Hey fantasy fans! Welcome to the Round 17 edition of the Fantasy A-League Form Guide. As usual 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.
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 Friday at 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 full list of squads for this round here.
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 Friday at 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 full list of squads for this round here.
Melbourne Heart v Sydney FC
Heart unavailable: (none)
Sydney unavailable: Terry McFlynn, Rhyan Grant, Pedj Bojic, Peter Triantis, Joel Chianese (injured)
Captaincy options: Mate Dugandzic, Alessandro Del Piero, Ranko Despotovic
The round kicks off Friday night with a pair of intriguing fixtures. Melbourne Heart look to continue their mini-revival against a Sydney FC side coming off a 5-0 drubbing of the Victory.
For the Heart, the main option is clearly Mate Dugandzic. Last week Adelaide seemingly adjusted their play to ensure Heart were unable to counter attack through Dugandzic on the right side, highlighting the threat he provides. Harry Kewell also had a big week with a penalty and his 3rd man of the match award in four games. I think Kewell is still overpriced for someone who has scored so few points in open play (just one assist) - he's going to be reliant on Heart winning, performing well to get those bonus points, and chipping in with the odd penalty, of which he's scored one from two attempts this season. Heart's other attackers are too erratic to be considered, while Orlando Engelaar plays too deep and his height is misleading - he is no threat at set pieces, usually acting as the 'dummy run' last week against Adelaide.
Sydney FC's main attackers, Alessandro Del Piero and Ranko Despotovic, both had a day out against Victory, racking up the points. Despotovic now has 5 goals and 2 assists in his 10 games, a good return for a striker - and he's reasonably priced compared to some of the other target men. As he's clearly the one to finish Sydney's chances, he's someone to strongly consider. Del Piero meanwhile is a tough one to recommend unless you have a lot of cash to spare, as despite his talents he has been both erratic and injury prone this season. Tiago's release will potentially lead to Sydney signing Eddy Bosnar, but until then Matt Jurman is a cheapish defensive option. Marc Warren has been dropped again so he should be ditched if you have him.
Sydney unavailable: Terry McFlynn, Rhyan Grant, Pedj Bojic, Peter Triantis, Joel Chianese (injured)
Captaincy options: Mate Dugandzic, Alessandro Del Piero, Ranko Despotovic
The round kicks off Friday night with a pair of intriguing fixtures. Melbourne Heart look to continue their mini-revival against a Sydney FC side coming off a 5-0 drubbing of the Victory.
For the Heart, the main option is clearly Mate Dugandzic. Last week Adelaide seemingly adjusted their play to ensure Heart were unable to counter attack through Dugandzic on the right side, highlighting the threat he provides. Harry Kewell also had a big week with a penalty and his 3rd man of the match award in four games. I think Kewell is still overpriced for someone who has scored so few points in open play (just one assist) - he's going to be reliant on Heart winning, performing well to get those bonus points, and chipping in with the odd penalty, of which he's scored one from two attempts this season. Heart's other attackers are too erratic to be considered, while Orlando Engelaar plays too deep and his height is misleading - he is no threat at set pieces, usually acting as the 'dummy run' last week against Adelaide.
Sydney FC's main attackers, Alessandro Del Piero and Ranko Despotovic, both had a day out against Victory, racking up the points. Despotovic now has 5 goals and 2 assists in his 10 games, a good return for a striker - and he's reasonably priced compared to some of the other target men. As he's clearly the one to finish Sydney's chances, he's someone to strongly consider. Del Piero meanwhile is a tough one to recommend unless you have a lot of cash to spare, as despite his talents he has been both erratic and injury prone this season. Tiago's release will potentially lead to Sydney signing Eddy Bosnar, but until then Matt Jurman is a cheapish defensive option. Marc Warren has been dropped again so he should be ditched if you have him.
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Glory unavailable: Travis Dodd, Scott Jamieson (injured)
Victory unavailable: Adrian Leijer (suspended), Dylan Murnane (omitted), Mark Milligan (injured)
Captaincy options: Shane Smeltz, Tom Rogic, Gui Finkler
Shane Smeltz played his first full 90 minutes of the season last round, scoring a goal as well to further tempt fantasy coaches into picking him up. Perth have away games against the leaky defences of Heart and Sydney after this, so he could be looking at a decent run of form coming up. Adrian Zahra has lost his place in the side and with new signing Davydas Sernas (yet to be added to the game) potentially playing this weekend, it's unlikely he'll be starting anytime soon. Riley Woodcock looks to be the lone Perth cheapie who will hold onto his spot for the rest of the season. Nebojsa Marnikovic - a dead ball specialist - may come into fantasy contention but wait until he's fit enough to start. Another new signing, Rostyn Griffiths (also yet to be added), probably is not the type of player you want in fantasy football.
Victory will be hoping to turn things around on the road after consecutive 5-0 floggings. Tom Rogic will start and he'll likely be accompanied in midfield by Gui Finkler. Kosta Barbarouses is an injury concern while James Troisi looks set to miss out with Archie Thompson and Andrew Nabbout likely to take up the wide roles. So if you have been thinking of ditching Troisi - especially with the bye coming up for Victory (and Wanderers) in Round 19, now may be the time to pull the trigger. If Victory are to make a stand in Perth, expect Gui or Rogic to be the ones driving it. If you have any cheap Victory defenders, consider benching them until they show they can be trusted again.
Victory unavailable: Adrian Leijer (suspended), Dylan Murnane (omitted), Mark Milligan (injured)
Captaincy options: Shane Smeltz, Tom Rogic, Gui Finkler
Shane Smeltz played his first full 90 minutes of the season last round, scoring a goal as well to further tempt fantasy coaches into picking him up. Perth have away games against the leaky defences of Heart and Sydney after this, so he could be looking at a decent run of form coming up. Adrian Zahra has lost his place in the side and with new signing Davydas Sernas (yet to be added to the game) potentially playing this weekend, it's unlikely he'll be starting anytime soon. Riley Woodcock looks to be the lone Perth cheapie who will hold onto his spot for the rest of the season. Nebojsa Marnikovic - a dead ball specialist - may come into fantasy contention but wait until he's fit enough to start. Another new signing, Rostyn Griffiths (also yet to be added), probably is not the type of player you want in fantasy football.
Victory will be hoping to turn things around on the road after consecutive 5-0 floggings. Tom Rogic will start and he'll likely be accompanied in midfield by Gui Finkler. Kosta Barbarouses is an injury concern while James Troisi looks set to miss out with Archie Thompson and Andrew Nabbout likely to take up the wide roles. So if you have been thinking of ditching Troisi - especially with the bye coming up for Victory (and Wanderers) in Round 19, now may be the time to pull the trigger. If Victory are to make a stand in Perth, expect Gui or Rogic to be the ones driving it. If you have any cheap Victory defenders, consider benching them until they show they can be trusted again.
Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United
Phoenix unavailable: Alex Rufer (omitted), Paul Ifill, Louis Fenton (injured)
United unavailable: Steven Lustica (omitted), Antony Golec (in China), Cassio, Jacob Melling, Michael Zullo (injured)
Captaincy options: Stein Huysegems, Marcelo Carrusca
Wellington's run of wins came to a halt in Brisbane last week, though Stein Huysegems once again found the net, making it six goals in his last six games. Like Despotovic at Sydney, he's the main finisher for the Nix and is reasonably priced compared to the 'premium' forwards. Both Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham are back from international duty so expect them to feature - meaning Jason Hicks will probably find himself back on the bench, and so too may Jeremy Brockie. Michael Boxall played another 90 minutes so he looks secure at this stage - a cheap defender well worth having.
For Adelaide, Ryan Griffiths managed to steal a scarcely deserved point for the Reds against the Heart. He's more of a poacher than a target man, and he's not starting yet, so I wouldn't be rushing to get him. Likewise, Bruce Djite had more than a slice of luck helping him to find the net - really, the goal should have been scored by Awer Mabil, though this served to highlight his lack of end product. Jeronimo had a bad day on the right wing despite most of Adelaide's play coming down that side, while Fabio Ferreira came off the bench suggesting he should soon be starting again. Adding to the competition for forward positions is the potential return of Cirio this weekend. Steven Lustica has walked out on the club and should be traded out immediately - not that he was likely to provide you with many points anyway. Marcelo Carrusca probably falls into the 'overpriced' category - no doubts to his quality and points potential, but he's too erratic and injury prone for that outlay.
United unavailable: Steven Lustica (omitted), Antony Golec (in China), Cassio, Jacob Melling, Michael Zullo (injured)
Captaincy options: Stein Huysegems, Marcelo Carrusca
Wellington's run of wins came to a halt in Brisbane last week, though Stein Huysegems once again found the net, making it six goals in his last six games. Like Despotovic at Sydney, he's the main finisher for the Nix and is reasonably priced compared to the 'premium' forwards. Both Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham are back from international duty so expect them to feature - meaning Jason Hicks will probably find himself back on the bench, and so too may Jeremy Brockie. Michael Boxall played another 90 minutes so he looks secure at this stage - a cheap defender well worth having.
For Adelaide, Ryan Griffiths managed to steal a scarcely deserved point for the Reds against the Heart. He's more of a poacher than a target man, and he's not starting yet, so I wouldn't be rushing to get him. Likewise, Bruce Djite had more than a slice of luck helping him to find the net - really, the goal should have been scored by Awer Mabil, though this served to highlight his lack of end product. Jeronimo had a bad day on the right wing despite most of Adelaide's play coming down that side, while Fabio Ferreira came off the bench suggesting he should soon be starting again. Adding to the competition for forward positions is the potential return of Cirio this weekend. Steven Lustica has walked out on the club and should be traded out immediately - not that he was likely to provide you with many points anyway. Marcelo Carrusca probably falls into the 'overpriced' category - no doubts to his quality and points potential, but he's too erratic and injury prone for that outlay.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Jets unavailable: Josh Mitchell (omitted), Scott Neville, Ben Kantarovski, Mitch Cooper (injured)
Wanderers unavailable: Tahj Minniecon (omitted), Jerome Polenz, Iacopo La Rocca, Mateo Poljak (injured)
Captaincy options: Tomi Juric
Newcastle endured another humiliation last week, being routed 3-0 by the Mariners. Now they face a Wanderers outfit looking to string a couple of wins together ahead of their bye in Round 19. Consequently, the Jets really don't offer us much at the moment. Cheap defender Sam Gallaway has kept his spot in the side despite a change in manager, while Andrew Hoole did his chances no harm with a decent half. Otherwise - I'd say look elsewhere for the time being. New manager Clayton Zane has his work cut out for him to get the Jets rolling again. Joel Griffiths may help, and looks set to play now that he has been granted international clearance.
For the Wanderers, Mark Bridge took full advantage of his return to the starting line-up with a goal and an assist, while Aaron Mooy scored and picked up the bonus points. Jerome Polenz missed out again through injury and he's out again this week by the looks of things, so with the bye coming up, if you have no other concerns it might be time to move him on, at least temporarily. Matthew Spiranovic returned after missing the previous two games - as a defensive midfielder. Given that he is normally a centre back anyway, the change in role is unlikely to change his output too much. Whether he can maintain a near-permanent spot in the side thanks to the switch remains to be seen - of course the Wanderers have been missing other key DMs Iacopo La Rocca and Mateo Poljak through injury. After missing last round through suspension, Tomi Juric could avoid rotation and start here, while it will be interesting to see if another scorer, Brendon Santalab, will keep his spot in the side.
Wanderers unavailable: Tahj Minniecon (omitted), Jerome Polenz, Iacopo La Rocca, Mateo Poljak (injured)
Captaincy options: Tomi Juric
Newcastle endured another humiliation last week, being routed 3-0 by the Mariners. Now they face a Wanderers outfit looking to string a couple of wins together ahead of their bye in Round 19. Consequently, the Jets really don't offer us much at the moment. Cheap defender Sam Gallaway has kept his spot in the side despite a change in manager, while Andrew Hoole did his chances no harm with a decent half. Otherwise - I'd say look elsewhere for the time being. New manager Clayton Zane has his work cut out for him to get the Jets rolling again. Joel Griffiths may help, and looks set to play now that he has been granted international clearance.
For the Wanderers, Mark Bridge took full advantage of his return to the starting line-up with a goal and an assist, while Aaron Mooy scored and picked up the bonus points. Jerome Polenz missed out again through injury and he's out again this week by the looks of things, so with the bye coming up, if you have no other concerns it might be time to move him on, at least temporarily. Matthew Spiranovic returned after missing the previous two games - as a defensive midfielder. Given that he is normally a centre back anyway, the change in role is unlikely to change his output too much. Whether he can maintain a near-permanent spot in the side thanks to the switch remains to be seen - of course the Wanderers have been missing other key DMs Iacopo La Rocca and Mateo Poljak through injury. After missing last round through suspension, Tomi Juric could avoid rotation and start here, while it will be interesting to see if another scorer, Brendon Santalab, will keep his spot in the side.
Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners
Roar unavailable: Jai Ingham (omitted), Ivan Franjic, George Lambadaridis (injured)
Mariners unavailable: Marcos Flores, Michael Neill, Adam Kwasnik (injured), Michael McGlinchey (on loan in Japan)
Captaincy options: Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich
Ivan Franjic will be absent again this week, while Liam Miller and Matt McKay are both injury concerns. This may mean Devante Clut, who announced himself with a sensational goal, could get another start though it'd be a huge risk to bring him in given he'll likely drop straight back out once the senior players are fit. Should Adelaide release Lustica to the Roar he would then likely fall even further down the pecking order. Besart Berisha is back from suspension, meaning Thomas Broich moves back to the left wing. Luke Brattan's (deflected) goal may have coaches thinking about him again, but as I've mentioned before he's a holding midfielder and I'd expect goals to be a rarity. Granted, because of his ability to produce assists (albeit just 3 this season) with his passing and tendency to pick up bonus points (14 so far) he's one of the better DMs, but that doesn't change the fact that he's the wrong type of player for fantasy football. You'd probably get more joy from the similarly priced Dugandzic or even Ferreira, though Brattan is far more durable than Fabio. And if you still have Franjic, he is again listed as being '1 week' - so up to you if you are fed up with him being out (or have to trade him to avoid a 0) or once again bench him in the hope he returns next round.
For the Mariners, I'd be wary of reading too much into their goal scoring exploits against the Jets. Matt Simon has two goals in three games now, but prior to this he did not look like finding the net. Likewise, Daniel McBreen broke his cold streak with a screamer, but it is not the type of goal you'd expect to be scored on a regular basis - and he's quite expensive compared to the likes of Huysegems and Despotovic, who have been far more prolific. Anthony Caceres' goal, clean sheet and man of the match honours no doubt would have many coaches talking, however while he is playing in a deeper role he can't be relied on for points. He's definitely a talent to watch but he needs to be playing in the number 10 role (currently being filled by McBreen) to be a consistent scorer of points. That said, he's cheapish and if you've managed to work the cap to your advantage he might be an effective swingman for you, coming on when needed. Storm Roux and Zac Anderson remain strong defensive picks, while everyone should have Liam Reddy in goals by now.
Mariners unavailable: Marcos Flores, Michael Neill, Adam Kwasnik (injured), Michael McGlinchey (on loan in Japan)
Captaincy options: Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich
Ivan Franjic will be absent again this week, while Liam Miller and Matt McKay are both injury concerns. This may mean Devante Clut, who announced himself with a sensational goal, could get another start though it'd be a huge risk to bring him in given he'll likely drop straight back out once the senior players are fit. Should Adelaide release Lustica to the Roar he would then likely fall even further down the pecking order. Besart Berisha is back from suspension, meaning Thomas Broich moves back to the left wing. Luke Brattan's (deflected) goal may have coaches thinking about him again, but as I've mentioned before he's a holding midfielder and I'd expect goals to be a rarity. Granted, because of his ability to produce assists (albeit just 3 this season) with his passing and tendency to pick up bonus points (14 so far) he's one of the better DMs, but that doesn't change the fact that he's the wrong type of player for fantasy football. You'd probably get more joy from the similarly priced Dugandzic or even Ferreira, though Brattan is far more durable than Fabio. And if you still have Franjic, he is again listed as being '1 week' - so up to you if you are fed up with him being out (or have to trade him to avoid a 0) or once again bench him in the hope he returns next round.
For the Mariners, I'd be wary of reading too much into their goal scoring exploits against the Jets. Matt Simon has two goals in three games now, but prior to this he did not look like finding the net. Likewise, Daniel McBreen broke his cold streak with a screamer, but it is not the type of goal you'd expect to be scored on a regular basis - and he's quite expensive compared to the likes of Huysegems and Despotovic, who have been far more prolific. Anthony Caceres' goal, clean sheet and man of the match honours no doubt would have many coaches talking, however while he is playing in a deeper role he can't be relied on for points. He's definitely a talent to watch but he needs to be playing in the number 10 role (currently being filled by McBreen) to be a consistent scorer of points. That said, he's cheapish and if you've managed to work the cap to your advantage he might be an effective swingman for you, coming on when needed. Storm Roux and Zac Anderson remain strong defensive picks, while everyone should have Liam Reddy in goals by now.
That's all we have for the Fantasy A-League Form Guide for Round 17. 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 Fridays at 2pm. 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!