Central Coast Mariners FC - Melbourne Victory FC

The first game of the weekend comes three weeks too soon for the Central Coast Mariners - that is how long until they have a chance to extend Argentinian midfielder Patricio Perez's contribution on the park (due to the widely criticised actions of the FFA's own Spanish Inquisition, otherwise known as the Match Review Panel). And what a contributon it was, enough to suggest that my prediction of a narrow win to the visitors from Melbourne would be different if it was made last Monday morning. Melbourne's forward Robbie Kruse is back and on the basis of his superb goal last week he should give give them more point to their attack. Another test likely for 18 year old Mariners goalkeeper Matt Ryan. Although the squad is named below, fans are wondering if Graham Arnold may spring a surprise in the form of young midfielder Mustafa Amini.

Friday, 3 September 2010 - Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford - Local kick-off: 8.00pm

Referee: Chris Beath

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & on Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 66.3 Coast FM (Gosford) and 774 ABC (Melbourne), SEN Digital. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au http://www.ticketek.com.au

Central Coast Mariners squad: 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 12. Matthew LEWIS, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 23. Adam KWASNIK, 30. Paul HENDERSON (gk)
*two to be omitted*

In: Brad PORTER (returns from injury), Matthew LEWIS (promoted); Out: Patricio PEREZ (suspended by MRP - two weeks); Unavailable: Jess VANSTRATTAN (knee - season)

Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3.Mate DUGANDZIC, 5. Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13.Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Matthew FOSCHINI, 19. Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 21.Robbie KRUSE, 23.Adrian LEIJER, 27. Geoff KELLAWAY
*three to be omitted*

In: 17.Matthew FOSCHINI (promoted), 14. Billy CELESKI (returns from injury), 15.Tom PONDELJAK (promoted); Out: 22.Nick WARD (transferred to Wellington Phoenix); Unavailable: Archie THOMPSON (knee), Matthew KEMP (knee)

Head-to-Head: All matches (played 15): Central Coast Mariners wins 5, Melbourne Victory wins 7 (3 draws)

Melbourne Heart FC v North Queensland Fury FC

Saturday afternoon's game is again at the Melbourne Football Stadium with Heart chasing a win and sitting equal last on the table (the ignominy of being on the same games played, points, and goal difference as the fallen Champions, Sydney). The squad below shows 'return from injury' of John Aloisi and Michael Beauchamp but it remains to be seen what part they will play. The young, fast, and fired up Fury under ebullient Franz Straka will come south with some confidence, but their momentum may be further slowed by a draw here (I hope not, but it's on the cards). Saturday, 4 September 2010 - AAMI Park, Melbourne - Local kick-off: 5.15pm

Referee: Gerard Parsons

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1 & FS1 HD. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 774 ABC (Melbourne), SEN Digital and Zinc 100.7 (Townsville). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au http://www.ticketek.com.au Melbourne Heart squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Michael MARRONE, 3. Brendan HAMILL, 4. Simon COLOSIMO (c), 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP, 6. Matt THOMPSON, 7. Rutger WORM, 9. Gerald SIBON, 10. Wayne SRHOJ, 11. ALEX TERRA, 12. Peter ZOIS (gk), 15. John ALOISI, 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 19. Eli BABALJ, 21. Kliment TASESKI, 22. Nick KALMAR, 23. Dean HEFFERNAN, 24. Aziz BEHICH
*three to be omitted*

In: 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP (returns from injury), 15. John ALOISI (returns from injury), 17. Jason HOFFMAN (promoted); Out: Nil

Unavailable: Kristian SARKIES (Leg - Indefinite), Josip SKOKO (Hamstring - 4 weeks)

North Queensland Fury squad: 1. Justin PASFIELD (gk), 2. Jack HINGERT, 3. Brad McDONALD, 4. Eric AKOTO, 5. Mark HUGHES, 6. Ufuk TALAY (c), 7. Gareth EDDS, 9. Eugene SSEPPUYA, 10. Dyron DAAL, 11. David WILLIAMS, 12. Panagiotis NIKAS, 14. Chris GROSSMAN, 15. Chris PAYNE, 16. Simon STOREY, 17. Osama MALIK, 18. Brett STUDMAN, 19. Isaka CERNAK, 21. Jason SPAGNUOLO, 28. Jerrad TYSON (gk)
*four to be omitted*

In: Eric AKOTO (returns from suspension), Chris GROSSMAN (returns from suspension); Out: 8. Adam CASEY (Flu virus - 1 week); Unavailable: 8. Adam CASEY (Flu virus - 1 week), 13. Andre KILIAN (foot injury, 1-2 weeks), 20. Matthew HAM (rgk)(knee - 5 weeks)

Sydney FC v Adelaide United FC

Saturday night's game sees Sydney FC again at the SFS where they host the Reds. The possible incusion of Bruno Cazarine may give the Cove some hope after the table proppers poor display last week, but the return for Adelaide of Robbie Cornthwaite will shore their defence. Liam Reddy is available after his red card last weekend against the Mariners was rightly over-turned by the MRP (they can get things right, even if it is a wrong setup). What Mathew Leckie and former Sky-blue Iain Ramsay might do to Sydney ponderous defence lights up my eyes. I tip a win to the visitors.

Saturday, 4 September 2010 - Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - Local kick-off: 7.30pm

Referee: Peter Green

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & on Sky Sports 3. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is SBS Digital (Sydney) and ABC Digital (Adelaide). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au http://www.ticketek.com.au

Sydney FC squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 2. Sebastian RYALL 3. Stephan KELLER, 5. Hayden FOXE, 6. Hirofumi MORIYASU, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. Bruno CAZARINE, 10. Nick CARLE, 11. Kofi DANNING, 12. Shannon COLE, 13. Antony GOLEC, 16. Terry ANTONIS, 17. Matthew JURMAN, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 21. Scott JAMIESON, 22. BYUN Sung-Hwan, 23. Rhyan GRANT
*four to be omitted*

In: Antony GOLEC (promoted), Bruno CAZARINE (pending clearance); Out: Terry MCFLYNN (Hamstring - 2 weeks), Alex BROSQUE (Ankle - 2 weeks), Dimitri PETRATOS ; Unavailable: Nil

Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2. Robert CORNTHWAITE, 4.Iain FYFE, 5.Daniel MULLEN, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS (c), 8.Adam HUGHES, 9.Sergio VAN DIJK, 10.Marcos FLORES, 12.Paul REID, 17.Iain RAMSAY, 19.Mathew LECKIE, 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 24.Cameron WATSON, 26.Joe KEENAN In: Robert CORNTHWAITE (returns from injury); Out: Inseob SHIN (omitted); Unavailable: Nigel BOOGAARD (ankle - 9 weeks), Travis DODD (groin - 5 weeks), Lloyd OWUSU (knee - indefinite), Fabian BARBIERO (ankle - 2 weeks)

Head-to-Head: All matches (played 17): Sydney FC wins 9, Adelaide United wins 6 (2 draws)

Newcastle Jets FC v Brisbane Roar FC

Moving to Sunday and this game is said to be going ahead, despite players not being paid and ground/game suppliers trepidation that they would join them again. The problems may galvanise coach Branko Culina's men but it really looks like a clear win to the impressive visitors. Look for a battle royal between striker Thomas Broich and Jets defender Ljubo Milicevic.

Sunday, 5 September 2010 - EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle - Local kick-off: 3.00pm

Referee: Kris Griffiths-Jones

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & delayed on Sky Sports 2. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 1233 ABC Newcastle. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au http://www.ticketek.com.au

Newcastle Jest squad: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Taylor REGAN, 3. Adam D'APUZZO, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI 7. Kasey WEHRMAN 8. Michael BRIDGES (c), 9. ZHANG Shou, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 14. Labinot HALITI, 15. Sean ROONEY 16. Jeremy BROCKIE, 17. Marcello FIORENTINI, 18. Marko JESIC, 19. Ali ABASS, 40. Matthew NASH (rgk)
*one to be omitted*

In: Matthew NASH (gk)(new signing), Zhang SHOU (returns from injury), Marcello FIORENTINI (promoted); Out: Nil; Unavailable: Brodie MOOY (not selected), Kaz PATAFTA (hamstring - 1 week), Neil YOUNG (illness - indefinite), Nikolai TOPOR STANLEY (hamstring - 1 week), Ruben ZADKOVICH (hamstring - 1 week), Sash PETROVSKI (not selected), Jobe WHEELHOUSE (hamstring - 1 week)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Shane STEFANUTTO, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 10. HENRIQUE, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VICSCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE, 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK
*three to be omitted*

In: 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO (promoted), 12. Matt MUNDY (promoted), 14. Rocky VISCONTE (promoted), 18. Luke BRATTAN (returns from illness); Out: Nil; Unavailable: 5. Ivan FRANJIC (quad strain - 1-2 weeks)

Head-to-Head: All matches (played 16): Newcastle Jets wins 7, Brisbane Roar wins 6 (3 draws)

Perth Glory FC v Wellington Phoenix FC

This is a tough one - after the longest trip in the league Wellington Phoenix land in Perth for Sunday afternoon's game with a deepened squad. This is a hard one to pick. Glory at home should be a no brainer but even though they are on top of the league there have been signs of a trip up coming. Glory had their own version of the FFA Salem witch trials and will miss Michael Baird again after waiting so long for clearance. It may not be this weekend, but I will stick my neck out for a drawn result.

Sunday, 5 September 2010 - nib Stadium, East Perth - Local kick-off: 3.00pm (5.00pm AEST)

Referee: Ben Williams

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & on Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 882 6PR (Perth) and 1035AM The Radio Network (Wellington). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au http://www.ticketek.com.au

Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI, 2. Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 4. Andy TODD, 5. Jamie HARNWELL, 7. Jacob BURNS (C), 9.Robbie FOWLER, 11. Branko JELIC, 12. Scott NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20. Aleks VRTESKI (rgk), 21. Mile STERJOVSKI, 22. Anthony SKORICH, 23. Andrija JUKIC, 24. Josh RISDON
*three to be omitted*

In: Andy TODD (returns from injury), Jamie HARNWELL (returns from injury), Mile STERJOVSKI; (returns from injury), 23. Andrija JUKIC (promoted); Out: Michael BAIRD (suspended by MRP - 2 weeks); Unavailable: Victor SIKORA (hip- 4 weeks), Chris COYNE (On loan - 11 weeks)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Nick WARD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 19. Danny VUKOVIC (rgk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER
*one to be omitted*

In: Nick WARD (new signing); Out: Manny MUSCAT (international duty - 1 week); Unavailable: Diego WALSH (knee - 2 weeks), Jade NORTH (overseas - 1 week), Reece CROWTHER (gk, ribs - 6 weeks), Manny MUSCAT (international duty - 1 week)

Head-to-Head: All matches (played 10): Perth Glory wins 3, Wellington Phoenix wins 4 (3 draws)

Gold Coast United FC -> weekend break

Tipping result from our last preview: R4 - 2/5; Tally to date: 9/20

National Youth League

The first round of the 3rd season of the National Youth League under the FFA will be held on 18 September 2010 (HAL round 7). The final will be played following Round 23 (ie. after 26/27 February, 2011).

Full NYL Draw: 2010/2011 Fixtures

"The National Youth League provides players aged between 16-20 years of age a clear pathway from youth leagues to senior level and then on to professional level. When combined with existing State-based competitions, players in the national youth league will play between 35-40 games each year. Youth Players must have a minimum time on the park if in the squad.
Please note that squads are subject to interchange once on the park, and (OA) depicts overage player (born before 1 January 1991).

Westfield W-League

The first round of the 12 rounds of the 3rd season of the Westfield W-League will be held from 6 November 2010, and the final will be played on Saturday 12 February, 2011. This will be a 7 team league after withdrawal of funding by FNSW and the resultant shock demise of Central Coast Mariners W-League team.

Full W-League Draw: 2010/2011 Fixtures

Chris Dunkerley for BOTN - 2 September, 2010