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The six A-League finalists can be determined three weeks out from the end of the regular season if results fall the right way in round 24.
PREVIEW OF A-LEAGUE ROUND 24 MATCHES (all times AEDT):
FRIDAY, April 5
Melbourne CIty v Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park, 7.50pm
Head to Head: City 12, Roar 10, drawn 5
Last clash: Round 13 - City 1 bt Roar 0 at AAMI Park
Everything points to a home win. Melbourne City are unbeaten in their past nine while the Roar have one win from their past 14 road trips. City will be eager to bounce back after losing to Western Sydney last time out. Brisbane coach Darren Davies looked frustrated after defeat to Sydney FC last weekend and the Roar are battling for motivation with the season coming to a close.
Key: Jamie Maclaren - The City striker is returning from concussion and eager to put one over his old club.
Tip: City
SATURDAY, April 6
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers at McDonald Jones Stadium, 5.35pm
Head to head: Jets 6 Wanderers 8, drawn 6
Last clash: Round 17 - Wanderers 1 lost to Jets 5 at ANZ Stadium
Two teams still harbouring mathematical hopes of a finals berth but relying heavily on other results. A draw won't help either, suggesting goals could be coming. The Wanderers have bagged plenty in the past six weeks, picking up four wins in the process while the Jets have stuttered at the wrong time. If the hosts rediscover their best, they could complete a season sweep against the Sydney outfit, including the 5-1 drubbing in February.
Key: Oriol Riera - The Wanderers marksman has found the net five times in his past five games, including last week's double against Melbourne City.
Tip: Jets
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory at Sydney Cricket Ground, 7.50pm
Head to head: Sydney 15, Victory 16, drawn 17
Last clash: Round 18 - Victory 2 bt Sydney 1 at AAMI Park
The Big Blue will be crucial in the race for the top two. Sydney are in the box seat but have just a one-point lead over Victory following Melbourne's win over Perth last weekend. Kevin Muscat's men have won the past three clashes with their northern rivals and lost one of their past 12 away. Both teams are likely to stick with line-ups which won last weekend.
Key: Siem de Jong - Sydney's Dutch import came off the bench to turn the game against the Roar and, if he can stay fit, is a potential matchwinner.
Tip: Victory
SUNDAY, April 7
Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium, 5pm
Head to head: Adelaide 18, Phoenix 8, drawn 10
Last clash: Round 11 - Adelaide 0 drew with Phoenix 0 at Coopers Stadium
Just three points separates the teams ranked fourth and fifth but they're at polar ends of the goalscoring confidence scale. The Phoenix have slammed home an A-League record 15 goals in their past three outings while it's been just three in the last six for the Reds. Marco Kurz's men haven't lost to the Phoenix in their past 10 meetings but will need improvement to win and move level with the Wellington outfit.
Key: Filip Kurto - For all the goals they're scoring, the Phoenix continue to shower thanks on their Polish goalkeeper, who keeps churning out stunning saves.
Tip: Draw
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory, 7pm
Head to head: Mariners 21, Glory 14, drawn 7
Last clash: Round 10 - Mariners 1 lost to Glory 4 at Central Coast Stadium
How will the Glory respond to adversity? Last week's loss to Melbourne Victory was their first setback in more than three months. Their only other loss this season was also followed by a match on the Central Coast, where they put four past the Mariners. A Perth win would virtually cement the Premiers Plate and leave the home side all-but resigned to wooden spoon honours. The Mariners have shown fight in their two games under Alen Stajcic though.
Key: Andy Keogh - Perth's centre forward scored twice when they beat the Mariners last time but must curb his enthusiasm. His 28 offside offences are the most in this season's A-League.
Tip: Perth
