A-League preview: Latest round of men’s fixtures previewed

A host of A-League stars look set to don the green and gold at the U23 Asian Cup. Plus, the full preview for each match in the A-League Men.

Patrick Yazbek of Sydney FC is one of several A-League stars set to represent Australia at the U23 Asian Cup in June. Picture: Getty Images.

The green and gold beckons for a coterie of A-League players, with the prospect of international silverware on offer for those who make the cut.

At least half of the Australian U23 squad to compete at the U23 Asian Cup in June is likely to come from the A-League, with the latter’s finals series offering an extra chance to impress whoever is installed to coach the squad at the tournament in Uzbekistan.

The U23 role has been vacant since Socceroos boss Graham Arnold oversaw last year’s Olympic campaign, with Football Australia’s interim technical director Trevor Morgan in line to step in.

Australia qualified for the U23 Asian Cup by winning a double playoff with Indonesia last October, with a squad overwhelmingly made up of A-League talent.

Though former Socceroos Craig Moore and Paul Okon helped to run a talent identification camp for overseas-based players in February in Holland, many are not playing regularly at their clubs, giving those getting game time in the A-League a head start.

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Patrick Yazbek of Sydney FC is one of several A-League stars set to represent Australia at the U23 Asian Cup in June. Picture: Getty Images.

Those selected could face a scramble to get to Uzbekistan, where the squad will assemble for up to a week before the opening game against Kuwaiton June 1. The A-League All Stars could feature some young players who have made the breakthrough locally against Barcelona on May 25, while the A-League grand final is likely to be held on May 28.

Former Socceroo Robbie Cornthwaite said those selected for the Asian Cup would face a stern test of their playing credentials to date – but also get the opportunity to show how quickly they can learn.

BELOW: EVERY FIXTURE FOR THE LATEST A-LEAGUE ROUND

“When you’re playing in tournament conditions you have to produce your best form straightaway, and these young guys will get exposure to the pressure and scrutiny of what that means,” Cornthwaite said.

“The simple fact of a journey to Uzbekistan will be unsettling, and they won’t have the best of everything – the hotel may be average, the food unfamiliar. But once you step on the pitch no one cares about that, it’s only about performance.

“If you’re going to make it all the way to the top, or anywhere near, learning to deal with these conditions is part of the journey.

“You might be living in the A-League bubble, and getting a bit of positive press, but this will be a brilliant yardstick for them to see how they can improve.

“We’ve seen with the Socceroos and Australian teams in the Asian Champions League what quality players there are across Asia and it’ll be an eye-opener for some young players.”

Jacob Farrell of the Mariners is another one of the best prospects for the U23 Asian Cup. Picture: Getty Images.

Cornthwaite said he was excited by the calibre of some coming through.

“Nishan Velupillay has been excellent for Melbourne Victory, and knowing first-hand how well prepared Tony Popovic’s teams are, I’d expect him to be absolutely primed if he gets a call-up,” said Cornthwaite.

“There’s a bunch of young players who, again, have been given a chance and taken it – look at Jacob Farrell at the Mariners, who’s quietly assumed the leftback role.

“Jordan Bos at Melbourne City is another, while the fact Joe Gauci was called into the Socceroos squad as a train-on player show what a highly regarded keeper he is.”

SIX OF THE BEST

Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory)

Jacob Farrell (Central Coast)

Jordan Bos (Melbourne City)

Joe Gauci (Adelaide United)

Patrick Yazbek (Sydney FC)

Henry Hore (Brisbane Roar)

FRIDAY (APRIL 22)

Macarthur FC v Melbourne Victory

Campbelltown Stadium

Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST

TV: P+

Odds: Macarthur $3.50, Draw $3.40, Victory $2.02

Macarthur FC are in desperate need of a three-point display to avoid being left for dead in the race for a spot in the top six.

The Bulls lost 2-0 to Western United in midweek, and now sit just two points ahead of Central Coast Mariners who possess a game in hand over the team from Campbelltown. Melbourne Victory travel to face the Bulls on a rampant run of form, unbeaten in 11 games and eager to continue their late push for the Premiers Plate.

Tony Popovic’s Victory sit eight points behind league-leaders Melbourne City at the start of the weekend, with two games in hand.

SATURDAY

Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners

McDonald Jones Stadium

Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST

TV: P+, Network 10

Odds: Jets $1.96, Draw $3.60, Mariners $3.60

It’s the 55th instalment of the F3 Derby on Saturday night, between two sides sharing an incredible record: in 54 prior meetings, both sides have won 18 games each and drawn 18 times, scoring 65 goals and conceding 65 goals each throughout those 54 games.

The Mariners have a spot in the top six well within their grasp; the Jets have finals aspirations too, but those hopes took a hit after a home defeat at the hands of Victory last time out.

SUNDAY

Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers

Eden Park

Kick-off: 1.05pm AEST

TV: P+

Odds: Phoenix $2.25, Draw $3.45, Wanderers $3.05

The emotional homecoming continues for the Phoenix in Auckland on Sunday afternoon - but after a 4-0 trouncing in Wellington one week prior, Ufuk Talay’s side will hope to put on a better performance in their second of two home games for the season.

In 2020-21, Wellington played once at Eden Park, drawing 2-2 with Perth Glory. Former Wellington captain Ulises Dávila missed a penalty in second-half stoppage time on that day in May, 2021 - the ‘Nix went on to miss out on the finals by just one point.

Adelaide United v Perth Glory

Coopers Stadium

Kick-off: 5.05pm AEST

TV: P+

Odds: Adelaide $1.38, Draw $4.60, Glory $8.25

Perth Glory’s season from hell continues on Sunday evening, with Ruben Zadkovich’s side travelling to Coopers Stadium to face Adelaide United.

The Reds are well rested, last featuring in the A-League Men’s on Tuesday, April 12 when Craig Goodwin orchestrated a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Sydney FC. That result sent the Reds into the top four heading into this weekend; defeating last-placed Perth seems a likely outcome for Carl Veart’s side as they look to cement their place in the top six.

MONDAY

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory

Moreton Daily Stadium

Kick-off: 2.05pm AEST

TV: P+:

Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory meet on ANZAC Day with Popovic’s side hoping their unbeaten streak - and Premiership hopes - are still alive. Triumph over Macarthur on Friday night, and Victory will be able to move within two points of City at the top of the table.

This is the third time these two sides have met this season, with Victory winning the first affair and the second ending in a 0-0 draw.

Originally published as A-League preview: Latest round of men’s fixtures previewed