Liberty A-League Round 17 Preview

Melbourne Victory vs Western Sydney Wanderers

The Liberty A-League action kicks off on Friday night as Melbourne Victory host Western Sydney Wanderers at the Home of the Matildas. Melbourne Victory is currently in fifth place in the league standings, riding a five-game unbeaten streak. However, their last loss came at home against Western United. The last time these two teams faced each other, the Wanderers came away with a 2-0 victory. Victory striker Emily Gielnik is on the verge of scoring her 50th Liberty A-League goal.

Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar

Newcastle Jets will play their 200th Liberty A-League game when they face Brisbane Roar at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday. The Jets are currently sitting in eighth place, three points outside the top six. Sarina Bolden has been in great form for the Jets, with five goals and three assists in her last seven games. Brisbane Roar has recorded just one win in their last five matches and suffered a late defeat to Western United in their last outing.

Canberra United vs Sydney FC

Canberra United, the league’s top scorers, host reigning champions Sydney FC on Saturday afternoon. Despite sitting at the bottom of the table, Canberra United has managed to find the back of the net 30 times this season. Michelle Heyman and Vesna Milivojevic are competing for the Golden Boot with 12 and 9 goals respectively. Sydney FC has been in good form recently, winning three, drawing three, and losing one of their last seven matches. Matildas forward Cortnee Vine could reach 100 games for Sydney FC in this game.

Western United vs Wellington Phoenix

Western United will be looking for their fifth straight win when they face Wellington Phoenix on Sunday evening. After a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brisbane Roar in their last match, Western United is just one point behind Melbourne City at the top of the table. Midfielder Chloe Logarzo has been in great form for Western United with four goals and two assists in her last six games. Wellington Phoenix has struggled recently, with just one win in their last five matches and seven straight losses on Australian soil.

Melbourne City vs Adelaide United

The league leaders, Melbourne City, face Adelaide United on Sunday with the chance of being knocked off the top spot. Melbourne City has lost three of their last five games, picking up just four points during that period. However, they have an excellent recent record against Adelaide, winning their last five matches against them and keeping four clean sheets in the process. Adelaide United will be looking to make it three-straight victories for the first time this season.

Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners

The final game of the round sees Perth Glory hosting Central Coast Mariners at Macedonia Park. Perth Glory started the season in great form but has gone six games without a win and now sits in sixth place. Central Coast Mariners are just one point behind Perth Glory in the standings and a big victory could see them jump up to fourth place. The Mariners have the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding just 18 goals.