After a round that featured three draws from the five fixtures, there has been little moving and shaking in the power rankings, however, Melbourne City have been crowned the new number one after continuing their perfect start to the season.
1. Melbourne City
Last Week: 2
Melbourne City recorded their fourth win from their opening four games, with an ultra-impressive 2-0 victory on the road in Adelaide. The A-League's top defence kept yet another clean sheet, having only conceded once across four games, whilst star striker Ross McCormack carried over his form to net two early goals and set up the victory for the in-form side of the competition. City have taken Sydney's mantle at the top of the power rankings, being impossible to ignore any longer after proving they can win against quality opposition away from AAMI Park. Have set up a blockbuster game against fellow juggernaut Sydney F.C on Friday night.
Next Opponent: Sydney F.C (H)
2. Sydney F.CÂ
Last Week: 1
The Sky Blues continued their unbeaten start to the season with a dominant 2-0 victory over Perth Glory, and are somewhat unlucky to lose their top spot on the power rankings after Glory keeper Liam Reddy kept the scoreline respectable for the visitors with an impressive display. Both goals were scored via penalties, from Bobo (who also hit the bar with another penalty) and the returning Mierzejweski respectively. Sydney had numerous chances to increase their lead, firing 23 shots at the Glory defence, with nine on target. The reigning champions have a golden opportunity to claim pole position back from Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
Next Opponent: Melbourne City (A)
3. Newcastle Jets
Last Week: 3
The Jets' A-League resurgence has been a highlight of the early stages of the season, yet they were fortunate to clinch a 1-1 draw with Western Sydney. Despite their opponents having played FFA Cup football mid-week, they were outplayed for majority of the contest, before Dimitri Petratos leveled the contest with an opportunistic finish in the 68th minute. The draw saw Sydney F.C overtake Newcastle on the table, who now sit third after four rounds of action.
Next Opponent: Wellington (H)
4. Western Sydney Wanderers
Last Week: 4
The Wanderers put in an impressive display in their third game in the space of a week, taking it up to an in-form Newcastle side on the road. Having being knocked out of the FFA Cup, the Wanderers can now place their full focus on their A-League campaign, which has started undefeated under the watchful eye of caretaker coach Hayden Foxe. Mark Bridge's 16th minute strike from the edge of the box was a highlight of round four, sending the ball to the top corner with a superb strike. Can rest up before their marquee match-up with the Victory on Melbourne Cup-eve.
Next Opponent: Melbourne Victory (A)
5. Adelaide United
Last Week: 5
It was a disappointing week for Adelaide United, who fell victim to a stingy Melbourne City defence, unable to penetrate their rock-solid back third despite having 66% of the possession. United only managed one shot on target out of their total of 20 attempts, yet keep their fifth position in the power rankings thanks to the uninspiring performances of those below them. Have a tricky away trip to Perth ahead of them.
Next Opponent: Perth Glory (A)
6. Perth Glory
Last Week:Â 7
Perth Glory were subject to the hardest task in A-League football during round four, a trip to Allianz Stadium to face the Sky Blues. Goalkeeper Liam Reddy put in a stunning display of shot-stopping, with the only goals conceded coming from the penalty spot, as Glory fought valiantly for the full 90 minutes against a side clearly superior in quality. Striker Adam Taggart had a potential injury-time leveller saved in the bottom left corner, which would have clinched the most unlikely of points for Perth, before Sydney earned a third penalty moments later.
Next Opponents: Adelaide United (H)
7. Melbourne Victory
Last Week: 6
The star-studded Victory's woeful season continued with a 1-1 draw at Central Coast. The loss of suspended striker Besart Berisha proved significant, as the Victory's only goal came from a stunning free kick by Leroy George, before the Mariners came home strong to no avail, resulting in shared points between the struggling clubs. The draw stretches Melbourne's undefeated run against Central Coast to an incredible 13 games, but wasn't the result Kevin Muscat was looking for to get their 2017/18 campaign rolling.
Next Opponent: Western Sydney Wanderers (H)
8. Wellington Phoenix
Last Week: 8
Wellington played out the game of the round with Brisbane in an exhilarating 3-3 draw, with goals coming from Kaluderovic (twice) and Krishna, all in the opening 20 minutes. The dominant early running was then wasted, conceding the last three goals of the game in a disappointing home performance for the winless club. Face a challenging away trip to third placed Newcastle.
Next Opponent: Newcastle (A)
9. Central Coast Mariners
Last Week: 10
The Mariners put in a respectable home outing to keep the Victory winless, securing a 1-1 draw. Former Victory player Connor Pain scored for the Mariners against his old side, as the home team pushed late, hitting the post multiple times yet were ultimately unable to make the breakthrough for their first win of the season. A bottom of the table clash in Brisbane presents a great opportunity to open their account, however a loss will send them to the bottom of the standings.
Next Opponent: Brisbane Roar (A)
10. Brisbane Roar
Last Week: 9
Brisbane Roar are sitting dead last on both the A-League ladder and our weekly power rankings after recording their first point of the season in a 3-3 draw away to Wellington. 38-year-old striker Massimo Maccarone found some form, hitting the back of the net twice to tie the game. Coach John Aloisi needs nothing less than all three points against the Mariners at home to alleviate pressure from his shoulders and will be confident of delivering on the back of a positive second half against the Phoenix.
Next Opponent: Central Coast Mariners (H)
