A-League is back: Top 4 v Bottom 4

Can the FFA do no wrong?

Adelaide United fly off to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, after tonights game against the Roar in Brisbane and where better to fly out from.

A home game in Adelaide or away in NZ would have added further hours to the trek.

And tonight's game will be one of the rounds best although I'm expecting The Roar to walk it. One suspects the United players may have other things on their minds, and given what is up for grabs even their most ardent fan might forgive them this once.

It's a crucial round for the bottom 4 clubs. All get to play teams in the finals position, and all need to take points or the gap will grow.

But who will?

Perth at home to Sydney. No-one in their right mind would predict they would. Sydney should be way too strong for Perth particularly if Kossie follows his "mentor" Aurelio Vidmar and leaves his ex-European striker John Aloisi out of the side.

Wellington, their revival must be due to come to an end. The Mariners will give no sympathy and I'm expecting a good 3-0 walloping with Danny Vukovic back in at the expense of Mark Bosnich.

Newcastle need a win or at least a point against league leaders Melbourne Victory. This will be an entertaining game with the Victory playing some flowing football once more. Archie is on fire but Ney Fabiano is, of course, still out. Hopefully Carlos Hernandez is right to play.

The Jets are struggling, mainly in the centre midfield and striker positions. Adam Griffiths is back but Joel is a doubt. Where will their goals come from?

Scored two against Wellington with a depleted side, but Melbourne are a different matter. I'm expecting a Jets defeat. 0-5 last time, maybe by two this time given they are at home.

Robbie Kruse out again for The Roar? What is going on there. The Roars best forward last year, forget Zullo, it was Kruse who consistently created goals and chances for his team mates. He needs to play, to develop, to build on what he achieved.

The most exciting young forward in the country after Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite but with 8 games of the season gone he's yet to start.

Has he got a touch of the Broncos?