FRIDAY, October 25:

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory, at Suncorp Stadium 7:30pm

Head to head: Roar 15, Victory 21, drawn 9

Last clash: Round 22, 2018-19 - Victory 2-1 at Marvel Stadium

Victory are off to a typically slow start, without a win after two rounds for a fourth straight season, though they have won their last three at Suncorp. This is Robbie Fowler's first home A-League match as coach and he'll be keen to make an impression. Roar are looking a much tidier defensive unit than the one that leaked goals last season and should be fresh off the bye.

Key: Andrew Nabbout. The Socceroos forward was Victory's big-name signing and will be hungry to get off the mark after two difficult games back in navy blue.

Tip: Victory

 

SATURDAY, October 26:

Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United at McDonald Jones Stadium, 5:00pm

Head to head: Jets 13, United 16, drawn 14

Last clash Round 20, 2018-19 - 0-0 at McDonald Jones Stadium

Adelaide will be flying following their emphatic FFA Cup final win but will be backing up after just three days, while the more rested Jets have had a full week to prepare following a first-round bye. James Troisi has been named in the United squad and could make his debut.

Key: The Jets will need to curtail the influence of United's exciting young star Al Hassan Toure after his FFA Cup final heroics.

Tip: Adelaide

 

Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC at Bankwest Stadium, 7:30pm

Head to head: Wanderers 4, Sydney 11, drawn 6

Last clash: Round 25 2018-19 - 1-1 at ANZ Stadium

Wanderers are no doubt sick of hearing they have won just one of their last 17 competitive games against Sydney, but rarely have they entered the Harbour City derby in better form. Both sides have won their first two games setting up an early season blockbuster in the first Sydney derby to be played at Bankwest Stadium.

Key: Given their woeful recent record against the Sky Blues, Wanderers can't afford to fall behind as it may reopen old derby anxieties, even if this is a new-look Western Sydney side.

Tip: Wanderers

 

SUNDAY, October 27:

Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium, 4:00pm

Head to head: Glory 13 , Perth 16, drawn 8

Last clash: Round 27 2018-19 Perth 5-0 at HBF Park

Perth have yet to find the rhythm and ruthlessness which characterised their 2018-19 campaign, but they remain hard to beat. Phoenix performed well against reigning champions Sydney last week, but came up pointless. Prize recruit Gary Hooper could make his Wellington debut while Ivan Franjic is back in the Glory squad.

Key: The first goal could be a major factor and confidence booster for two teams yet to record a win.

Tip: Glory

 

Western United v Melbourne City at GMHBA Stadium, 6:00pm

Head to head: None

Last clash: None

A win in Wellington and a home point against Perth has shown United are a worthy and a competitive addition to the A-League. Brendan Hamill and Ivan Vujica are among the players promoted to this week's squad. In their first Victorian derby, Western United will be out to make an impression against a City side hurting from their FFA Cup final loss and will have to handle the pace and guile of Jamie Maclaren.

Key: Besart Berisha. The former Melbourne Victory man made a name for himself in Melbourne scoring in derbies and he'll be hungry to do the same for his new club. Western United create plenty of chances but need a sharp Berisha to help poach three points.

Tip: Draw