If you have any questions on something not covered here, or just want some specific advice for your team, I will again be participating in the Zeebox Live Fantasy A-League chat on Friday at around 2pm Eastern, 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. You can find the official A-League squad lists for Round 10 here. Also, the fantastic football site Leopold Method celebrated their first birthday during the week - the site features the best analysis of the sport in Australia anywhere on the net, so you should definitely check them out. You could very well find the next fantasy jet while reading their detailed deconstructions of A-League matches. Developing your understanding of the game certainly helps you out in fantasy land too.
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Glory unavailable: Sidnei, William Gallas, Shane Smeltz, Scott Jamieson, Travis Dodd, Josh Risdon (injured), Adrian Zahra (omitted)
Captaincy options: James Troisi, Mitch Nichols, Kosta Barbarouses
Perhaps surprisingly, the Victory and the Glory meet on Friday night with only goal difference separating the sides on the ladder. The Victory started off their five game run at AAMI Park with a horror 2-1 defeat to the Jets, while Perth saw off a spirited challenge from Wellington to win 4-2 at home. Sidnei in particular was impressive for the Glory, scoring 2 goals from his 3 attempts (all on target), as well as notching an assist from his 2 chances created; he also picked up man of the match honours (and a yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating his second) for a total of 15 points, the highest score of the round. There's no doubt he's been a fantastic signing for Perth, but it feels like they are yet to fully make use of the threat he poses down the left side. Perhaps last week was the turning point, or maybe it was a false dawn. Regardless, at $188k he represents potentially great value. Unfortunately, he's out injured this week, so if you are considering him hold off for now. Perth's reversion to a 4-3-3 is great news if you need a cheap defender, as Riley Woodcock looks set to start for the rest of the season at left back, but it's bad news for Jamie Maclaren, who once again will probably lose his spot once Shane Smeltz is fit. Same old same old for the Victory with James Troisi again finding the net - his 6th for the season. However, following the loss Muscat will make a change, with Jason Geira replacing Rashid Mahazi, meaning Leigh Broxham returns to midfield. Muscat also stated that Gui Finkler is close to full fitness and will soon challenge Troisi and Mitch Nichols for a start - so be wary if you own either of them, or even both. Meanwhile, despite being listed in the official squad, Archie Thompson is out for this round.
Last season the teams met four times, with 3 matches held in Melbourne. In the first meeting, a Marco Rojas goal gave the Victory a 1-0 win, while the second match (and the only one in Perth) also ended 1-0 with Scott Jamieson scoring an own goal. The third meeting saw Perth come away from AAMI Park with a 3-2 win thanks to a late winner from Josh Risdon, while Adrian Leijer, Chris Cristaldo, Travis Dodd and Chris Harold also got on the scoresheet. The Victory then overcame an unlucky Perth 2-1 in extra time in the Elimination Final, after Smeltz hit the bar with his penalty and then Mark Milligan buried his at the other end to cancel out Ryo Nagai's opener; Archie nabbed the winner in the first period of extra time. While last season's fixtures don't give us much to go on, I'd be expecting the Victory to score a couple here, so any of their fit attackers - Troisi, Barbarouses, Nichols - can be considered, while no one really sticks out for the injury-hit Glory.
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Roar unavailable: George Lambadaridis, Shane Stefanutto, Jade North (injured), Fraser Chalmers (omitted)
Captaincy options: Besart Berisha, Ivan Franjic, Jeremy Brockie, Paul Ifill
Winless Wellington prepare themselves this weekend for the visit of the league leaders, with the Roar sitting 5 points and significant goal difference clear of Western Sydney after escaping Adelaide with another 3 points on Friday night. The Roar were perhaps lucky not to be behind at half time, and despite being the better side they struggled to create chances in the second half. However, as has been the case for much of this season, Adelaide threw away their early lead and gifted the Roar with a pair of goals. Besart Berisha broke his Coopers Stadium duck and looks to be a must have with 4 goals in 3 games since his return. If you've not got him in your line up, make him a priority. Both Ivan Franjic and Thomas Broich failed their owners, but promisingly for those who have Franjic Liam Miller returned to the side, coming off the Bunnings. Miller's inclusion will see Franjic move back to the right wing and thus provide more of a goal (and assist) threat. Broich may have to be moved on soon unless he starts to produce hauls like the previous round's more consistently. Franjic's return to the wing will see Henrique go back to the bench, and possibly send Kwame Yeboah further down the order. Shane Stefanutto is out again but surely he can't be too far off - his return will mean it's time to move on Corey Brown if you have him, while those waiting to bring back Michael Theo will be happy to see him back in the squad this weekend. For the Phoenix, Jeremy Brockie is continuing to frustrate, with only 1 of his 4 attempts against Perth on target; he did, however, register an assist from his 3 chances created. Stein Huysegems, playing in the injured Carlos Hernandez' #10 role, found the net, however I'd be wary of bringing him in as I would not be expecting consistent output from him - Hernandez is back in the squad this week too; similarly, while no one can doubt Paul Ifill's quality, his durability and limited game time are big concerns. Reece Caira returned to the left back spot, but produced a 0 after the Nix let in 4, and now has been left out of the squad again. Coaches will be hoping Merrick restores him for the double fixtures next week, but I'm not overly confident.
Last season the lone game in Wellington between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw with Huysegems and Berisha getting the goals. The two games in Brisbane both produced wins for the home side, with the Roar edging out the Phoenix 2-1 in the first game - Berisha, Brockie and Ben Halloran all finding the net, while the second finished 2-0 courtesy of goals from Steven Lustica (now at Adelaide) and Berisha. It's hard to look past Berisha for captaincy given he scored in all 3 games between the teams last season and is in red hot form since returning from injury. If you don't have him Franjic may also be worth a shout (though I don't expect a clean sheet). Given his form this season, I'd look elsewhere instead of Broich - and now that I've said that, he'll probably have a blinder. For the Nix, perhaps Brockie can overcome his jitters in front of goal, or maybe Ifill can back up his performance from last round. I'd suggest Huysegems as a 'roughie' but I'm not sure where, or if, he plays with Hernandez back.
Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners
Mariners unavailable: Tom Slater (injured)
Captaincy options: Daniel McBreen, Marcos Flores, Michael McGlinchey
Despite an impressive first half performance against the league leaders, Adelaide again succumbed to defensive errors and a lack of confidence in front of goal to lose 2-1. Now, they face the reigning Champions and a side they have struggled against recently. Despite playing 5 of the next 7 at home, it's hard to see when Adelaide are going to break through for a much needed win. Until we signs emerge telling us that Adelaide players are going to be consistent point getters, it's hard to recommend them. Owners of Jeronimo would have been disappointed to see him dropped for Bruce Djite, who is not really a player you'd be rushing to get into your side, especially with Adelaide struggling. Nigel Boogaard was also dropped, though really no Adelaide defender should be considered at this point. For the Mariners, they ended Sydney's winning run, with a goal from Daniel McBreen enough for the points in a mediocre contest. McBreen's addition to the starting line up means you should be looking at him again, especially with the Mariners doubling up on fixtures next Round. It's a tough call if you have to decide between him and Berisha for a premium forward. Meanwhile, Brent Griffiths was dropped for Marcel Seip, putting any plans we had for another cheapie Mariners defender in jeopardy. At least we still have Storm Roux ticking along nicely. Marcos Flores was again limited to 3 points, though he looked to have gone off injured late on, while Michael McGlinchey at least earned a bonus point to show for his efforts. I still think McGlinchey is overpriced for his role, but he might be worth bringing in to pinch hit in the double round if Flores continues to mis-fire - or is injured; a Flores injury may see McGlinchey return to the #10 role where he dominated in the second half of last season.
Earlier this season, an quick goal from Nick Fitzgerald was enough to see off Adelaide 1-0, while last season the Mariners swept the Reds, winning 2-1 and 3-1 in Gosford, and 2-0 in Adelaide. Duke scored a double off the bench in the 3-1, while Rose, Nick Montgomery, McGlinchey, Mile Sterjovski and McBreen all found the net. Bruce Djite and Daniel Bowles registered for Adelaide. Based on Adelaide's current woes and their previous struggles against the Mariners (9 losses in a row now), I'd have to suggest a comfortable win for Central Coast here. Restored to the starting line up and grabbing a goal last week, McBreen is a strong contender for your captaincy should you have him. Flores will surely want to make a point against his old side, who have kicked him off the park in previous encounters at Coopers (for the Victory and in preseason). McGlinchey is playing well at the moment and should find plenty of space left by the Reds 'defending.' I think Adelaide will struggle to break down the Mariners so I'd look elsewhere for a captain.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Wanderers unavailable: Shannon Cole, Tomi Juric, Brendon Santalab (injured)
Captaincy options: Mark Bridge, Youssouf Hersi, Adam Taggart, Nathan Burns
Even more shocking than the Jets surprise away win against the Victory on Sunday was the performance of Nathan Burns, who I wrote off last week. Burns proved me wrong with a pair of goals to see off the Victory and perhaps provide a much-needed platform from which to build his season - well, at least until he returns to his Korean side in January, unless the Jets can negotiate an extension to his loan deal. Perhaps wait and see how Burns fares against last season's Premiers this round and the current league leaders next weekend before making a move for him - his return to Adelaide in Round 12 may provide more point scoring opportunities should the Reds have failed to sort themselves out by then. One of Burns' goals was assisted by Adam Taggart, who has now failed to score in 2 rounds after getting 6 in the previous 3. Perhaps he can get himself back on the scoresheet against a Wanderers side that could only manage a draw against the winless Heart last weekend. Emile Heskey was dropped to the Bunnings with Josh Brillante coming in at #10. Andrew Hoole came off before the 60th minute for the second time in 3 weeks, meaning that even if the Jets had kept a clean sheet he wouldn't have benefitted from it. It's extremely frustrating and if he's not a crucial part of your defence, consider offloading him - maybe for Perth cheapie Riley Woodcock, or for teammate Sam Gallaway, who returned to the team last weekend and played 90 minutes. Scott Neville's season is over after he tore his ACL - he'll be replaced at right back by Jacob Pepper. Unfortunately Pepper is listed as a midfielder in the game, so he's probably cheap bench cover at best. Aside from that change, the Jets are keeping their starting XI from last weekend intact. For the Wanderers, Shannon Cole was dropped for the returning (to the starting XI) Youssouf Hersi, and now he's injured anyway - so if you have him he should be moved on. Shinji Ono's absence from the starting XI meant Aaron Mooy moved to #10, and scored a goal. Mooy isn't really a fantasy option when playing deep in midfield, and once Ono is fit enough to start that is where he will return. Likewise, Labinot Haliti will make way for Tomi Juric or Brendon Santalab once they're fit. Matthew Spiranovic returned though there's still a question mark as to whether he will keep captain Michael Beauchamp out of the line-up now that he's back in it.
Last season the Jets won the first ever encounter between the 2 sides, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Pirtek Stadium, with goals from Ryan Griffiths and Heskey cancelling out Joey Gibbs' - now at Newcastle - opener. The Wanderers then reversed the score at Campbelltown, with Hersi and Bridge scoring before Ruben Zadkovich netted late on. In the 3rd meeting, at Newcastle, the Wanderers sealed the Premiership with a 3-0 win - Bridge scoring a brace and Rocky Visconte adding a 3rd. For captaincy, Bridge has the form in the fixtures so perhaps he is worth a shout. Maybe Hersi will hit his stride in this one. For the Jets, perhaps Taggart is due for another goal, or if you still have Burns, maybe last week was the spark he needed to get his season on track. To me, there are more questions than answers here, but if you don't have Berisha or any of the other strong contenders then maybe someone I've mentioned here is worth a punt.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Heart
Heart unavailable: Orlando Engelaar, Dylan Macallister, Jonatan Germano (injured)
Captaincy options: Alessandro Del Piero, Ranko Despotovic, Richard Garcia, David Williams
Sydney's winning run came to a halt against the Mariners, with the Alessandro Del Piero-less Sky Blues looking very ordinary. They'll be wanting to bounce back against a still winless-Heart, who have nonetheless drawn the last 2 and scored 5 goals in their last 3 games. All 7 of their goals this season have come from just 2 players, David Williams (4 goals) and Andrea Migliorini (3 goals). Perhaps Harry Kewell, who returned off the Bunnings against the Wanderers, can add some further potency to the Heart's attack - though according to Patrick Kisnorbo, Kewell is no certainty to play this weekend. Michael Mifsud could certainly do with some help from Harry, or someone who can point him in the direction of the opposition goal. Perhaps he can follow Nathan Burns' lead from last weekend and turn it around with a brace - I wouldn't bet on it but stranger things have happened. For Sydney, last weekend Ali Abbas returned to the left of midfield replacing Chris Naumoff, with Seb Ryall taking over at left back, while Richard Garcia played behind striker Ranko Despotovic in Del Piero's #10 role. It'll be interesting to see how Sydney reorganise with Del Piero back in the starting XI - will Garcia move to the right of midfield, thus restricting Joel Chianese to a spot on the Bunnings? Something else for fantasy coaches to worry about.
These teams met just a month ago, with goals from Del Piero (from the penalty spot) and Chianese seeing off the Heart 2-0. Last season saw the teams split the points evenly, with a 0-0 draw in Sydney followed up by a 2-1 win for the Sky Blues at the same venue, thanks to 2 late goals from Brett Emerton and Rhyan Grant, cancelling out Garcia’s opener. The Heart then took the points at AAMI Park in a 3-1 win, with goals from Nick Kalmar, Jonatan Germano and a penalty from Williams, while Joel Griffiths netted for Sydney. For captaincy, I'd recommend having a look at Sydney's attackers - Del Piero, Despotovic, Garcia. For the Heart, Williams continues to look their main attacking outlet.