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PREVIEW OF A-LEAGUE ROUND SIX MATCHES (all times AEDT):

SATURDAY, Nov 16

Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium, 5pm

Head to head: Adelaide 19, Mariners 18, drawn 7

Last clash: Round 23, 2018-19 - Adelaide 1-0 at Central Coast Stadium

The sight of Adelaide's star arrivals James Troisi and Riley McGree combining sweetly for the lone goal against Brisbane last week won't have been missed by the rest of the league. The pair boast a quality that will threaten a Central Coast team picked apart 3-1 by Melbourne City but who have shown a promising attack through the opening month. In-form Adelaide have won all of their last five games in Gosford.

Key: McGree: Controversially omitted from the Olyroos squad, the classy Reds midfielder is clear to add to his four-goal tally this season. He has thrived before against the Mariners.

Tip: Adelaide

Western United FC v Newcastle Jets at GMHBA Stadium, 7.30pm

After back-to-back wins lifted them up to second on the ladder, Western United will be seeking to maintain their impressive start when a struggling Jets make the trip to Geelong. Jets' coach Ernie Merrick was less than impressed with referee Jonathan Barreiro during his team's clash with Perth last weekend but a 1-1 draw against last year's premiers was a creditable result, even if it Newcastle remain winless so far this season. Fullback Josh Risdon is away on Socceroos duty for United, although Besart Berisha is set to return from injury. Jets skipper Nigel Boogaard has also been named after missing the Glory match.

Key: Alessandro Diamanti. The Italian veteran has settled in perfectly to the A-League and is at the heart of everything creative for Mark Rudan's team.

Tip: Western United

SUNDAY, Nov 17

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City at Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe, 4pm

Head to head: City 13, Roar 10, drawn 5

Last clash: Round 24, 2018-19 - City 4-1 at AAMI Park

Brisbane returned from Adelaide without a goal and without any points, making it no wins and just one goal from four matches for Robbie Fowler's team. They're creating chances but finishing them off is proving a problem. No such worries for City, who belted Central Coast 3-1 to move three points clear at the top of the league. Connor O'Toole is out for Brisbane after earning an Olyroos call-up while ex-Roar striker Jamie Maclaren has been named to return from a hamstring injury for City.

Key: Roy O'Donovan. The Irish striker is the man the Roar need to get the goals flowing but has been snatching at his chances in recent games.

Tip: City

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 6.30pm

Head to head: Sydney 17, Victory 16, drawn 17

Last clash: Semi-final, 2018-19 - Sydney 6-1 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

The first Big Blue of the season will have all eyes on New Zealand striker Kosta Barbarouses following his off-season move from Victory to Sydney. The Sky Blues are coming off the bye with Michael Zullo named to make his return from injury. Victory coach Marco Kurz has sent an SOS to Socceroos attacker Robbie Kruse after losing several players to international call-ups. Kruse hasn't played since returning to the Victory but has been named to make the trip to Kogarah. Melbourne will be keen to claim a second win of the season after being held to a 1-1 draw at home against Wellington last weekend.

Key: Ola Toivonen. The big Swede has been playing somewhat of a lone hand for Victory, having a hand in seven of the team's past eight goals.

Tip: Sydney FC

BYES: Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory, Wellington Phoenix.

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