Welcome to the Round 25 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.
With finals just 3 weeks away, it's worth thinking ahead as the rules show that for Rounds 28 and 29 (the first 2 weeks of finals) coaches are allowed 6 free trades, rather than 1. Only for the Grand Final will coaches be allowed to make as many changes as they like. So it's important to do our best to make sure we don't have too many players in our teams who won't be playing finals, or have the bye in Round 28.
It's still difficult to determine who will be in the finals, and who will be playing in the first week. We know that the Roar will be in the top 6, but they will have a bye in Round 28, along with whoever finishes second - which mathematically could even be Sydney, down in 7th. It'd also be wise to trade out the players of teams eliminated from top 6 contention. At the moment, only Perth have been eliminated from finals contention, though the Heart are highly unlikely to make the 6.
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.
With finals just 3 weeks away, it's worth thinking ahead as the rules show that for Rounds 28 and 29 (the first 2 weeks of finals) coaches are allowed 6 free trades, rather than 1. Only for the Grand Final will coaches be allowed to make as many changes as they like. So it's important to do our best to make sure we don't have too many players in our teams who won't be playing finals, or have the bye in Round 28.
It's still difficult to determine who will be in the finals, and who will be playing in the first week. We know that the Roar will be in the top 6, but they will have a bye in Round 28, along with whoever finishes second - which mathematically could even be Sydney, down in 7th. It'd also be wise to trade out the players of teams eliminated from top 6 contention. At the moment, only Perth have been eliminated from finals contention, though the Heart are highly unlikely to make the 6.
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.
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart
Roar unavailable: George Lambadaridis, Ivan Franjic (injured), Devante Clut, Brandon Borello (omitted)
Heart unavailable: Harry Kewell (injured)
Captaincy options: Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich
The good news for coaches is that despite Brisbane wrapping up the Premiers Plate 3 weeks early, they have pledged to field a strong side and play to win. So I would not stress about the likes of Besart Berisha (who returns from suspension here) and Thomas Broich being given a month-long holiday before the Roar play their Semi Final. That said, we know already that Brisbane have a bye in week 1 of the finals, so I'd be wary of bringing in Roar players unless you are confident you'll have enough trades to cover them. Jade North was still under an injury cloud earlier this week so there's no guarantee of his participation, while Ivan Franjic is again out. Be wary of making players in this game captain, as Brisbane may experience heavy rain between now and Friday afternoon.
Remaining games: Heart (H), Wanderers (A), Mariners (H)
The Heart are winless in their last 3 and face elimination from finals contention should they fail to beat the Roar at home, so it'd be risky to bring in any of their players now. They also play Roar and Adelaide away before a final home game against the Wanderers, so I would not be expecting many points in the remaining games either, though the likes of Orlando Engelaar (who scored the winner the last time these teams met), David Williams and Mate Dugandzic may have some points left in them. Harry Kewell is aiming to be fit for the final game of the season and his career, so I would not be bringing him in.
Remaining games: Brisbane (A), Adelaide (A), Wanderers (H)
Heart unavailable: Harry Kewell (injured)
Captaincy options: Besart Berisha, Thomas Broich
The good news for coaches is that despite Brisbane wrapping up the Premiers Plate 3 weeks early, they have pledged to field a strong side and play to win. So I would not stress about the likes of Besart Berisha (who returns from suspension here) and Thomas Broich being given a month-long holiday before the Roar play their Semi Final. That said, we know already that Brisbane have a bye in week 1 of the finals, so I'd be wary of bringing in Roar players unless you are confident you'll have enough trades to cover them. Jade North was still under an injury cloud earlier this week so there's no guarantee of his participation, while Ivan Franjic is again out. Be wary of making players in this game captain, as Brisbane may experience heavy rain between now and Friday afternoon.
Remaining games: Heart (H), Wanderers (A), Mariners (H)
The Heart are winless in their last 3 and face elimination from finals contention should they fail to beat the Roar at home, so it'd be risky to bring in any of their players now. They also play Roar and Adelaide away before a final home game against the Wanderers, so I would not be expecting many points in the remaining games either, though the likes of Orlando Engelaar (who scored the winner the last time these teams met), David Williams and Mate Dugandzic may have some points left in them. Harry Kewell is aiming to be fit for the final game of the season and his career, so I would not be bringing him in.
Remaining games: Brisbane (A), Adelaide (A), Wanderers (H)
Central Coast v Western Sydney Wanderers
Mariners unavailable: Marcos Flores, Hayden Morton, Michael Neill, Adam Kwasnik (injured), Michael McGlinchey (out on loan)
Wanderers unavailable: Golgol Mebrahtu, Adam D'Apuzzo, Tahj Minniecon (injured)
Captaincy options: Bernie Ibini, Kim Seung-yong
Fantasy coaches will be wanting to pay a great deal of attention to this encounter, as it is a crucial game in the race for second spot - and therefore who gets the bye in week one of the finals. Incredibly though, not even the currently 2nd placed Wanderers have guaranteed finals football yet.
The key men for the Mariners in fantasy are clearly Bernie Ibini and Kim Seung-yong. Both scored last week and have been producing points despite their game time being restricted thanks to ACL participation. Storm Roux has not played in the Mariners last 3 A-League games and is clearly being focussed on the ACL; if you have him, swap him for his teammate Eddy Bosnar who is being played in both competitions, and can score from free kicks.
Remaining games: Wanderers (H), Perth (A), Brisbane (A)
With no ACL to help guide us it's a little difficult to predict who will be lining up for the Wanderers this weekend, however looking forward it's likely Tomi Juric's game time will increase as he will be crucial to the Wanderers' finals and Championship hopes. Likewise, Jerome Polenz - who scored his second goal this season last week - will probably be a fixture at right back, considering the Wanderers have signed Daniel Mullen specifically for the ACL, though he is now eligible for A-League games as well as an injury replacement.
Remaining games: Mariners (A), Roar (H), Heart (A)
Wanderers unavailable: Golgol Mebrahtu, Adam D'Apuzzo, Tahj Minniecon (injured)
Captaincy options: Bernie Ibini, Kim Seung-yong
Fantasy coaches will be wanting to pay a great deal of attention to this encounter, as it is a crucial game in the race for second spot - and therefore who gets the bye in week one of the finals. Incredibly though, not even the currently 2nd placed Wanderers have guaranteed finals football yet.
The key men for the Mariners in fantasy are clearly Bernie Ibini and Kim Seung-yong. Both scored last week and have been producing points despite their game time being restricted thanks to ACL participation. Storm Roux has not played in the Mariners last 3 A-League games and is clearly being focussed on the ACL; if you have him, swap him for his teammate Eddy Bosnar who is being played in both competitions, and can score from free kicks.
Remaining games: Wanderers (H), Perth (A), Brisbane (A)
With no ACL to help guide us it's a little difficult to predict who will be lining up for the Wanderers this weekend, however looking forward it's likely Tomi Juric's game time will increase as he will be crucial to the Wanderers' finals and Championship hopes. Likewise, Jerome Polenz - who scored his second goal this season last week - will probably be a fixture at right back, considering the Wanderers have signed Daniel Mullen specifically for the ACL, though he is now eligible for A-League games as well as an injury replacement.
Remaining games: Mariners (A), Roar (H), Heart (A)
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Victory unavailable: Leigh Broxham (suspended)
Sydney unavailable: Rhyan Grant, Terry McFlynn, Pedj Bojic, Ranko Despotovic (injured)
Captaincy options: Gui Finkler, Tom Rogic, James Troisi, Kosta Barbarouses
Despite Victory aiming to take second spot and Sydney trying to keep their finals alive, a win for the Sky Blues in this match will see the teams be separated by a single point. Adding to the intrigue is that after this Victory must play away twice, while Sydney have two home matches against teams below them. So again, fantasy coaches will be watching with great interest.
The key fantasy men for the Victory remain the same - any of their attackers are worth considering, though Gui Finkler's omission from the ACL squad makes him the safest pick. Kosta Barabarouses is in great form if you are looking for a forward option, however the ACL is hampering his game time greatly. I don't trust Victory's defence even with the change in game plan, however Lawrence Thomas offers a point of difference from everyone else who has Liam Reddy.
Remaining games: Sydney (H), Newcastle (A), Wellington (A)
It's a little difficult to recommend Sydney players despite them being in finals contention; in most positions you'll find better options elsewhere. That said, Matt Jurman is a cheap defender to add to your ranks, while Richard Garcia is worth a look when played as the focal point of the attack. If he's moved back out wide, forget him. Alessandro Del Piero has one goal in his last 7, so unless you want to be very different and think he'll produce the goals to get Sydney into the finals, I'd stay away.
Remaining games: Victory (A), Wellington (H), Perth (H)
Sydney unavailable: Rhyan Grant, Terry McFlynn, Pedj Bojic, Ranko Despotovic (injured)
Captaincy options: Gui Finkler, Tom Rogic, James Troisi, Kosta Barbarouses
Despite Victory aiming to take second spot and Sydney trying to keep their finals alive, a win for the Sky Blues in this match will see the teams be separated by a single point. Adding to the intrigue is that after this Victory must play away twice, while Sydney have two home matches against teams below them. So again, fantasy coaches will be watching with great interest.
The key fantasy men for the Victory remain the same - any of their attackers are worth considering, though Gui Finkler's omission from the ACL squad makes him the safest pick. Kosta Barabarouses is in great form if you are looking for a forward option, however the ACL is hampering his game time greatly. I don't trust Victory's defence even with the change in game plan, however Lawrence Thomas offers a point of difference from everyone else who has Liam Reddy.
Remaining games: Sydney (H), Newcastle (A), Wellington (A)
It's a little difficult to recommend Sydney players despite them being in finals contention; in most positions you'll find better options elsewhere. That said, Matt Jurman is a cheap defender to add to your ranks, while Richard Garcia is worth a look when played as the focal point of the attack. If he's moved back out wide, forget him. Alessandro Del Piero has one goal in his last 7, so unless you want to be very different and think he'll produce the goals to get Sydney into the finals, I'd stay away.
Remaining games: Victory (A), Wellington (H), Perth (H)
Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United
Phoenix unavailable: Leo Bertos, Josh Brindell-South, Reece Caira, Louis Fenton, Paul Ifill, Albert Riera (injured), Luke Adams (omitted)
United unavailable: Jon McKain, Cassio (injured)
Captaincy options: Roy Krishna, Fabio Ferreira, Marcelo Carrusca
Wellington's impressive run has well and truly been halted, with only 1 win in the last 6. They've also conceded 5 goals in 3 of those games, including a 5-1 defeat to their opponents this week. The Phoenix can currently finish as high as 3rd, though that is unlikely. Indeed, defeat to Adelaide and a win by Sydney or Newcastle will see the Nix eliminated from finals contention. So I'd be leaning towards trading out Wellington players rather than brining them in at this point. Stein Huysegems should definitely be on the chopping block, having scored once in the last 6 games. Likewise, coaches should consider moving on an injury-hampered Carlos Hernandez, though he's back this week for those who want to roll the dice again. Hernandez's absence appears to have affected Kenny Cunnigham's role in the team, and he has not scored in the two games Hernandez has been absent for. Roy Krishna and Tyler Boyd are two cheap forward options who would have been very handy earlier on in the season; with finals unlikely, they are not much help to us now unless you are looking for a (very) short term option.
Remaining games: Adelaide (H), Sydney (A), Victory (H)
Adelaide are still trying to pinch 2nd spot however they'll need to add to their 2 away wins to get there; finals participation also needs to be secured. The Reds have a few players under injury clouds, including Cirio, Michael Zullo and Tarek Elrich. Fans and owners of Jeronimo will no doubt be disappointed to have seen him relegated to the bench, however it's clear that Bruce Djite is a better fit for Gombau's system as the man leading the line. Despite his excellent finish, I'd not be brining in Djite; instead, bank on those who profit from his hard work, like Cirio and Fabio Ferreira, who did the business for the Reds once again at Coopers Stadium. Marcelo Carrusca was also impressive and may be the man to create (or even score) the crucial goals the Reds need to make the finals.
Remaining games: Wellington (A), Heart (H), Newcastle (A)
United unavailable: Jon McKain, Cassio (injured)
Captaincy options: Roy Krishna, Fabio Ferreira, Marcelo Carrusca
Wellington's impressive run has well and truly been halted, with only 1 win in the last 6. They've also conceded 5 goals in 3 of those games, including a 5-1 defeat to their opponents this week. The Phoenix can currently finish as high as 3rd, though that is unlikely. Indeed, defeat to Adelaide and a win by Sydney or Newcastle will see the Nix eliminated from finals contention. So I'd be leaning towards trading out Wellington players rather than brining them in at this point. Stein Huysegems should definitely be on the chopping block, having scored once in the last 6 games. Likewise, coaches should consider moving on an injury-hampered Carlos Hernandez, though he's back this week for those who want to roll the dice again. Hernandez's absence appears to have affected Kenny Cunnigham's role in the team, and he has not scored in the two games Hernandez has been absent for. Roy Krishna and Tyler Boyd are two cheap forward options who would have been very handy earlier on in the season; with finals unlikely, they are not much help to us now unless you are looking for a (very) short term option.
Remaining games: Adelaide (H), Sydney (A), Victory (H)
Adelaide are still trying to pinch 2nd spot however they'll need to add to their 2 away wins to get there; finals participation also needs to be secured. The Reds have a few players under injury clouds, including Cirio, Michael Zullo and Tarek Elrich. Fans and owners of Jeronimo will no doubt be disappointed to have seen him relegated to the bench, however it's clear that Bruce Djite is a better fit for Gombau's system as the man leading the line. Despite his excellent finish, I'd not be brining in Djite; instead, bank on those who profit from his hard work, like Cirio and Fabio Ferreira, who did the business for the Reds once again at Coopers Stadium. Marcelo Carrusca was also impressive and may be the man to create (or even score) the crucial goals the Reds need to make the finals.
Remaining games: Wellington (A), Heart (H), Newcastle (A)
Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Glory unavailable: Travis Dodd, Scott Jamieson, Shane Smeltz (injured), Daniel De Silva (overseas), Danny Vukovic (out on loan)
Jets unavailable: Mitch Cooper, Scott Neville (injured)
Captaincy options: Adam Taggart
Perth have been eliminated from finals contention, haven't won for 10 games and have lost 6 of their last 7. It's pointless bringing in any of their players, and if you have any, trade them out before the finals begin.
Remaining games: Newcastle (H), Mariners (H), Sydney (A)
After smashing Wellington 5-0, the Jets now travel to Perth to further assert their finals credentials. Interestingly, the Jets are yet to score against the Glory this season; no doubt Adam Taggart, who returns to his home town here, will have something to say about that following his brace last week. If you have him, you surely must consider making him captain this week. David Carney is definitely in fantasy calculations now, and is an easy trade if you still have Andrew Hoole or another cheap defender not producing points. Carney is being played 'out of position' in an advanced position on the left of midfield, meaning he is a reasonable chance of getting points for both assists and clean sheets. I'd hold onto his teammate Sam Gallaway for at least another week as Newcastle could well keep a clean sheet here. Against Victory and Adelaide, perhaps not. But those two home games will play a big role in determining who makes the finals and where they finish.
Remaining games: Perth (A), Victory (H), Adelaide (H)
Jets unavailable: Mitch Cooper, Scott Neville (injured)
Captaincy options: Adam Taggart
Perth have been eliminated from finals contention, haven't won for 10 games and have lost 6 of their last 7. It's pointless bringing in any of their players, and if you have any, trade them out before the finals begin.
Remaining games: Newcastle (H), Mariners (H), Sydney (A)
After smashing Wellington 5-0, the Jets now travel to Perth to further assert their finals credentials. Interestingly, the Jets are yet to score against the Glory this season; no doubt Adam Taggart, who returns to his home town here, will have something to say about that following his brace last week. If you have him, you surely must consider making him captain this week. David Carney is definitely in fantasy calculations now, and is an easy trade if you still have Andrew Hoole or another cheap defender not producing points. Carney is being played 'out of position' in an advanced position on the left of midfield, meaning he is a reasonable chance of getting points for both assists and clean sheets. I'd hold onto his teammate Sam Gallaway for at least another week as Newcastle could well keep a clean sheet here. Against Victory and Adelaide, perhaps not. But those two home games will play a big role in determining who makes the finals and where they finish.
Remaining games: Perth (A), Victory (H), Adelaide (H)
That's all for the Fantasy A-League Form Guide for Round 25. 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!