Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets at HBF Park, 7.30pm

Head to head: Glory 26, Jets 8, drawn 9

Last clash: Round 5, 2019-20, drawn 1-1 at McDonald Jones Stadium

It took a late Diego Castro goal to earn Perth a point when the teams met last month. That was a rare success of sorts for the Jets, who have won just two of their last 24 clashes. Glory are edging closer to last season's form, coming off two straight wins while the 10th-placed Newcastle have slumped to successive losses, including last week's hiding from Melbourne City.

Key: Alex Grant - The Glory defender scored a goal to savour against Wanderers but was even better in his core duties last week, winning nine duels and making nine clearances.

Tip: Glory

SUNDAY, Dec 22

Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium, 6pm

Head to head: Adelaide 20, Mariners 18, drawn 7

Last clash: Round 6, 2019-20, Adelaide 3-1 at Central Coast Stadium

Rested from a bye, Adelaide are heavily favoured to take a win into the festive season over opponents they've trumped in seven of their last eight meetings, including a 3-1 victory in Gosford last month. The last-placed Mariners have done little to suggest the tide will turn, having produced a league-low seven goals and coming off four losses in their last five games. Central Coast could have done with more clinical finishing in last week's unlucky 1-0 loss to Sydney.

Key: Unsurprisingly, a defender has been among the Mariner's best. Kye Rowles has blocked 13 shots, the equal-most of any player in the league.

Tip: Adelaide

BYE: Brisbane Roar.