The A-League Men are back in action this weekend after a week off for the international break, and the stakes are higher than ever with just six rounds remaining in the season. Round 24 kicks off tonight at 7:35 PM AEDT as the Macarthur Bulls host the Newcastle Jets at Campbelltown Stadium in a crucial clash for both teams vying for finals contention.
The Bulls find themselves five points outside the top six and are desperate to claw their way back into the finals race. A victory tonight could bring them within two points of the finals-placed teams, provided other results favor them. Meanwhile, the Jets are also in dire need of points after suffering a heavy 6-2 defeat to Western United in their last outing, leaving them eight points adrift of the top six.
Saturday's action continues with the Western Sydney Wanderers traveling to New Zealand to face the Wellington Phoenix at 3 PM AEDT. The Phoenix are currently winless in their last seven matches and sit 13 points outside the finals, making this a challenging fixture against a Wanderers side that is in red-hot form, looking for their fifth consecutive victory. The Wanderers have already scored an impressive 47 goals this season, having broken their record for the most goals scored in a regular season.
Later on Saturday, Sydney FC will host Melbourne City at 5 PM AEDT in a match that carries significant implications for the finals race. The Sky Blues are just three points off the sixth spot and know that a loss here could severely dent their chances of making the playoffs, especially considering their remaining fixtures are against teams currently in the top six. On the other hand, Melbourne City is positioned fourth and could leap to third with a win, boasting a strong recent record against Sydney with six wins in their last ten encounters.
The rivalry heats up even further as the Melbourne Victory faces Adelaide United at 7:35 PM AEDT. Both teams are locked on 33 points, with the Victory sitting fifth and the Reds in sixth place. After a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Wanderers last time out, the Victory will be eager to bounce back, while Adelaide is desperate for a win, having gone five matches without a victory. A loss could see them slip out of the finals spots if Sydney manages to beat City.
On Sunday, the Central Coast Mariners welcome Perth Glory to Industree Group Stadium at 3 PM AEDT. The Mariners are still searching for their first win since mid-January, while the Glory is looking to avoid finishing last for a second consecutive season. Josh Risdon, who debuted for Perth back in November 2010, is set to make his 157th ALM appearance, and he’s determined to mark this milestone with a victory. "It’s a huge honour," said Risdon. "It’s a club that’s very special to me. I’m savouring every game I can play for the club and for the rest of my career."
Head Coach David Zdrilic praised Risdon's contributions, highlighting his experience and leadership during tough times for the club. "To have that kind of record for anyone is amazing," Zdrilic stated. "He’s been in the A-League for a long, long time and he’s right up there for assists as well because even though he’s a defensive player, he creates a lot of chances." The Mariners will be looking to their top scorer, Alou Kuol, who has netted three goals this season, to lead the charge against the Glory.
Sunday also features the Brisbane Roar taking on Auckland FC at Suncorp Stadium at 5 PM AEDT, marking the final match for referee David Walsh in the A-League, officiating his 203rd game. Walsh's career has spanned 16 seasons, and he has officiated multiple Grand Finals and international matches, making this a bittersweet farewell for the veteran official.
As the A-League Men season heats up, fans can expect thrilling encounters as teams battle for crucial points in their quest for finals glory. With so much on the line, every match this weekend promises to deliver excitement and drama in equal measure.
