PREVIEW OF A-LEAGUE ROUND EIGHT MATCHES (all times AEDT):

FRIDAY, Nov 29

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory at AAMI Park, 7.30pm

Head to head: Glory 17, Victory 16, drawn 10

Last clash: Round 23, 2018-19 - Victory 2-0 at HBF Park

Two teams under the blowtorch but it's Victory and their coach Marco Kurz most at risk of getting scorched by their impatient home fans. A hammering from Adelaide last week leaves the Big V second-last and boasting the worst goal differential in the league. They're winless in their last four although Perth haven't sampled success in their last three, failing to reprise the assured brand of 2018-19. Hopes of a Glory win brightened following news the hosts are without injured defender Thomas Deng.

Key: Leigh Broxham. Victory's midfield rock becomes the first A-League player to bring up 300 games for a single club, nearly 12 years after his debut game - against Perth.

Tip: Draw

 

SATURDAY, Nov 30

Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium, 5pm

Head to head: Roar 29, Mariners 7, drawn 13

Last clash: Round 20, 2018-19 - Roar 5-3 at Central Coast Stadium

A dressing down from Robbie Fowler may have the desired effect on a Brisbane side who returned to their early-season stupor last week in going down to Wellington. They're unbeaten in their last 15 meetings with Central Coast although the Mariners are in the mood to bulldoze recent history. Last week's 1-0 upset of Western United was their first clean sheet in 39 games, lifting Alen Stajcic's team into the top six.

Key: Ziggy Gordon - The Scottish signing has made an impression in the Mariners' defensive line, mostly tellingly last week when shifted from right back to centre back.

Tip: Roar