A-League, Round 18 Predicted Team of the Week (Remembering Western United are the Team with the Bye)
Formation
4-3-3
Starting 11:
Daniel Lopar, Ryan Strain, Nigel Boogaard, Matthew Jurman, Liberato Cacace, Stefan Mauk, Josh Brillante, Keanu Baccus, Nicholas D’Agostino, Jamie Maclaren, Roy O’Donovan
Goalkeeper
Daniel Lopar (Goalkeeper- Western Sydney Wanderers)- Lopar made a world class save to help his team claim all 3 points in Round 17. He should relish the opportunity to play in the derby in Round 18.
Defenders
Ryan Strain (Right Back- Adelaide United)- Strain could be pivotal for his team in Round 18 as he generally performs well and this Round should be no different.
Nigel Boogaard (Centre Back- Newcastle Jets)- Boogaard has performed well in his 1st 2 games back from injury; expect that trend to continue in Round 18 as he will lead from the front against the Central Coast Mariners.
Matthew Jurman (Centre Back- Western Sydney Wanderers)- Jurman will be instrumental in a derby that his team needs to win to stay in touch with the top 6.
Liberato Cacace (Left Back- Wellington Phoenix)- Cacace should benefit from his team having the week off in Round 17 and cause the Perth Glory plenty of problems making many marauding runs down the left hand side.
Midfielders
Stefan Mauk (Centre Midfield- Adelaide United)- Mauk will enjoy the challenge of playing against his former team and playing his 1st game for Adelaide United in Round 18.
Josh Brillante (Centre Midfield- Melbourne City)- Brillante will be an important part of the Melbourne City team in the derby.
Keanu Baccus (Centre Midfield- Western Sydney Wanderers)- The derby is the perfect opportunity for Baccus to showcase why he has the capability to go overseas and fulfill his talent.
Strikers
Nicholas D’Agostino (Striker- Perth Glory)- D’Agostino will be looking to continue on from the form he displayed for the Olyroos and in his 1st start for the Perth Glory in Round 17 by scoring in Round 18 against the Wellington Phoenix.
Jamie Maclaren (Striker- Melbourne City)- Maclaren will want to get back on the score sheet in the derby in Round 18.
Roy O’Donovan (Striker- Newcastle Jets)- Round 18 is a chance for O’Donovan to prove that he still belongs at A-League level against a Central Coast Mariners team that’s out of form.