Welcome to the Round 21 edition of the Fantasy A-League Form Guide. As you've come to expect, we have all the important info you'll need for deciding who to trade into and out of your teams ahead of this weekend's games, who to make captain and who to drop to the bench. The main talking point for this week will be the inclusion of 5 A-League players in the Socceroos squad to play Ecuador in London on Thursday morning. As the Roar play on Friday night, Ivan Franjic and Matt McKay should be ok for this round, and probably the next round as well given the Roar play Sunday. Mark Milligan and Tom Rogic should be ok for Saturday's derby - should the latter overcome an injury concern suffered against United - though their involvement in the Friday night game against the Mariners in Round 22 must be in question. Their teammate Kosta Barbarouses may be missing from this weekend due to his involvement with the All Whites, likewise Storm Roux while Shane Smeltz should be ok given Perth play Friday night. All of Wellington's players should be fine as their game against Adelaide has been moved to Thursday night - hence why you are getting this column a day early. Finally, as the Wanderers play Sunday, Matthew Spiranovic could be missing this round. As I alluded to last week, if you still have your wildcard and some of your players are in doubt, perhaps now is the time to make your move.
If you have any questions on something not covered here, or just want some specific advice for your team, join me in the weekly Zeebox Live Fantasy A-League chat on the changed time of Thursday at 3pm Eastern (due to the Thursday night game), so click the link at the appropriate time and join the discussion! Otherwise you can use the comments section at the bottom of the page or contact me on Twitter. The squad lists for this round are yet to be released aside from Adelaide v Wellington (which is available here) so I apologise that not all of the details are final - I've done the best I can with the information available to me.
If you have any questions on something not covered here, or just want some specific advice for your team, join me in the weekly Zeebox Live Fantasy A-League chat on the changed time of Thursday at 3pm Eastern (due to the Thursday night game), so click the link at the appropriate time and join the discussion! Otherwise you can use the comments section at the bottom of the page or contact me on Twitter. The squad lists for this round are yet to be released aside from Adelaide v Wellington (which is available here) so I apologise that not all of the details are final - I've done the best I can with the information available to me.
Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix
United unavailable: Jon McKain (suspended), Cassio, Jacob Melling, Marcelo Carrusca (injured)
Phoenix unavailable: Leo Bertos, Louis Fenton, Paul Ifill, Albert Riera (injured)
Captaincy options: Fabio Ferreira, Cirio, Carlos Hernandez, Stein Huysegems, Kenny Cunningham
United will be looking to bounce back from losing the shootout with Victory at home to a Phoenix side which comprehensively outplayed them in the previous encounter. As Doug Kors points out in his excellent analysis, the key feature of the Reds attacks is that they like to get the ball to their wide men - resulting in a hat trick for Cirio, while Fabio Ferreira chipped in with an assist. I'd suggest if you are looking for Adelaide players to include, they should be at the top of your list. Cirio has struggled to capitalise on the chances his teammates have created for him this season, however he has a good scoring record from his time in Spain and perhaps Saturday night's game was a sign of things to come as he settles into life in the A-League. Ferreira is probably a more secure choice as we've already seen what he can do, especially when the Reds are at home. Both men do seem to be injury prone, however.
The Nix responded to their embarrassing defeat against Heart with a 4-1 hammering of the champions. As Tim Palmer notes in his analysis of the match, Carlos Hernandez again struggled to break free of the attentions of the opposition's holding midfielder(s), however some tweaks to the structure, a bit of momentum and the x-factor that Carlos has resulted in him ending up with a 10 point haul. It's something coaches will need to continue to monitor though for now I think Carlos keeps his spot in our squads. Stein Huysegems scored and notched an assist to show he's a striker who can be relied upon for regular points, unlike more erratic options such as Taggart and Williams. With goals 4 in his last 5 games, Kenny Cunningham is certainly worth a look if you are after a cheap forward option, while Michael Boxall remains your best bet for a cheapie in defence.
Phoenix unavailable: Leo Bertos, Louis Fenton, Paul Ifill, Albert Riera (injured)
Captaincy options: Fabio Ferreira, Cirio, Carlos Hernandez, Stein Huysegems, Kenny Cunningham
United will be looking to bounce back from losing the shootout with Victory at home to a Phoenix side which comprehensively outplayed them in the previous encounter. As Doug Kors points out in his excellent analysis, the key feature of the Reds attacks is that they like to get the ball to their wide men - resulting in a hat trick for Cirio, while Fabio Ferreira chipped in with an assist. I'd suggest if you are looking for Adelaide players to include, they should be at the top of your list. Cirio has struggled to capitalise on the chances his teammates have created for him this season, however he has a good scoring record from his time in Spain and perhaps Saturday night's game was a sign of things to come as he settles into life in the A-League. Ferreira is probably a more secure choice as we've already seen what he can do, especially when the Reds are at home. Both men do seem to be injury prone, however.
The Nix responded to their embarrassing defeat against Heart with a 4-1 hammering of the champions. As Tim Palmer notes in his analysis of the match, Carlos Hernandez again struggled to break free of the attentions of the opposition's holding midfielder(s), however some tweaks to the structure, a bit of momentum and the x-factor that Carlos has resulted in him ending up with a 10 point haul. It's something coaches will need to continue to monitor though for now I think Carlos keeps his spot in our squads. Stein Huysegems scored and notched an assist to show he's a striker who can be relied upon for regular points, unlike more erratic options such as Taggart and Williams. With goals 4 in his last 5 games, Kenny Cunningham is certainly worth a look if you are after a cheap forward option, while Michael Boxall remains your best bet for a cheapie in defence.
Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory
Roar unavailable: George Lambadaridis (injured)
Glory unavailable: Scott Jamieson, Travis Dodd (injured), Michael Thwaite (suspended)
Captaincy options: Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich
After back to back losses for the first time this season, there are some concerns emerging that Brisbane are in a bit of a slump. Besart Berisha struggled to break free of the attentions of Heart's defenders and generally looked off his game. Thomas Broich returned only 2 points for the third straight game, while Ivan Franjic was initially deployed at right back, then moved into midfield - neither of which is much good to fantasy coaches. If you need the cash and have been thinking about jumping off Franjic, now is possibly the time to move him on. Owners of Broich may be feeling the same way after his recent poor fantasy form; I'd see how he goes against Perth first. If there's any team the Roar can turn it around against, it is the Glory.
For mine, Perth are playing the worst football in the league at the moment. Winless in their last 6 - 4 losses coming in that time - it's difficult to say you should be looking at Perth players for your squad. I don't see it turning around either, unless Kenny Lowe decides to make some changes to the game plan. Shane Smeltz has not scored for 4 games and really hasn't even looked like finding the net. Really you have a cheap defensive option in Riley Woodcock and little else to consider here.
Glory unavailable: Scott Jamieson, Travis Dodd (injured), Michael Thwaite (suspended)
Captaincy options: Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich
After back to back losses for the first time this season, there are some concerns emerging that Brisbane are in a bit of a slump. Besart Berisha struggled to break free of the attentions of Heart's defenders and generally looked off his game. Thomas Broich returned only 2 points for the third straight game, while Ivan Franjic was initially deployed at right back, then moved into midfield - neither of which is much good to fantasy coaches. If you need the cash and have been thinking about jumping off Franjic, now is possibly the time to move him on. Owners of Broich may be feeling the same way after his recent poor fantasy form; I'd see how he goes against Perth first. If there's any team the Roar can turn it around against, it is the Glory.
For mine, Perth are playing the worst football in the league at the moment. Winless in their last 6 - 4 losses coming in that time - it's difficult to say you should be looking at Perth players for your squad. I don't see it turning around either, unless Kenny Lowe decides to make some changes to the game plan. Shane Smeltz has not scored for 4 games and really hasn't even looked like finding the net. Really you have a cheap defensive option in Riley Woodcock and little else to consider here.
Central Coast Mariners v Sydney Fc
Mariners unavailable: Marcos Flores, Adam Kwasnik, Michael Neill (injured), Michael McGlinchey (out on loan)
Sydney unavailable: Pedj Bojic, Rhyan Grant, Peter Triantis (injured)
Captaincy options: Bernie Ibini, Kim Seung-yong, Alessandro Del Piero, Ranko Despotovic
The Champions are struggling, with 4 straight defeats in the A-League and another last night in the ACL. Of the Mariners 3 goals in those 5 losses, 2 have been scored by Bernie Ibini, suggesting it might be time to start bringing him into our squads. Kim Seung-yong assisted Ibini's goal, presenting us with another potential cheap midfield option. I'd suggest Ibini will be the one finishing the chances rather than creating like Kim, so if you have the money and you want one of the pair, he's your man. Otherwise, there's not much to talk about - with the Mariners in poor form, even the viability of cheapish defenders such as Storm Roux and Eddy Bosnar can be questioned. Liam Reddy remains, by far, the cheapest keeper in the game, but he's produced only 5 points in the last 4 games.
Sydney FC find themselves in 3rd place after their 3rd 2-0 win over the hapless Jets this season and could very well cement their place if the Mariners fail to turn up again. The key men remain Alessandro Del Piero and Ranko Despotovic up front, while Terry Antonis again produced points to bring him into considerations. No doubt everyone will be eyeballing Sasa Ognenovski after he scored and helped Sydney keep a clean sheet. He could well be in the points again this week, though expect goals to be a rarity. I do worry about him - and Sydney FC - going forward so I'd be hesitant to bring him in expecting many points after this week, with the Sky Blues having a tough run to the finals.
Sydney unavailable: Pedj Bojic, Rhyan Grant, Peter Triantis (injured)
Captaincy options: Bernie Ibini, Kim Seung-yong, Alessandro Del Piero, Ranko Despotovic
The Champions are struggling, with 4 straight defeats in the A-League and another last night in the ACL. Of the Mariners 3 goals in those 5 losses, 2 have been scored by Bernie Ibini, suggesting it might be time to start bringing him into our squads. Kim Seung-yong assisted Ibini's goal, presenting us with another potential cheap midfield option. I'd suggest Ibini will be the one finishing the chances rather than creating like Kim, so if you have the money and you want one of the pair, he's your man. Otherwise, there's not much to talk about - with the Mariners in poor form, even the viability of cheapish defenders such as Storm Roux and Eddy Bosnar can be questioned. Liam Reddy remains, by far, the cheapest keeper in the game, but he's produced only 5 points in the last 4 games.
Sydney FC find themselves in 3rd place after their 3rd 2-0 win over the hapless Jets this season and could very well cement their place if the Mariners fail to turn up again. The key men remain Alessandro Del Piero and Ranko Despotovic up front, while Terry Antonis again produced points to bring him into considerations. No doubt everyone will be eyeballing Sasa Ognenovski after he scored and helped Sydney keep a clean sheet. He could well be in the points again this week, though expect goals to be a rarity. I do worry about him - and Sydney FC - going forward so I'd be hesitant to bring him in expecting many points after this week, with the Sky Blues having a tough run to the finals.
Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory
Heart unavailable: Aziz Behich, Patrick Gerhardt (suspended)
Victory unavailable: Pablo Contreras (suspended), Adrian Leijer (injured)
Captaincy options: David Williams, Mate Dugandzic, Archie Thompson, Gui Finkler, James Troisi
The Saturday night game looms, for the second week running, as an epic. The Heart are unbeaten in their last 6, with only a draw away to Adelaide resulting in points dropped. Meanwhile, the Victory have started to put some form together with a win over the Mariners followed by qualification for the ACL and overpowering Adelaide last weekend. The key men to consider for the Heart are all in midfield: Mate Dugandzic, Jonatan Germano and (once fit) Harry Kewell. Coaches may look at Orlando Engelaar also after 2 goals in 2 games, however I still feel he will not be a consistent goal threat as his main role is to control rather than create or finish. Given Victory's struggles in midfield against Adelaide though, I would not be overly surprised to see him score again this week. David Williams showed again last week we can't rely on him to produce week-in, week-out like Huysegems seems to do, and Berisha can do, however if you've rolled the dice on him maybe the derby will see him rise to the occasion again.
For the Victory, Gui Finkler stated his claims for inclusion in your squads quite clearly against the Reds, scoring 2 well taken goals and picking up 2 bonus points. He's not in Victory's ACL squad so you can pick him with plenty of confidence. James Troisi may not have scored but he did pick up two assists, showing he has value both in the midfield and playing out wide. Exclusion from the Socceroos squad and games in the ACL may spark him back into form after a long (recently ended) barren run. As noted, Tom Rogic is under an injury cloud for this match, though when fit we can't deny his quality; I'd prefer Finkler at this stage though, as Gui is taking the penalties and scoring goals in open play also. Archie Thompson loves big games, scoring and picking up an assist against the Reds and surely will be looking to make it 3 in 3 against the Heart.
Victory unavailable: Pablo Contreras (suspended), Adrian Leijer (injured)
Captaincy options: David Williams, Mate Dugandzic, Archie Thompson, Gui Finkler, James Troisi
The Saturday night game looms, for the second week running, as an epic. The Heart are unbeaten in their last 6, with only a draw away to Adelaide resulting in points dropped. Meanwhile, the Victory have started to put some form together with a win over the Mariners followed by qualification for the ACL and overpowering Adelaide last weekend. The key men to consider for the Heart are all in midfield: Mate Dugandzic, Jonatan Germano and (once fit) Harry Kewell. Coaches may look at Orlando Engelaar also after 2 goals in 2 games, however I still feel he will not be a consistent goal threat as his main role is to control rather than create or finish. Given Victory's struggles in midfield against Adelaide though, I would not be overly surprised to see him score again this week. David Williams showed again last week we can't rely on him to produce week-in, week-out like Huysegems seems to do, and Berisha can do, however if you've rolled the dice on him maybe the derby will see him rise to the occasion again.
For the Victory, Gui Finkler stated his claims for inclusion in your squads quite clearly against the Reds, scoring 2 well taken goals and picking up 2 bonus points. He's not in Victory's ACL squad so you can pick him with plenty of confidence. James Troisi may not have scored but he did pick up two assists, showing he has value both in the midfield and playing out wide. Exclusion from the Socceroos squad and games in the ACL may spark him back into form after a long (recently ended) barren run. As noted, Tom Rogic is under an injury cloud for this match, though when fit we can't deny his quality; I'd prefer Finkler at this stage though, as Gui is taking the penalties and scoring goals in open play also. Archie Thompson loves big games, scoring and picking up an assist against the Reds and surely will be looking to make it 3 in 3 against the Heart.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets
Wanderers unavailable: (none currently)
Jets unavailable: Mitch Cooper, Ben Kantarovski, Scott Neville, Jacob Pepper, Nick Ward (injured)
Captaincy options: Tomi Juric?
With rotation, ACL participation to consider and the possible loss of Matthew Spiranovic to the Socceroos, it's tough to say any Wanderers' player is a reliable choice at the moment. Tomi Juric scored off the bench against Perth, but we don't want to pick a player who is not consistently starting games. Aaron Mooy played as the #10 in the absence of the ill Shinji Ono and picked up another 6 points - however, once moved back to a deeper position in midfield I'd expect his point scoring to rapidly decline. Likewise, don't expect too many goals from Mateo Poljak, who is more of a destroyer than creator or scorer; a shame considering he has been left out of the ACL squad and can concentrate on the A-League, just like Finkler. Keep an eye on who plays in the ACL tonight as it might offer some insights as to who Popa will start on the weekend.
For the Jets, Adam Taggart is under something of an injury cloud, struggling with a hip flexor problem. Joel Griffiths is expected to start - possibly alongside Emile Heskey and Taggart, while David Carney might also find himself in the starting XI if fit enough. His inclusion (and Griffiths') could cause a few problems for owners of the cheap Jets defenders (namely Andrew Hoole - who only played 25 minutes against Sydney - and Sam Gallaway). I think, along with Perth, the Jets are performing poorly and I would not expect many points from their players.
Jets unavailable: Mitch Cooper, Ben Kantarovski, Scott Neville, Jacob Pepper, Nick Ward (injured)
Captaincy options: Tomi Juric?
With rotation, ACL participation to consider and the possible loss of Matthew Spiranovic to the Socceroos, it's tough to say any Wanderers' player is a reliable choice at the moment. Tomi Juric scored off the bench against Perth, but we don't want to pick a player who is not consistently starting games. Aaron Mooy played as the #10 in the absence of the ill Shinji Ono and picked up another 6 points - however, once moved back to a deeper position in midfield I'd expect his point scoring to rapidly decline. Likewise, don't expect too many goals from Mateo Poljak, who is more of a destroyer than creator or scorer; a shame considering he has been left out of the ACL squad and can concentrate on the A-League, just like Finkler. Keep an eye on who plays in the ACL tonight as it might offer some insights as to who Popa will start on the weekend.
For the Jets, Adam Taggart is under something of an injury cloud, struggling with a hip flexor problem. Joel Griffiths is expected to start - possibly alongside Emile Heskey and Taggart, while David Carney might also find himself in the starting XI if fit enough. His inclusion (and Griffiths') could cause a few problems for owners of the cheap Jets defenders (namely Andrew Hoole - who only played 25 minutes against Sydney - and Sam Gallaway). I think, along with Perth, the Jets are performing poorly and I would not expect many points from their players.
That's it for the Fantasy A-League Form Guide for Round 21. If there's anything I've failed to mention here that you'd like advice on, you can use the comments section, contact me on Twitter, or join in the Zeebox chat on Thursday at 3pm. And if you enjoyed the article, please use the buttons below to share it with your mates on Twitter and Facebook! Cheers, and best of luck to your teams this round!