A-League Round 5 Tips & Preview - Sky Blues & Victory clash in blockbuster Big Blue

Read on below for the fixtures schedule.

City are one of just two teams to remain unbeaten across the opening rounds of the new season - but can the defending premiers extend that run here? History suggests it will be tough - incredibly, City haven't beaten Adelaide at Coopers Stadium in the last 10 meetings dating back to 2018. It's been a solid start to the season for Adelaide - they've won two of their four games and they should be buoyed by the fact they've conquered City at home in their last three encounters at this venue. Rising striker Max Caputo will be key to City's chances, with the 20-year-old already scoring four goals in the A-League this term.

Another test for Macarthur here - they've lost both of their away games so far this season with scoring, going down 1-0 to Brisbane and 2-0 against Sydney FC. The Bulls have also lost three of their last four games against Phoenix across the ditch, although they did emerge 2-1 winners in the most-recent clash. Wellington meanwhile have only won one of their opening four games and that was a last-minute comeback triumph at home over Brisbane. The form of striker Ifeanyi Eze has been promising, with the Nigerian striker already netting himself three goals in his debut season in the A-League.

Surely this is the game where the Wanderers finally get off the mark? The pressure is mounting on coach Alen Stajcic, with the Wanderers going winless across their opening four rounds, in addition to suffering a first round Australia Cup loss to Heidelberg United. Central Coast have somehow put together a bright start to the season, despite seeing their manager depart on the eve of the campaign, beating the Jets and Glory to be sitting in fifth spot on the ladder. However, Western Sydney crushed the Mariners 4-0 in the last meeting between the teams and this represents a great chance for the former Asian champions to get their season up and running at home.

It's set to be another thrilling Big Blue between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory on Saturday night at one of the great suburban grounds in Leichhardt Oval. Sydney have certainly made the better start to the season and head into this encounter on a three-game winning streak, toppling the Mariners, Jets and Macarthur by a combined 7-1 score. Meanwhile, Victory have only managed the one win this season and that came against resident battlers Perth, with the team going down 2-0 to rivals City before the break. Al Hassan Toure is in career-best form for Sydney after scoring a hat-trick against the Jets and earning a Socceroos call-up - the striker could prove the difference here.

Auckland are flying once again at the top of the ladder, with last season's minor premiers already proving their debut campaign was no fluke. The Black Knights have won their last three games against Adelaide, Western Sydney and Wellington, prevailing 2-1 in the Kiwi derby before the break. Sam Cosgrove has adapted well to life in the A-League, with the English striker scoring three goals in four appearances. Meanwhile, the Roar were also last-start winners, producing a great performance to crush Australia Cup champions Newcastle 3-0, with that win propelling them up to fourth on the ladder. Auckland won both meetings between the sides last season by 2-0 scores.

Round 5 action comes to a close with the Jets hoping to get their season back on track when they host struggling Glory. Newcastle were absolutely sensational in picking up the Australia Cup trophy in the preseason, but their A-League form has been inconsistent, with Mark Milligan's troops only winning one of their four games - but that was a brilliant 5-2 triumph over Victory, where rising star Alex Badolato scored one of the best A-League hat-tricks in recent memory. Perth meanwhile already appear destined for another wooden spoon - they've sacked their manager and have lost their last three games without scoring a single goal. Could be panic stations if the Jets don't perform well here.