meanwhile, were comprehensively outplayed by Perth Glory as Tony Popovic's men won 2-0 on Sunday night. 

In saying that, Newcastle were not without their chances, but failed to test Liam Reddy more than a few times throughout the fixture.

It's becoming now-or-never for both sides as the top six appear to be breaking off from the rest of the pack. 

Newcastle Jets are 11 points off sixth spot, while the Wanderers are another five points behind the Jets. 

One gets the feeling that a Western Sydney loss could end their finals hopes, while a win for Newcastle will in the least help them keep chase.

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, which is live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory

Saturday, 5:35pm AEDT

Central Coast Mariners will have to pick themselves up quickly as they host a rampant Melbourne Victory on Saturday afternoon. 

Mike Mulvey's men had a 1-0 lead against Adelaide United and looked a real possibility of stealing all three points away from home, before goals to Isaias and George Blackwood buried the visitors - in stoppage time, no less. 

Victory will be brimming with confidence after a third straight Big Blue win over Sydney FC, their record now standing at three wins in their last three against Sydney FC.

James Troisi has been pulling the strings and grabbing a few goals of his own, while Ola Toivonen needs little introduction - the Sweden international now has 10 goals and three assists in 13 games.

How to watch: Don't miss a minute of the action on FOX SPORTS 505 from 5:35pm (AEDT) on Saturday afternoon. You can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, which is live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar

Saturday, 7:50pm AEDT

What a difference a few minutes can make. 

Adelaide United, staring down the barrel of a shock loss to the Mariners, grabbed an injury-time winner via George Blackwood to overturn a 1-0 deficit on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar were counting the seconds when they appeared to be on the verge of a 2-1 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers.

But Adam Taggart's header in the last phase of play stole a point and pumped some hope into Darren Davies' side.

Adelaide United will need to win this game to keep chase with the rest of the top six, while a loss for Brisbane Roar would play a big part in ending their finals hopes for the 2018/19 Season.

How to watch: You can watch this clash on FOX SPORTS 505 from 7:50pm (AEDT) on Saturday night. You can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, which is live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix

Saturday, 10pm AEDT

The Distance Derby doesn't get much bigger than this.

Perth Glory are four points clear at the top of the table, looking to extend their lead before we reach the final third of the campaign. 

Wellington Phoenix are 11 points behind Perth, whereby a win could put them in with a real chance of chasing their distant rivals.

Perth Glory put on a clinic on Sunday night against Newcastle Jets, easing to a 2-0 win inspired by the magic of Neil Kilkenny and Diego Castro.

Kilkenny now has four goals and four assists for the campaign, making him a quiet achiever that helps Glory tick. 

Phoenix have their own magic in the form of David Williams and Sarpreet Singh -- the young and old combination producing goals and flare up front, something of which Perth will have to be wary.

With so much on the line, and an abundance of quality on the pitch, this Distance Derby is set to be a cracker.

How to watch: Don't miss a minute of the action on FOX SPORTS 505 from 10pm (AEDT) for this late-night Distance Derby. You can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, which is live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.

Sydney FC v Melbourne City

Sunday, 5pm AEDT

Last, but certainly not least, for Round 17 finishes off with a crucial clash near the top of the table. 

Both sides head into this game reeling from tight losses, in games where they threw the kitchen sink against their opponents but were unable to grab that coveted equaliser. 

Sydney FC had the lion's share of chances in the second half against Melbourne Victory, but could not overcome their Big Blue Rivals, falling 2-1.

City, on the other hand, had six of their shots saved against Wellington Phoenix, eventually succumbing to a 1-0 loss in New Zealand. 

With the Sky Blues creating a five-point gap over City, a loss for Warren Joyce's men could create a large gap between them and the top three.

How to watch: You can watch this clash on FOX SPORTS 505 from 5pm (AEDT) on Sunday afternoon. You can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, which is live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.