The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
A number of changes have been made to the A-League fixture to accommodate the Asian Champions League campaigns of Perth and Sydney FC.
The pair have qualified for the group stage of the ACL while Melbourne Victory will need to win two qualifying games to also feature.
“The A-League 2019-20 Season draw was developed with flexibility to be able to accommodate the match schedules of Perth Glory, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, should they progress to the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2020,” FFA head of leagues Greg O’Rourke said.
“Following the recent AFC Champions League 2020 draw we are now able to make these adjustments with minimal disruption to the A-League competition to assist the participating clubs.”
Glory have ACL games on February 11 and 18, March 4, April 7 and 22 and May 6.
Sydney will be playing in the continental competition on February 12 and 19, March 4, April 7 and 21 and May 5.
Brisbane’s home game against Perth was brought forward a day to February 22, with a kick-off of 4pm (5pm AEDT).
As a result, Newcastle’s home game against Victory that day was pushed back from 5pm to 7.30pm, with Central Coast’s home game against Sydney FC moved to Sunday February 23 at 6pm.
Sydney FC’s home game against Newcastle was moved from April 18 was rescheduled for April 16, with the Thursday kick-off of 7pm.
Central Coast’s home game against Western Sydney will now be played on April 18 at 5pm, a day earlier than first scheduled.
Two W-League fixtures were also moved.
Sydney FC will face Perth at 4pm on February 22 while Brisbane will host Canberra on February 23 at 4.30pm (5.30pm AEDT).
© AAP
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Sydney moved into fourth with their point but Glory's finals hopes are now officially extinguished.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.