Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC
Friday 7:50, Central Coast Stadium
The winless Mariners kick-off round six hosting the ladder-leading Sydney FC, who are coming off a 1-0 away victory against the previously undefeated City to claim top spot in the league once again.
Not unlike numerous other sides sitting lowly on the table, the Mariners have stumbled out of the gates and will need to turn their form around immediately to have any chance of upsetting Graham Arnold's juggernaut.
Sydney are set to be boosted by the return of Polish winger Adrian Mierzejewski, who was rested last week, yet the Mariners will still believe they're capable of an upset after showing they're capable of matching it with quality sides after outplaying Victory for the majority of their last home game.
Prediction:Â Sydney FC 2-1
Adelaide United vs Newcastle Jets
Saturday 5:35, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide host an in-form Newcastle outfit on the Saturday twilight fixture in a crucial game for both sides.
After an impressive start to their campaign, Adelaide have lost their last 2 games without scoring a goal, a worrying trend when facing a side who have only conceded 5 goals early in the season.
Newcastle striker Roy O'Donovan continued his scintillating start to 2017/18 last week, netting his sixth and seventh goals of the season, and will be keeping Adelaide United manager Marco Kurz sleepless in the lead-up to the game.
United will welcome back dangerous forward Baba Diawara, who provides them with the scoring threat United are screaming out for, whilst Jets captain Nigel Boogard will play his 200th A-League game.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0
Melbourne Victory vs Brisbane Roar
Saturday 7:50, Etihad Stadium
Besart Berisha returns from suspension in a bid to deliver the Victory's first win of the season against fellow win-less club Brisbane Roar.
Melbourne showed signs of a return to form last week against the Wanderers, achieving a brave 1-1 draw despite being heavily undermanned and losing Mitch Austin to a second yellow card in the first half of the contest.
Brisbane were less inspiring, failing to trouble the scorers in a goalless draw at home against Central Coast, yet historically play out entertaining games with their Melbourne rivals.
The loser of Saturday night's blockbuster can all but kiss away their Premier's Plate aspirations, with both powerhouse clubs already double digit points behind Sydney FC in the early goings.
Prediction:Â Melbourne Victory 3-0
Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory
Sunday 2:30, Westpac Stadium
Perth Glory make one of the longest domestic league trips in world football to face the bottom-placed Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.
The Glory have an impressive recent record against Wellington, however the Phoenix haven't been beaten at home in their last 5 outings, making for an intriguing contest.
Italian defender Marco Rossi returns for Wellington, a significant boost for a club who has conceded the most goals to this stage of the A-League season, and will need to be on top of his game to quell the influence of attacking trio Diego Castro, Andy Keogh and Adam Taggart.
Prediction:Â Draw 1-1
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 7:00, Aami Park
Josep Gombau takes the reigns of the undefeated Wanderers for the first time since being appointed manager in a blockbuster game away against Melbourne City.
City's perfect start to the campaign was spoiled by Sydney FC last week in a 1-0 home loss, and face a stern test to get back to their winning ways against a strong Western Sydney side.
Holding midfielder Osama Malik returns from suspension for Melbourne and will be vital to City's hope of stopping a threatening Wanderer front third spearheaded by Oriol Riera.
Prediction:Â Melbourne City 1-0
