Welcome to the Round 26 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.
Last round the Heart joined Perth in being eliminated from finals contention, and Wellington must now win both of their remaining games to be any chance of qualifying. It'd be advisable to start moving players from these teams out of your side. We know that the Roar will be in the top 6, but they will have a bye in Round 28 (a.k.a. the first week of finals), along with whoever finishes second - which mathematically could even be Sydney, currently in 6th.
With finals just 2 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.
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.
Last round the Heart joined Perth in being eliminated from finals contention, and Wellington must now win both of their remaining games to be any chance of qualifying. It'd be advisable to start moving players from these teams out of your side. We know that the Roar will be in the top 6, but they will have a bye in Round 28 (a.k.a. the first week of finals), along with whoever finishes second - which mathematically could even be Sydney, currently in 6th.
With finals just 2 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.
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.
Adelaide United v Melbourne Heart
United unavailable: Cassio, Jonathan McKain (injured)
Heart unavailable: Harry Kewell (injured)
Captaincy options: Fabio Ferreira, Marcelo Carrusca
United's main worries in the race for second spot are injuries - Cirio and Jeronimo both missed the trip to NZ after being named in the squad so even though they have been named late omissions are a possibility. Fabio Ferreria was also under an injury cloud before eventually starting in the 1-0 win. Be wary of naming him (or Cirio) captain, though he would otherwise be a strong candidate this round. Marcelo Carrusca's Panenka penalty gave the Reds the win last week and he'll no doubt play a key role in both the remaining games and the finals. Michael Zullo moved to left wing with Cirio out; expect him to return to left back if Cirio is fit enough to start, leaving Tarek Elrich and Michael Marrone to fight it out for the right back role.
Remaining games: Heart (H), Newcastle (A)
The Heart may be eliminated but no doubt they'll want to avoid the wooden spoon and give Harry Kewell a fitting send off, so they have plenty to play for and should not lay down for the Reds. That said, you would not be wanting to trade any Heart players in as they won't be any use to you in two weeks' time, and they face two tough games before that. You could maybe afford to hold onto Mate Dugandzic or David Williams for another week or two, but you're quite justified in trading them out. Jonatan Germano is back in the squad but he's bench cover at best anyway.
Remaining games: Adelaide (A), Wanderers (H)
Heart unavailable: Harry Kewell (injured)
Captaincy options: Fabio Ferreira, Marcelo Carrusca
United's main worries in the race for second spot are injuries - Cirio and Jeronimo both missed the trip to NZ after being named in the squad so even though they have been named late omissions are a possibility. Fabio Ferreria was also under an injury cloud before eventually starting in the 1-0 win. Be wary of naming him (or Cirio) captain, though he would otherwise be a strong candidate this round. Marcelo Carrusca's Panenka penalty gave the Reds the win last week and he'll no doubt play a key role in both the remaining games and the finals. Michael Zullo moved to left wing with Cirio out; expect him to return to left back if Cirio is fit enough to start, leaving Tarek Elrich and Michael Marrone to fight it out for the right back role.
Remaining games: Heart (H), Newcastle (A)
The Heart may be eliminated but no doubt they'll want to avoid the wooden spoon and give Harry Kewell a fitting send off, so they have plenty to play for and should not lay down for the Reds. That said, you would not be wanting to trade any Heart players in as they won't be any use to you in two weeks' time, and they face two tough games before that. You could maybe afford to hold onto Mate Dugandzic or David Williams for another week or two, but you're quite justified in trading them out. Jonatan Germano is back in the squad but he's bench cover at best anyway.
Remaining games: Adelaide (A), Wanderers (H)
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Jets unavaiulable: Nick Ward, Scott Neville, Mitch Cooper, Zenon Caravella (injured)
Victory unavailable: Connor Pain, Rashid Mahazi (omitted)
Captaincy options: Adam Taggart, Gui Finkler, Kosta Barbarouses
The Jets are the only team outside the six with a realistic chance of making the finals, especially when it is considered they have two home games remaining. Unfortunately, they are both against top 6 teams, and the loss to Perth last week does not help their cause. Adam Taggart managed to find the net, and he was assisted by David Carney; these are the two Jets players to look at, while Sam Gallaway is an ever-present cheap defender.
Remaining games: Victory (H), Adelaide (H)
Last week's draw with Sydney makes things difficult for the Victory, considering they now have to travel twice in the final two games, and this week's game comes after their trip to Japan last night. That said, it makes them realistic chances to finish 3rd to 6th, meaning they'll play in the first week of the finals. Tom Rogic was dropped last week from the squad to help him cope with a groin problem, which also kept him out of last night's ACL game. He has been named for this round though. Muscat took a second string side to Japan, with James Troisi and Archie Thompson the only fantasy relevant players to play 90 minutes. Kosta Barbarouses was not in the squad, meaning he should be ok to start this game. Gui Finkler's absence from the ACL squad means he's as safe as it gets for the Victory.
Remaining games: Newcastle (A), Wellington (A)
Victory unavailable: Connor Pain, Rashid Mahazi (omitted)
Captaincy options: Adam Taggart, Gui Finkler, Kosta Barbarouses
The Jets are the only team outside the six with a realistic chance of making the finals, especially when it is considered they have two home games remaining. Unfortunately, they are both against top 6 teams, and the loss to Perth last week does not help their cause. Adam Taggart managed to find the net, and he was assisted by David Carney; these are the two Jets players to look at, while Sam Gallaway is an ever-present cheap defender.
Remaining games: Victory (H), Adelaide (H)
Last week's draw with Sydney makes things difficult for the Victory, considering they now have to travel twice in the final two games, and this week's game comes after their trip to Japan last night. That said, it makes them realistic chances to finish 3rd to 6th, meaning they'll play in the first week of the finals. Tom Rogic was dropped last week from the squad to help him cope with a groin problem, which also kept him out of last night's ACL game. He has been named for this round though. Muscat took a second string side to Japan, with James Troisi and Archie Thompson the only fantasy relevant players to play 90 minutes. Kosta Barbarouses was not in the squad, meaning he should be ok to start this game. Gui Finkler's absence from the ACL squad means he's as safe as it gets for the Victory.
Remaining games: Newcastle (A), Wellington (A)
Western Sydney Wanderers v Brisbane Roar
Wanderers unavailable: Adam D'Apuzzo, Golgol Mebrahtu, Tahj Minniecon (injured)
Roar unavailable: Besart Berisha (suspended), George Lambadaridis (injured)
Captaincy options: Thomas Broich, Aaron Mooy
Despite losing to fellow contenders Central Coast last week, the Wanderers are still in the hunt for second place. In the ACL game in Japan on Tuesday night, Tomi Juric and Shinji Ono played a full game, meaning they are unlikely to start against Brisbane. Likewise Labinot Haliti and Kwabena Appiah, who both played over 80 minutes. Aaron Mooy, Jerome Polenz and Youssouf Hersi all were unused substitutes, Mark Bridge was not in the squad, Brendon Santalab and Shannon Cole played 3 and 9 minutes respectively, and Matthew Spiranovic 25 minutes. All of those players would be strong candidates to start against Brisbane. Mooy will probably be playing as a #10 given Ono played on Tuesday, raising his fantasy worth considerably.
Remaining games: Brisbane (H), Heart (A)
Brisbane made good on their promise of remaining competitive in these 'dead rubber' games, though it took them a while to get going against Heart. Besart Berisha was sent off again and will miss this week. Given he'll be missing again in the first week of the finals, you are more than justified in trading him out. He'll likely be replaced as leading the line by Henrique or Jean Carlos Solorzano, but I would not be bringing either of them in. Ivan Franjic may make his return in this game, however I'd hold off on him until Brisbane play their first final despite word that he may feature on the right wing, with Dimitri Petratos another candidate to replace Berisha up forward. Once Berisha returns, I'd expect him to move to right back.
Remaining games: Wanderers (A), Mariners (H). Will have a bye in Round 28 (finals week 1)
Roar unavailable: Besart Berisha (suspended), George Lambadaridis (injured)
Captaincy options: Thomas Broich, Aaron Mooy
Despite losing to fellow contenders Central Coast last week, the Wanderers are still in the hunt for second place. In the ACL game in Japan on Tuesday night, Tomi Juric and Shinji Ono played a full game, meaning they are unlikely to start against Brisbane. Likewise Labinot Haliti and Kwabena Appiah, who both played over 80 minutes. Aaron Mooy, Jerome Polenz and Youssouf Hersi all were unused substitutes, Mark Bridge was not in the squad, Brendon Santalab and Shannon Cole played 3 and 9 minutes respectively, and Matthew Spiranovic 25 minutes. All of those players would be strong candidates to start against Brisbane. Mooy will probably be playing as a #10 given Ono played on Tuesday, raising his fantasy worth considerably.
Remaining games: Brisbane (H), Heart (A)
Brisbane made good on their promise of remaining competitive in these 'dead rubber' games, though it took them a while to get going against Heart. Besart Berisha was sent off again and will miss this week. Given he'll be missing again in the first week of the finals, you are more than justified in trading him out. He'll likely be replaced as leading the line by Henrique or Jean Carlos Solorzano, but I would not be bringing either of them in. Ivan Franjic may make his return in this game, however I'd hold off on him until Brisbane play their first final despite word that he may feature on the right wing, with Dimitri Petratos another candidate to replace Berisha up forward. Once Berisha returns, I'd expect him to move to right back.
Remaining games: Wanderers (A), Mariners (H). Will have a bye in Round 28 (finals week 1)
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
Glory unavailable: Travis Dodd, Scott Jamieson, Shane Smetlz (injured), Danny Vukovic (out on loan)
Mariners unavailable: Marcos Flores, Adam Kwasnik, Michael Neill (injured), Michael McGlinchey (out on loan)
Captaincy options: Bernie Ibini
Perth may be out of finals contention however they showed in the upset win against Newcastle they can still play the role of spoiler. That said - Perth players generally have not been much value this season, and you know there's no use in them beyond Round 27. So it'd be a gamble to trade any in, especially considering we don't know with any certainty who will play in Round 29, hence I'd recommend you look elsewhere.
Remaining games: Mariners (H), Sydney (A)
The Mariners are in the box seat to take second (and join Brisbane in having a Round 29 bye), however they play their last two games away from home. On Tuesday night, Bernie Ibini played a full game, while Kim Seung-yong played 87 minutes. It may dissuade you from making either of them captain, however Ibini has scored in his last three A-League games, and in two of those games he came off the bench. Storm Roux played 35 minutes against Bejing, while Marcel Seip played a full match (and scored!), meaning Roux may start this week in the A-League. Eddy Bosnar is also a likely starter after being left out of the squad Tuesday night.
Remaning games: Perth (A), Brisbane (A)
Mariners unavailable: Marcos Flores, Adam Kwasnik, Michael Neill (injured), Michael McGlinchey (out on loan)
Captaincy options: Bernie Ibini
Perth may be out of finals contention however they showed in the upset win against Newcastle they can still play the role of spoiler. That said - Perth players generally have not been much value this season, and you know there's no use in them beyond Round 27. So it'd be a gamble to trade any in, especially considering we don't know with any certainty who will play in Round 29, hence I'd recommend you look elsewhere.
Remaining games: Mariners (H), Sydney (A)
The Mariners are in the box seat to take second (and join Brisbane in having a Round 29 bye), however they play their last two games away from home. On Tuesday night, Bernie Ibini played a full game, while Kim Seung-yong played 87 minutes. It may dissuade you from making either of them captain, however Ibini has scored in his last three A-League games, and in two of those games he came off the bench. Storm Roux played 35 minutes against Bejing, while Marcel Seip played a full match (and scored!), meaning Roux may start this week in the A-League. Eddy Bosnar is also a likely starter after being left out of the squad Tuesday night.
Remaning games: Perth (A), Brisbane (A)
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Sydney unavailable: Terry McFlynn, Rhyan Grant, Pedj Bojic, Ranko Despotovic (injured)
Phoenix unavailable: Manny Muscat (suspended), Paul Ifill, Josh Brindell-South, Reece Caira, Louis Fenton, Leo Bertos, Lewis Italiano (injured)
Captaincy options: Alessandro Del Piero
Sydney have their top 6 spot in their own hands, and need only win back to back home games against Wellington and Perth, who both sit in the bottom 3. However, their fantasy options remain limited. In the absence of Ranko Despotovic, no player has held down the #9 striker role, with the likes of Richard Garcia and Alec Urosevski being deployed in differing roles. Joel Chianese has returned from injury and scored last week. Alessandro Del Piero has also been moved around a bit, and he has not scored in his last 4 games. Matt Jurman is a solid cheap defender who rarely generates points but at least gives you some cover or frees up cash. Ali Abbas and Terry Antonis are cheap but unspectacular midfield options.
Remaining games: Wellington (H), Perth (H)
Wellington's finals hopes are all but gone after losing at home to Adelaide, however I'd expect them to play for a win here. That said, I think it would be risky to bring in any of their players now. Especially not Carlos Hernandez, given he only just returned from injury off the bench last week. He may yet be quite underdone, and by the time he's right the Nix will probably be watching the finals on TV. Stein Huysegems has only one goal in the last 7 games, suggesting his usefulness in fantasy football is basically over. Both Tyler Boyd and Roy Krishna were dropped from the starting XI last week, with Jeremy Brockie - who has had a poor season - surprisingly preferred. Michael Boxall and Shaun Timmins both continued in defence, however their time as bench fillers is almost at an end.
Remaning games: Sydney (A), Victory (H)
Phoenix unavailable: Manny Muscat (suspended), Paul Ifill, Josh Brindell-South, Reece Caira, Louis Fenton, Leo Bertos, Lewis Italiano (injured)
Captaincy options: Alessandro Del Piero
Sydney have their top 6 spot in their own hands, and need only win back to back home games against Wellington and Perth, who both sit in the bottom 3. However, their fantasy options remain limited. In the absence of Ranko Despotovic, no player has held down the #9 striker role, with the likes of Richard Garcia and Alec Urosevski being deployed in differing roles. Joel Chianese has returned from injury and scored last week. Alessandro Del Piero has also been moved around a bit, and he has not scored in his last 4 games. Matt Jurman is a solid cheap defender who rarely generates points but at least gives you some cover or frees up cash. Ali Abbas and Terry Antonis are cheap but unspectacular midfield options.
Remaining games: Wellington (H), Perth (H)
Wellington's finals hopes are all but gone after losing at home to Adelaide, however I'd expect them to play for a win here. That said, I think it would be risky to bring in any of their players now. Especially not Carlos Hernandez, given he only just returned from injury off the bench last week. He may yet be quite underdone, and by the time he's right the Nix will probably be watching the finals on TV. Stein Huysegems has only one goal in the last 7 games, suggesting his usefulness in fantasy football is basically over. Both Tyler Boyd and Roy Krishna were dropped from the starting XI last week, with Jeremy Brockie - who has had a poor season - surprisingly preferred. Michael Boxall and Shaun Timmins both continued in defence, however their time as bench fillers is almost at an end.
Remaning games: Sydney (A), Victory (H)
That's all for the Fantasy A-League Form Guide for Round 26. 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!