After the football focus shifted to internationals, the domestic competitions are back this weekend.
There are a cracking list of fixtures highlighted by the Big Blue, where Sydney FC will be seeking revenge over their navy counterparts.
On Friday night, the Wanderers will look to cement their spot in the top six against the visiting Jets.
The Phoenix will then host the Reds on Saturday, with the home fans desperate to see their team find the back of the net.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets
A-League Odds: WSW $2.30 / Draw $3.60 / Jets $3
A-League action resumes on Friday night when the Jets make the trip down the F3 to take on the boys from Western Sydney.
The Jets have had a slow start to their 2018/9 campaign, suggesting they are suffering from a grand final hangover.
It was always going to be difficult to replicate their phenomenal last season, especially after key players left the club, and Roy O'Donovan continues to be suspended.
But a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC last round just might be the catalyst that sparks the Jets into life.
After looking set for another defeat, Nick Cowburn bobbed up for an equalizer in the 87th minute.
With marquee player Jair providing class in the final third, and A-League veteran Dimi Petratos a constant threat in attack, the visitors will have their chances.
The home team meanwhile are starting to click under head coach Markus Babbel.
The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender has plenty of high-quality defensive stock at his disposal.
Classy Spanish left-back Raul Llorente was one of the Wanderers best last season. With Socceroo Josh Risdon bombing on down the right, the Wanderers' undoubted strength is their left and right backs.
Don't forget Tarek Elrich either, who was recently deployed in the centre-back position.
Risdon is fresh of a standout performance in Saturday's friendly against South Korea. He outshone his teammates who play their football in some of Europe's top leagues.
This will only spur Risdon on to continue his impressive form with his club side.
But don't think the Wanderers are all about their defence. They have scored five goals in their previous two fixtures, demonstrating their all-round quality.
Three of these goals have come from Spanish striker Oriel Riera, who will look to continue his fine form in front of goal on Friday night.
Key A-League Stat
The last time the Jets won on the road to the Wanderers was back in 2015: Western Sydney to win or draw @ $1.36
A-League Tip: Western Sydney to win @ $2.30
Reasoning: Marcus Babbel's side just look to be heading in the right direction. Recent results suggest they will get the better of the Jets at home.
Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United
A-League Odds: Phoenix $3.50 / Draw $3.50 / United $2
Saturday's feature fixture takes us to New Zealand where the high-flying Reds will look to come away with all three points.
After taking out the FFA cup and then making light work of the Mariners in the A-League, Adelaide's forward roll was halted by the Glory in Round 4.
Tony Popovic's men recorded an impressive 2-0 victory in what was a clash for top spot on the ladder.
The week off for the international break probably came at the right time for the Reds, who needed to refocus after a hectic opening period.
You can bet they'll be ready to get back to winning ways across the ditch.
Wellington won't make it easy for the visitors by any stretch of the imagination.
The Nix are historically a completely different side depending on whether they play at home or away.
However, in a worrying sign, the Phoenix were easily put away by the Wanderers in their previous home game, going down 3-0.
Perhaps even worse than this is the fact that the side from New Zealand haven't scored a goal in their past three games.
The alarm bells will be ringing across the ditch, with Wellington desperate to get out and show what they are capable of.
They have more than enough talent on the park to get the job done.
Young Sarpreet Singh and the experienced Roy Krishna have the potential to be a damaging duo in attack for the Nix.
With A-League journeyman Mitch Nichols also more than capable on his day, it is far from a lost cause for the Phoenix.
Having said that, the superior class is with the visitors. Especially if Craig Goodwin dishes up another dominant performance that we have become used to this season.
Key A-League stat
In the previous 8 match-ups between these sides, the Phoenix have failed to record a victory: Adelaide to win or draw @ 1.25
A-League Tip: Adelaide to win @ $2
Reasoning: Based on previous form, this is the only outcome that looks likely.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
A-League Odds: Sydney $2 / Draw $3.60 / Victory $3.40
The Big Blue, and the age-old rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, is always one of the most keenly anticipated A-League matches of each season.
This time, there is even more excitement in the build up.
That's because when these teams last met, the Victory snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory in extra-time to progress to the grand final, where they were ultimately crowned champions.
This semi final is regarded as one of the best A-League games of all time.
Who could forget the incredible story of failure then redemption from Terry Antonis, who scored a heartbreaking own-goal in the 95th minute before scoring the winner in extra time?
That result will be imprinted of the minds of the Sydney FC players, who will be out for revenge here.
The Sky Blues have had a solid start to their tenure under Steve Corica, and are yet to taste defeat in the A-League.
Imported striker Adam Le Fondre is shaping up as one of the best bits of business in the transfer window. He is the joint top scorer in the league, having scored 4 of Sydney's 7 goals this season.
With a solid backline that includes Alex Wilkinson and Jop van der Linden, the Sky Blues will always be a tough team to come up against.
Melbourne Victory however will be confident of getting the job done.
After starting the season with consecutive defeats, Kevin Muscat's men have bounced back with two strong victories.
Last time out, they routed the Mariners 4-1, with star player Keisuke Honda scoring his second goal since calling Melbourne home.
While the international break didn't come at an ideal time for the Melbournians, you'd think they would still have enough forward momentum to cause Sydney plenty of headaches here.
Key A-League Stat
The Victory have won their only away A-League game this season: Melbourne to win @ $3.40
A-League Tip: Melbourne Victory to win @ $3.40
Reasoning: Melbourne have the momentum behind them, so look for a strong showing here.
Also, don't forget that while the SFS is being renovated, the Sky Blues play their home games in unfamiliar stadiums. This week will be their first game at Jubilee Oval.
Nov 24, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
Key A-League Stat
A-League Tip: Western Sydney to win @ $2.30
