Hey there fantasy fans! Welcome to the Fantasy A-League Form Guide for Round 5. An interesting couple of rounds are ahead of us with many key players missing due to international duty. In case you missed the news, Matt McKay, Ivan Franjic, Michael Zullo and Mark Milligan have all been called up for the Socceroos, meaning they will all miss Round 6. Similarly, New Zealand have named Glen Moss, Jacob Spoonley, Andrew Durante, Storm Roux, Ben Sigmund, Leo Bertos, Michael McGlinchey, Kosta Barbarouses, Jeremy Brockie and Shane Smeltz. While all Wellington and Central Coast players were already missing Round 6 thanks to their bye, Roux and McGlinchey will miss out this weekend as well. All of Wellington's NZ representatives will play against Perth on Saturday after the game was moved by 30 minutes. Smeltz will also play in that game before being absent for Round 6, however Barbarouses is now out for the Victory's trip to Sydney in addition to Round 6.
If you have any of these players make sure you have sufficient cover for them over the next two rounds. As I've already warned you about the Mariners and Phoenix missing Round 6 in previous posts you should be in a healthier position than most if you took my advice. If not, and you are facing several zeros on your field, then you have three options. Firstly, you can play your wildcard if you still have it - perhaps not a bad thing as you'll be able to shake up your team and move on players that are in danger of being benched over the coming weeks, such as Steve Pantelidis, Jamie Maclaren, Ryan Edwards, Steven Lustica and other cheapies. If you have already used your wildcard (or want to hang on to it for whatever reason), then you have two choices - take a points hit by doing multiple transfers, or just cop the zeros. When deciding whether to trade or not, consider that whoever you trade in will need to score more than 2 points just for you to break even - otherwise, you might think about copping the doughnut. It's risky either way, because if it's a low scoring couple of rounds you won't be left too far behind playing short, but if the opposite is true it's a disaster that could cost you the $10k. So I would suggest if you are trading, trade for players likely to score you big points rather than just bench cover. Whatever you do over the next two rounds, I wish you the best of luck. Of course, if the FFA scheduled breaks for internationals like other leagues, we wouldn't have this issue. The next time we face this problem won't be until March, so get through these two weeks unscathed and it should be relatively smooth sailing until late in the season.
If you have any of these players make sure you have sufficient cover for them over the next two rounds. As I've already warned you about the Mariners and Phoenix missing Round 6 in previous posts you should be in a healthier position than most if you took my advice. If not, and you are facing several zeros on your field, then you have three options. Firstly, you can play your wildcard if you still have it - perhaps not a bad thing as you'll be able to shake up your team and move on players that are in danger of being benched over the coming weeks, such as Steve Pantelidis, Jamie Maclaren, Ryan Edwards, Steven Lustica and other cheapies. If you have already used your wildcard (or want to hang on to it for whatever reason), then you have two choices - take a points hit by doing multiple transfers, or just cop the zeros. When deciding whether to trade or not, consider that whoever you trade in will need to score more than 2 points just for you to break even - otherwise, you might think about copping the doughnut. It's risky either way, because if it's a low scoring couple of rounds you won't be left too far behind playing short, but if the opposite is true it's a disaster that could cost you the $10k. So I would suggest if you are trading, trade for players likely to score you big points rather than just bench cover. Whatever you do over the next two rounds, I wish you the best of luck. Of course, if the FFA scheduled breaks for internationals like other leagues, we wouldn't have this issue. The next time we face this problem won't be until March, so get through these two weeks unscathed and it should be relatively smooth sailing until late in the season.
If you'd like to discuss any issues you might have with your fantasy team or need some advice on who to trade in or out, please join me in Zeebox's A-League chat room on Friday at around 2pm Eastern. Also feel free to contact me on Twitter or by using the comments section at the bottom of the page. Also, a big thank you to Ben (currently ranked 10th overall) for providing all of the articles I've linked to on the availability of players. You can (should) follow him on Twitter here. A full list of this week's official squads can be found here.
Melbourne Heart v Western Sydney Wanderers
Heart unavailable: Harry Kewell, Orlando Engelaar, Dylan Macallister, Jonatan Germano, Jason Hoffman, Patrick Kisnorbo (injured)
Wanderers unavailable: Youssouf Hersi (injured)
Captaincy options: Shinji Ono, Tomi Juric, Jerome Polenz, Michael Mifsud
Last weekend saw an again Harry Kewell-less Heart fail to win on the road for about the 4,956th time, falling 3-0 to an understrength Roar. The good news for the Heart - and those who own any of their players - is that 3 of the next 4 games are at home. The Heart will be wanting to get a couple of wins on the board to get their season rolling, however they'll again be without Kewell for two weeks thanks to an ankle injury he picked up at training. Interestingly against the Roar, defensive midfielder Andrea Miglorini and centre back Patrick Gerhardt were the busiest in front of goal, managing 3 shots (1 on target) each. I wouldn't expect either of them to become fantasy options though, nor Iain Ramsay, who also had 3 shots - including criminally missing an easy chance to score. Marquee striker Michael Mifsud struggled a little to get into the game, but still managed a couple of shots. He'll be hoping to open his account in front of the Heart fans at AAMI Park Friday night, and he's one of the few worthwhile forward options under $200k. Mate Dugandzic created 3 chances and had a shot on target, suggesting he may be starting to find some form. Keep an eye on him.
Meanwhile the Wanderers came from a goal down to see off Adelaide through two goals from Tomi Juric. The former Reds striker showed us just why so many rate him highly with a well-placed strike and a powerful header. Juric managed 5 shots for the game, far more than any other Wanderers player. The Wanderers clearly missed the injured Youssouf Hersi, though the curse of them never winning without him was finally broken. Hersi will miss again this week. Brendon Santalab, who was Hersi's positional replacement in this game, struggled to perform the same role. Once he was replaced by the energetic Tahj Minniecon the Wanderers were able to use the right flank to trouble the Reds. Jerome Polenz created 2 chances, one resulting in a goal, however his owners will be frustrated by both the Wanderers' failure to keep a clean sheet and his attempt to break Mabil's leg - eventually he will be sent off if he continues to tackle so dangerously and his owners will pay the price.
The Wanderers won all 3 games against the Heart last season, with 2-1 and 1-0 wins at home followed by a 3-1 win at AAMI Park. Labinot Haliti scored a brace in the 3-1 with Iacopo La Rocca getting the other, while other scorers include Shinji Ono, Mark Bridge (who has been disappointing this season), Golgol Mebrahtu and, memorably, Gerhardt, who seemed to forget which way Heart were playing... Jerome Polenz is gaining something of a reputation of a dirty player after bad tackles on Garcia and Mabil in consecutive rounds; he was also sent off in the 1-0 win last season. I think Juric, Ono and Polenz are potentially good captaincy choices, while Mifsud looms as the most likely scorer for the Heart, against a team that has kept only 1 clean sheet so far (against a woeful Sydney side) and missing their talisman again.
Wanderers unavailable: Youssouf Hersi (injured)
Captaincy options: Shinji Ono, Tomi Juric, Jerome Polenz, Michael Mifsud
Last weekend saw an again Harry Kewell-less Heart fail to win on the road for about the 4,956th time, falling 3-0 to an understrength Roar. The good news for the Heart - and those who own any of their players - is that 3 of the next 4 games are at home. The Heart will be wanting to get a couple of wins on the board to get their season rolling, however they'll again be without Kewell for two weeks thanks to an ankle injury he picked up at training. Interestingly against the Roar, defensive midfielder Andrea Miglorini and centre back Patrick Gerhardt were the busiest in front of goal, managing 3 shots (1 on target) each. I wouldn't expect either of them to become fantasy options though, nor Iain Ramsay, who also had 3 shots - including criminally missing an easy chance to score. Marquee striker Michael Mifsud struggled a little to get into the game, but still managed a couple of shots. He'll be hoping to open his account in front of the Heart fans at AAMI Park Friday night, and he's one of the few worthwhile forward options under $200k. Mate Dugandzic created 3 chances and had a shot on target, suggesting he may be starting to find some form. Keep an eye on him.
Meanwhile the Wanderers came from a goal down to see off Adelaide through two goals from Tomi Juric. The former Reds striker showed us just why so many rate him highly with a well-placed strike and a powerful header. Juric managed 5 shots for the game, far more than any other Wanderers player. The Wanderers clearly missed the injured Youssouf Hersi, though the curse of them never winning without him was finally broken. Hersi will miss again this week. Brendon Santalab, who was Hersi's positional replacement in this game, struggled to perform the same role. Once he was replaced by the energetic Tahj Minniecon the Wanderers were able to use the right flank to trouble the Reds. Jerome Polenz created 2 chances, one resulting in a goal, however his owners will be frustrated by both the Wanderers' failure to keep a clean sheet and his attempt to break Mabil's leg - eventually he will be sent off if he continues to tackle so dangerously and his owners will pay the price.
The Wanderers won all 3 games against the Heart last season, with 2-1 and 1-0 wins at home followed by a 3-1 win at AAMI Park. Labinot Haliti scored a brace in the 3-1 with Iacopo La Rocca getting the other, while other scorers include Shinji Ono, Mark Bridge (who has been disappointing this season), Golgol Mebrahtu and, memorably, Gerhardt, who seemed to forget which way Heart were playing... Jerome Polenz is gaining something of a reputation of a dirty player after bad tackles on Garcia and Mabil in consecutive rounds; he was also sent off in the 1-0 win last season. I think Juric, Ono and Polenz are potentially good captaincy choices, while Mifsud looms as the most likely scorer for the Heart, against a team that has kept only 1 clean sheet so far (against a woeful Sydney side) and missing their talisman again.
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Phoenix unavailable: Lewis Italiano (injured), Leo Bertos (omitted)
Glory unavailable: Daniel de Silva (injured)
Captaincy options: Jeremy Brockie
Monday night saw the Phoenix go down 3-2 to the Victory, who had led 3-0 after 30 minutes. Merrick's decision to play a high defensive line against the Victory (much like Adelaide in Round 2) was a curious one, and early on it looked like the Victory would destroy the Nix, but goals to Jeremy Brockie and Paul Ifill (off the Bunnings) gave them a sniff. Brockie (4 shots) again displayed how dangerous he can be, and his owners will be thrilled that he's able to play this weekend. If you don't have him, strongly consider bringing him in after Round 6 (when the Nix have the bye) and before Round 11 (when the Nix play twice). Ifill meanwhile (3 shots and a shot assist) is also dangerous, but far less consistently so than Brockie, and coming off the bench doesn't help either. At $269k, there are cheaper options likely to provide a better output. Carlos Hernandez also managed 4 shots (all off target) and created 4 chances (one an assist) against his old side.
Meanwhile, the Glory were a bit lucky to beat Sydney FC 1-0 at home in a poor contest. Only 3 Perth players managed a shot on target - scorer Steven McGarry, Sidnei and Ryo Nagai. Jamie Maclaren was again quiet, mustering only 2 shots off target and a shot assist. Worryingly, he was substituted off 6 minutes before Shane Smeltz even came on. Ryan Edwards played a full 90 (2 shot assists), suggesting he, rather than Maclaren, will be the one to keep their spot in the side. However, as said before, he's not really warranted a starting spot in your fantasy team so far, and perhaps is best served as bench cover. Both should play however in Round 6, with Smeltz away, and also this weekend if Smeltz starts on the Bunnings. Steve Pantelidis is another in danger of losing their spot in the side with William Gallas set to play against Adelaide in Round 6. So if you are using your wildcard this week or next, he may be one to look at moving on if you have him.
Last season the Phoenix got the better of Perth on two occasions, winning 1-0 at Eden Park and 2-1 in Perth, where the two sides had previously drawn 1-1. Brockie got two, while Smeltz, Nagai, Ifill and Stein Huysegems scored the rest. I think Brockie is a strong candidate for the armband this week, and easily the best from this game. Hernandez will have to shake off Ryan Edwards to create or score, and Smeltz and Ifill may start on the Bunnings.
Glory unavailable: Daniel de Silva (injured)
Captaincy options: Jeremy Brockie
Monday night saw the Phoenix go down 3-2 to the Victory, who had led 3-0 after 30 minutes. Merrick's decision to play a high defensive line against the Victory (much like Adelaide in Round 2) was a curious one, and early on it looked like the Victory would destroy the Nix, but goals to Jeremy Brockie and Paul Ifill (off the Bunnings) gave them a sniff. Brockie (4 shots) again displayed how dangerous he can be, and his owners will be thrilled that he's able to play this weekend. If you don't have him, strongly consider bringing him in after Round 6 (when the Nix have the bye) and before Round 11 (when the Nix play twice). Ifill meanwhile (3 shots and a shot assist) is also dangerous, but far less consistently so than Brockie, and coming off the bench doesn't help either. At $269k, there are cheaper options likely to provide a better output. Carlos Hernandez also managed 4 shots (all off target) and created 4 chances (one an assist) against his old side.
Meanwhile, the Glory were a bit lucky to beat Sydney FC 1-0 at home in a poor contest. Only 3 Perth players managed a shot on target - scorer Steven McGarry, Sidnei and Ryo Nagai. Jamie Maclaren was again quiet, mustering only 2 shots off target and a shot assist. Worryingly, he was substituted off 6 minutes before Shane Smeltz even came on. Ryan Edwards played a full 90 (2 shot assists), suggesting he, rather than Maclaren, will be the one to keep their spot in the side. However, as said before, he's not really warranted a starting spot in your fantasy team so far, and perhaps is best served as bench cover. Both should play however in Round 6, with Smeltz away, and also this weekend if Smeltz starts on the Bunnings. Steve Pantelidis is another in danger of losing their spot in the side with William Gallas set to play against Adelaide in Round 6. So if you are using your wildcard this week or next, he may be one to look at moving on if you have him.
Last season the Phoenix got the better of Perth on two occasions, winning 1-0 at Eden Park and 2-1 in Perth, where the two sides had previously drawn 1-1. Brockie got two, while Smeltz, Nagai, Ifill and Stein Huysegems scored the rest. I think Brockie is a strong candidate for the armband this week, and easily the best from this game. Hernandez will have to shake off Ryan Edwards to create or score, and Smeltz and Ifill may start on the Bunnings.
Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets
United unavailable: Daniel Bowles (injured)
Jets unavailable: Mitch Cooper (injured)
Captaincy options: Jeronimo, Marcelo Carrusca
While the Reds looked better against the Wanderers than against the Mariners, they again finished without a point. The pressure is on for Gombau's Reds to get the 3 points at home to a Jets side who have not impressed so far. Against the Wanderers, Marcelo Carrusca was the man making it happen, scoring a goal from his 5 shots and creating 2 other chances. He was sorely missed against the Mariners, as was Jeronimo (3 shots, 1 chance created), who played a big role in Carrusca's goal. Nonetheless, he still remains goalless outside of Adelaide (and Uzbekistan) while in a Reds shirt. With Bruce Djite's return looming it remains to be seen how his role in the side may be affected. If Jeronimo switches to the right wing, this could be bad news for the owners of Fabio Ferreira. Ferreira worryingly did not manage a shot or to create a chance against the Wanderers; he'll be hoping for a better showing at home against the Jets. Michael Zullo will miss next weekend against Perth; upon returning, he may find his spot at left back taken by Cassio.
The Jets led 2-0 against the Mariners before letting it slip and having to settle for a 2-2 draw. Owners of Scott Neville would have been thrilled with the right back scoring the opener; it's always nice when one of your cheap defenders pops up for a goal. Fellow cheapie defender Andrew Hoole managed 3 shots - as said before, he's someone to consider if he keeps his place as he's playing in the Jets forward line. Aside from cheap defenders, the Jets don't really have a lot to offer fantasy coaches at the moment. Cheap forward Adam Taggart hasn't been great and may have to make way for the returning Emile Heskey. Ruben Zadkovich's name keeps being mentioned to me, but even with the greater freedom allowed to him by his move to #8 he's still not going to be a consistent scorer and he's too expensive to be bench cover.
Last season the Reds beat the Jets 2-0 in Round 1 in Newcastle, followed by a 0-0 draw there and a 1-1 draw in Adelaide. Michael Bridges and Carrusca are the only surviving scorers from those games. I'm expecting Adelaide to win this one, so the key Reds attackers Carrusca and Jeronimo are probably the most likely to make something happen.
Jets unavailable: Mitch Cooper (injured)
Captaincy options: Jeronimo, Marcelo Carrusca
While the Reds looked better against the Wanderers than against the Mariners, they again finished without a point. The pressure is on for Gombau's Reds to get the 3 points at home to a Jets side who have not impressed so far. Against the Wanderers, Marcelo Carrusca was the man making it happen, scoring a goal from his 5 shots and creating 2 other chances. He was sorely missed against the Mariners, as was Jeronimo (3 shots, 1 chance created), who played a big role in Carrusca's goal. Nonetheless, he still remains goalless outside of Adelaide (and Uzbekistan) while in a Reds shirt. With Bruce Djite's return looming it remains to be seen how his role in the side may be affected. If Jeronimo switches to the right wing, this could be bad news for the owners of Fabio Ferreira. Ferreira worryingly did not manage a shot or to create a chance against the Wanderers; he'll be hoping for a better showing at home against the Jets. Michael Zullo will miss next weekend against Perth; upon returning, he may find his spot at left back taken by Cassio.
The Jets led 2-0 against the Mariners before letting it slip and having to settle for a 2-2 draw. Owners of Scott Neville would have been thrilled with the right back scoring the opener; it's always nice when one of your cheap defenders pops up for a goal. Fellow cheapie defender Andrew Hoole managed 3 shots - as said before, he's someone to consider if he keeps his place as he's playing in the Jets forward line. Aside from cheap defenders, the Jets don't really have a lot to offer fantasy coaches at the moment. Cheap forward Adam Taggart hasn't been great and may have to make way for the returning Emile Heskey. Ruben Zadkovich's name keeps being mentioned to me, but even with the greater freedom allowed to him by his move to #8 he's still not going to be a consistent scorer and he's too expensive to be bench cover.
Last season the Reds beat the Jets 2-0 in Round 1 in Newcastle, followed by a 0-0 draw there and a 1-1 draw in Adelaide. Michael Bridges and Carrusca are the only surviving scorers from those games. I'm expecting Adelaide to win this one, so the key Reds attackers Carrusca and Jeronimo are probably the most likely to make something happen.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Sydney unavailable: Rhyan Grant, Peter Triantis, Terry Antonis, Corey Gamiero (injured)
Victory unavailable: Kosta Barbarouses (international duty)
Captaincy options: Alessandro Del Piero, Archie Thompson, James Troisi
Sydney lost their third game in a row last weekend, and though they were a little unlucky to lose, they were still quite poor. Even Alessandro Del Piero couldn't provide the spark needed off the Bunnings. Brett Emerton managed the most shots of anyone in the game, with 2 of his 3 efforts on target. Nicky Carle also produced 2 shots on target, and both men created 2 chances. However, with likely Carle dropping back into the #6 role following ADP's return, don't expect him to be scoring you many points. Similarly, I wouldn't consider Emerton to be an option just yet, as he may also find himself in a more defensive role. The only man to consider is ADP, given his huge price tag and that he's struggled with injuries already, even he is difficult to recommend adding to your side. Yairo Yau is very cheap and something of an impact player off the Bunnings, so I can see why people want to pick him, but ultimately he's not going to score consistently enough to get you the $10k, especially once Corey Gameiro returns. The same goes for Joel Chianese.
The Victory meanwhile look to be 'as you were' under Muscat. James Troisi's brace, adding to the 2 goals he's already scored (from just 5 shots on target), may be enough to keep him in the side ahead of Gui Finkler for the time being. Troisi may even be fielded on a wing in place of the absent Kosta Barbarouses, who was ordinary against the Nix despite assisting one of Troisi's goals. It's more likely though that Connor Pain will play Kosta's role for the next two weeks. Mitch Nichols had a poor game and came off injured; it's possible that he will be the one to make way for Finkler if Muscat wishes to start the Brazilian. Archie Thompson finally got off the mark, permanently scarring many viewers with his goal celebration. Archie is very much a form player, and his omission from the Socceroos squad may also spark a run of goal scoring. Defensively, Victory showed us that we can't rely on them (and their cheapie defenders like Adrian Leijer and Jason Geira) for clean sheet points just yet.
Last season the Victory ended Ian Crook's stint as Sydney manager with a 3-2 win in Sydney, and then followed up by winning 3-1 in Melbourne, before the sides drew 1-1 at Allianz. Archie Thompson, Yao and Andrew Nabbout all scored twice in the fixtures, while Mark Milligan is the only other surviving scorer. Tiago (and Fabio) was sent off in the 3-1 defeat. ADP is interestingly yet to score against the Victory - he missed a penalty in the 1-1 draw - however if you've spent the money on him, you have to consider him for the captaincy. Sydney will be desperate for him to make something happen this Saturday night. For Victory, I'd look at the 'in form' players - Troisi and Thompson. I'd be very shocked if Sydney kept a clean sheet this week, so they are both strong contenders for the arm band.
Victory unavailable: Kosta Barbarouses (international duty)
Captaincy options: Alessandro Del Piero, Archie Thompson, James Troisi
Sydney lost their third game in a row last weekend, and though they were a little unlucky to lose, they were still quite poor. Even Alessandro Del Piero couldn't provide the spark needed off the Bunnings. Brett Emerton managed the most shots of anyone in the game, with 2 of his 3 efforts on target. Nicky Carle also produced 2 shots on target, and both men created 2 chances. However, with likely Carle dropping back into the #6 role following ADP's return, don't expect him to be scoring you many points. Similarly, I wouldn't consider Emerton to be an option just yet, as he may also find himself in a more defensive role. The only man to consider is ADP, given his huge price tag and that he's struggled with injuries already, even he is difficult to recommend adding to your side. Yairo Yau is very cheap and something of an impact player off the Bunnings, so I can see why people want to pick him, but ultimately he's not going to score consistently enough to get you the $10k, especially once Corey Gameiro returns. The same goes for Joel Chianese.
The Victory meanwhile look to be 'as you were' under Muscat. James Troisi's brace, adding to the 2 goals he's already scored (from just 5 shots on target), may be enough to keep him in the side ahead of Gui Finkler for the time being. Troisi may even be fielded on a wing in place of the absent Kosta Barbarouses, who was ordinary against the Nix despite assisting one of Troisi's goals. It's more likely though that Connor Pain will play Kosta's role for the next two weeks. Mitch Nichols had a poor game and came off injured; it's possible that he will be the one to make way for Finkler if Muscat wishes to start the Brazilian. Archie Thompson finally got off the mark, permanently scarring many viewers with his goal celebration. Archie is very much a form player, and his omission from the Socceroos squad may also spark a run of goal scoring. Defensively, Victory showed us that we can't rely on them (and their cheapie defenders like Adrian Leijer and Jason Geira) for clean sheet points just yet.
Last season the Victory ended Ian Crook's stint as Sydney manager with a 3-2 win in Sydney, and then followed up by winning 3-1 in Melbourne, before the sides drew 1-1 at Allianz. Archie Thompson, Yao and Andrew Nabbout all scored twice in the fixtures, while Mark Milligan is the only other surviving scorer. Tiago (and Fabio) was sent off in the 3-1 defeat. ADP is interestingly yet to score against the Victory - he missed a penalty in the 1-1 draw - however if you've spent the money on him, you have to consider him for the captaincy. Sydney will be desperate for him to make something happen this Saturday night. For Victory, I'd look at the 'in form' players - Troisi and Thompson. I'd be very shocked if Sydney kept a clean sheet this week, so they are both strong contenders for the arm band.
Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar
Mariners unavailable: Storm Roux, Michael McGlinchey (international duty), Adam Kwasnik (injured)
Roar unavailable: Besart Berisha, Shane Stefanutto, Liam Miller, George Lambadaridis (injured)
Captaincy options: Marcos Flores, Ivan Franjic, Thomas Broich
After 3 draws and only 1 win to start the season, the Mariners face another tough test in Round 5 against the Roar - and they'll be without two key players for the match. With the Mariners having the bye next week, you'll need to make sure you have cover for the likes of Marcos Flores, Mitchell Duke and Storm Roux. It may be an option to trade out Roux this week and then trade him back in after Round 6, building towards Round 11 when the Mariners play twice. Flores was again pivotal against the Jets, cooly scoring a retaken penalty and then inadvertently setting up Mile Sterjovski for the equaliser. He also pocketed 3 bonus points for the first time, bringing his total to 8 for the season. There is no doubt Flores is back to his best and the onus will be on him to be the key creator against the Roar with Michael McGlinchey missing. As they have the bye next week, I'd advise against bringing in any Mariners players for now unless you can cover them in Round 6. After that, you will want to be looking at Flores and Duke, with the returning Daniel McBreen also an option.
The Roar, after a shaky start, did it comfortably against the Heart, with Matt Smith notching his second goal of the season and Henrique grabbing a brace after moving from midfield to up forward. I'd be greatly surprised if Smith keeps up this goal scoring form, but he's certainly one of the better centre backs to have. Still, I wouldn't be picking him if you already have Ivan Franjic, nor do I think he's going to score nearly as highly as Franjic will. Similarly, I'd advise against relying on Henrique. He's there to do a job, and so far he's done it well, but with Berisha returning next week he'll at best be covering Franjic at right wing (or in midfield, where he was ineffective); after that, he's likely to be limited to cameos off the bench - so he's similar to Yairo Yau. If you pick him, you may get rewarded like last week, but after that you could find yourself with a big problem in your forward line. If you own Franjic, I'd suggest you do your best to hang onto him and find some way to cover him next week.
Last season the Mariners beat the Roar twice at home, 2-1 and 1-0, and managed a 2-2 draw at Suncorp. Only one scorer from those games is available this week - McBreen, who grabbed a goal in the 2-2 draw. When looking at captaincy, surely the main candidate has to be Flores, especially with the Roar still carrying some injuries. For the Roar, Franjic is an option as always, though I'd be wary of him being forced to play Liam Miller's role in midfield, which will limit his chances of scoring or assisting a goal. Thomas Broich, very quiet last week, may bounce back against the Mariners; no doubt he'll be required to provide some spark and individual brilliance to help the Roar get something from the game.
Roar unavailable: Besart Berisha, Shane Stefanutto, Liam Miller, George Lambadaridis (injured)
Captaincy options: Marcos Flores, Ivan Franjic, Thomas Broich
After 3 draws and only 1 win to start the season, the Mariners face another tough test in Round 5 against the Roar - and they'll be without two key players for the match. With the Mariners having the bye next week, you'll need to make sure you have cover for the likes of Marcos Flores, Mitchell Duke and Storm Roux. It may be an option to trade out Roux this week and then trade him back in after Round 6, building towards Round 11 when the Mariners play twice. Flores was again pivotal against the Jets, cooly scoring a retaken penalty and then inadvertently setting up Mile Sterjovski for the equaliser. He also pocketed 3 bonus points for the first time, bringing his total to 8 for the season. There is no doubt Flores is back to his best and the onus will be on him to be the key creator against the Roar with Michael McGlinchey missing. As they have the bye next week, I'd advise against bringing in any Mariners players for now unless you can cover them in Round 6. After that, you will want to be looking at Flores and Duke, with the returning Daniel McBreen also an option.
The Roar, after a shaky start, did it comfortably against the Heart, with Matt Smith notching his second goal of the season and Henrique grabbing a brace after moving from midfield to up forward. I'd be greatly surprised if Smith keeps up this goal scoring form, but he's certainly one of the better centre backs to have. Still, I wouldn't be picking him if you already have Ivan Franjic, nor do I think he's going to score nearly as highly as Franjic will. Similarly, I'd advise against relying on Henrique. He's there to do a job, and so far he's done it well, but with Berisha returning next week he'll at best be covering Franjic at right wing (or in midfield, where he was ineffective); after that, he's likely to be limited to cameos off the bench - so he's similar to Yairo Yau. If you pick him, you may get rewarded like last week, but after that you could find yourself with a big problem in your forward line. If you own Franjic, I'd suggest you do your best to hang onto him and find some way to cover him next week.
Last season the Mariners beat the Roar twice at home, 2-1 and 1-0, and managed a 2-2 draw at Suncorp. Only one scorer from those games is available this week - McBreen, who grabbed a goal in the 2-2 draw. When looking at captaincy, surely the main candidate has to be Flores, especially with the Roar still carrying some injuries. For the Roar, Franjic is an option as always, though I'd be wary of him being forced to play Liam Miller's role in midfield, which will limit his chances of scoring or assisting a goal. Thomas Broich, very quiet last week, may bounce back against the Mariners; no doubt he'll be required to provide some spark and individual brilliance to help the Roar get something from the game.
That's it for the Round 5 edition of the Fantasy Form Guide. Hopefully there's some useful advice in there, helping you solve any problems in the first of two very difficult rounds for fantasy coaches. As always, if you have any comments or questions feel free to use the space below to make a post, or contact me on Twitter. If you enjoyed what you read, please help us spread the word by using the buttons below to share it with your mates on Facebook and Twitter. Wishing you and your teams (fantasy and real life) the best of luck for the round ahead. Cheers for reading!