It’s hard to pick a winner in this Monday night clash but recent history suggests the goals are likely to be flying in between Perth Glory and Western United FC at HBF Park.
There has been an average of more than five goals per game (5.2) in Glory’s last five home games, with Tony Popovic’s men losing just one of those clashes.
And in Western United’s current form, the goals should continue to flow in this one.
Mark Rudan’s troops have surged back into the top six in recent weeks and have scored 11 goals in their last two victories, beating Central Coast Mariners, 6-2, and Adelaide United, 5-1.
If they can get a win over Glory, it will be the first time in the club’s Hyundai A-League history they have won three straight matches.
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Working in their favour is the fact Glory haven’t won any of their last three home matches against Victorian opposition, picking up one draw and losing twice.
It’s a milestone fixture for Glory gloveman Liam Reddy, who becomes the first goalkeeper, and fourth player overall, to chalk up 300 games in the Hyundai A-League.
The 38-year-old has kept a competition-high seven clean sheets in 2019/20.
MATCH PREVIEW: Perth Glory v Western United FC
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Wanderers chasing some Sydney Derby history
Western Sydney Wanderers may be seven places and 22 points behind their Harbour City rivals but they stand on the cusp of creating Sydney Derby history on Saturday night.
The Wanderers have thrown out the form book to win both of their matches with the defending champion Sky Blues this season.
If they can make it three from three at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday, it will be the first time either side has won all three regular season clashes in a single campaign.
But despite losing to the Red and Black just last month, Sydney FC’s form – especially on the road – has been formidable.
Steve Corica’s men are undefeated in their last seven Hyundai A-League away games, winning six and drawing once and have won their last four straight.
The first 15 minutes could be crucial to the Wanderers’ hopes of a hat-trick of derby wins.
No team has scored more (seven) or conceded fewer (two) goals within the opening 15 minutes of games this Hyundai A-League season than Sydney FC.
MATCH PREVIEW: Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC
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The one area the Mariners can exploit Melbourne City
All signs point to a win for the visitors on Friday evening but there’s one area Central Coast may fancy their chances to help pull off an upset.
City head to Gosford having lost just one of their last 13 Hyundai A-League matches against the Mariners, while they have won three of their last five games in NSW.
But if the Mariners are to turn the tide they might get some joy from set pieces.
City have conceded 14 goals from dead-ball situations this season, more than any other club, while the Mariners are the only team to have scored more than half of their goals (55%) from dead ball situations.
That stat is perhaps the only shred of solace the Mariners can take heading into this one, as they stand on the cusp of equalling an unwanted club record.
Last weekend’s loss to Brisbane Roar was their ninth in succession, with another defeat to City equalling their longest-ever losing stretch (10 games) from last season.
The Hyundai A-League record is 11 straight games, achieved by the now-defunct New Zealand Knights in 2005/06.
Striker Jamie Maclaren is the man the Mariners will need to stop, with the Socceroos star directly involved in 19 goals this season (15 goals, 4 assists), more than any other player in the competition.
MATCH PREVIEW: Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City
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O'Donovan has point to prove on Brisbane return
Carl Robinson has told his Newcastle Jets players that they are playing for their futures over the end of the Hyundai A-League season and Roy O'Donovan is no exception.
O'Donovan, who made just 12 appearances for Brisbane Roar before returning to Newcastle Jets on an 18-month contract on January deadline day, will want to continue demonstrating he is Robinson's main man up front.
The Irishman has a big chance to do so in Friday night's match in Brisbane. O'Donovan has scored four goals in his last four games against the Roar – including a brace in his last appearance against them – a 6-1 thrashing while in Jets colours last April.
After being discarded by Roar boss Robbie Fowler, the striker will want to continue making an impression for Newcastle who are undefeated in their last seven against the Queenslanders.
MATCH PREVIEW: Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
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Newcastle's Monday blues
Newcastle have not won a Hyundai A-League match on a Monday in 11 attempts. Robinson's men are out to put that right when they host Melbourne City on 23 March.
The Round 16 contest against Erick Mombaerts' side offers the Jets their second chance in four days to highlight their improvement under Welshman Robinson against one of the Hyundai A-League's stronger sides, having pit their forces against Brisbane on Friday.
City have traditionally favoured the Jets as opposition. They have won seven of their last 10 against the Novocastrians, and have outscored them 6-0 in their previous two fixtures.
