Australian football: round 26 preview

Round 26 of the Australian A-League kicks off on Friday night at 07:50 (AEST), when Melbourne City take on Adelaide United at home.

Despite a move off the bottom of the ladder in recent weeks, the travelling United side will most likely struggle against City, who are looking at breaking into the top three.

On Saturday at 17:30 (AEST), league leaders Sydney FC will travel to New Zealand to take on the in form Wellington Phoenix, who are coming off a 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory last week and a 5-0 win over the Newcastle Jets, the week before that.

With the minor premiership already wrapped up, FC will need to avoid complacency in a very tough away trip.

The Western Sydney Wanderers will look to continue their impressive streak when they meet the Melbourne Victory at home.

Despite the advantage of the parochial home crowd, the blistering attack of the Victory's front three should prove too much for the Wanderers on Saturday 07:50 (AEST).

In Perth, the Glory will be in the hunt for a much needed victory, Saturday 17:00 (AEST).

The west coast side haven't won in their last six outings and will be facing a Brisbane Roar side that is coming off a 5-1 victory over the Central Coast.

The contest should prove to be the match of the round with lots of goals.

On Sunday 17:00 (AEST), the Central Coast Mariners face the Newcastle Jets in what's known locally as the F3 Freeway derby.

Although the Mariners sit last on the ladder, the Jets have had a terrible run of form lately, so the match promising to be a scrappy, hard fought affair.

Source: Xinhua