This week is the first of two weeks this season with only four matches.
The opener on Saturday pits Central Coast against Adelaide. The Mariners barely scored one goal last week but have shown some promise in their four games so far. The Reds have shown more though, picking up their second win last week in a close game. Central Coast will be eager to return after two away games in a row and their own fans might be enough encouragement to see a draw.
Western United have had a great start to the season with three wins in five games and next in line is a faltering Newcastle. Two wins in a row against Victory and the Wanderers puts Western United in good form heading into this clash. On the opposite side Newcastle are yet to win a match having only scored four goals in four games while conceding double that.
League leaders Melbourne City travel to Brisbane this week coming off their fourth win in a row. City are the only club yet to lose a match. Brisbane's last game was close but they will need to step it up to get a win this week. The Roar haven't scored since their round one draw with Perth whereas City have topped the scoring with ten goals this season.
The fourth and final game in the Big Blue. This fixture has caused problems with Sydney asking and Victory agreeing to move the game to Sunday because of international call-ups for Friday morning's Socceroos game. While Sydney are looking ready the Victorians are in shambles with several injuries and international call-ups interfering with their lineup, manager Kurtz even suggesting he'll field a second string team. Sydney have had a week off to prepare along with having three wins out of four games under the belt they will come in as favourites against a struggling Melbourne side.
Western Sydney have the week off ahead of a big game next week and they are joined by a draw-happy Perth side and Wellington who picked up their first point last weekend.
