Round three A-League preview

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Friday October 23

Newcastle Jets V Melbourne Victory

Hunter Stadium, 7.40pm

Newcastle started with a bang in round one under new coach Scott Miller, however, were brought back down to earth last week with a 1-0 loss to Sydney FC.

The Victory fought off a spirited comeback from Melbourne City in the derby to claim all three points in an entertaining affair.

Newcastle will struggle to contain the Victory's attacking options with key back Lee Ki-Je missing again. Labinot Haliti is also out, after suffering a season ending knee injury.

Melbourne Victory have scored in 13 of their past 14 A-League matches against the Jets, however, Newcastle is unbeaten in its last seven home games against the reigning champions.

Melbourne hasn't won at Hunter Stadium since October 2009, but that streak can't last forever.

Prediction: Newcastle 1- 2 Melbourne Victory

Saturday October 24

Wellington Phoenix V Brisbane Roar

Westpac Stadium, 5.15pm

Brisbane is the only team to have won both matches from the opening two rounds. However, it will be tough trip to Wellington this week, with the Phoenix making their home ground a fortress last season, beating the Roar 3-0 at home last season.

Wellington has failed to beat the Roar in seven A-League matches before winning two of their last three encounters. The Phoenix were much improved last week after a disappointing first up loss to Newcastle and should just get the job done at home.

Prediction: Wellington 2- 1 Brisbane

Sydney FC V Western Sydney Wanderers

Sydney Football Stadium, 7.30pm

The Sydney Derby is a sell out yet again. It promises to be another tantalizing match, with plenty at stake for both sides. The Sky Blues got on the board last week with a narrow victory over the Jets and will be very keen to put in a solid performance to kick their campaign into gear.

The Wanderers are yet to win and will want to arrest their recent form against their cross-town rivals, with Sydney FC winning three of their last four clashes.

Expect a fiery match, with two red cards handed out in the last three Sydney derbies.

The Wanderers have failed to keep a clean sheet in their 15 A-League matches.

Prediction: Sydney FC 3 - 1 Western Sydney

Sunday October 25

Melbourne City V Central Coast

AAMI Park, 5.00pm

Melbourne City are also yet to win in the opening two games, despite all the hype once again surrounding the club. However, injuries have cruelled the start of their campaign.

The loss of experienced goalkeeper Liam Reddy will hurt the Mariners, will youngster Paul Izzo likely to be tested in goals.

It could be a high scoring match, with the last three games between the two sides in Melbourne producing 11 goals.

City are unbeaten in their past nine home games.

Prediction: Melbourne City 3 - 2 Central Coast

Perth Glory V Adelaide United

NIB Stadium, 7.00pm

Perth is the only team yet to register a point this season and despite playing at home, will have a tough time of it again this week.

Adelaide have struggled for goals with two draws from two games so far this season. They will be keen to inflict some pain on a fatigued Perth, who played an FFA Cup semi final on Wednesday. Adelaide is on its longest unbeaten run over the Glory in its history, unbeaten in the last nine matches again Perth.

Only once in their past 13 away matches in the A-League have the Reds failed to score.

Prediction: Perth 0 -2 Adelaide

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