The last round of the A-League season is upon us and the league could not be tighter. The four finalists are all level on 31 points - the first time in Australian sporting history four clubs have been locked together in the final round. The fact that the A-League is an eight-team competition makes this all the more enthralling and it’s sure to be a nervous weekend for fans everywhere.

Newcastle Jets (4) v Perth Glory (7)
Newcastle sit the lowest of the four challenging teams and nothing short of a big win will do if they are to win the Premiership. Defender Adam Griffiths serves the last game of his suspension while Joel Griffiths managed to escape any disciplinary action for his elbow on Adam Kwasnik last week. James Holland will be keen to prove to national manager Pim Verbeek that he does deserve to be in the squad for the World Cup qualifier against Qatar. Newcastle will be without defender Stephen Laybutt and midfielder Denni; however, both have had minor roles this season.

Perth Glory lifted themselves off the bottom of the ladder last weekend and will also be encouraged by the fact that their undefeated record at Newcastle’s Energy Australia Stadium is the best by an away team in league history. The motivation for Perth is more than just contracts, a win here would all but make sure they do not finish the season last. Stan Lazaridis, who performed well last week, is out for this match, forcing David Mitchell to recall Simon Colosimo, who was allegedly left out of last week’s line up after being the target of transfer speculation.

'Queensland head in to the final round with a goal-difference advantage, but also as the only top team to travel'


Central Coast Mariners (3) v Wellington Phoenix (8)
The Mariners have suffered a devastating form slump in the latter stages of the season, which has seen them slip from three points clear at the top to third (albeit on goal difference). This match is one the Central Coast are desperate to win, not just for the Premier’s Plate but also to get some desperately-needed form back ahead of the play-offs.

The match-day squad remains unchanged. However, Lawrie McKinna has promised to wield the axe this week and do what he can to strengthen a defence that has been leaky recently, but also find a formula that is going to produce enough goals to win the trophy. Adam Kwasnik is available despite a broken nose and John Aloisi has overcome a knock suffered at national-team training.

Wellington could have nothing to play for should Perth win on Friday night. However, Ross Aloisi would love to get something over his more famous brother,  while Wellington come up against the only team they have never taken a point off. Aloisi and Tony Lochhead return for the New Zealand club.

Sydney FC (2) v Melbourne Victory (5)
Sydney brought back Michael Bridges and Juninho to their squad last week, and still played a style of football that seemed content with one point. One point will not do on Sunday, however it does seem very likely. Sydney do not have the best record against Melbourne and will need to play quality football against the Victorians to get three points. Under-23 national-team captain Mark Milligan returns for Sydney after a few weeks out and will be keen to prove he should be in Verbeek’s squad.

Melbourne’s season is over but they will be desperately looking for some form ahead of a difficult Asian Champions League campaign. Another motivation for a number of their players will be to impress the national coach, particularly Michael Theoklitos, who'll be keen to get some points in a wide-open goalkeepers' battle. Archie Thompson is also trying to impress, though he did recently concede that he would be an unlikely choice. Daniel Allsopp returns for this match after a virus kept him out last week.

Adelaide United (6) v Queensland Roar (1)
This is the match that will determine the outcome of the Premiership race. United have had an amazing form slump in the second half of the season, falling from first to sixth. However, Hindmarsh Stadium is a difficult place for any team to travel - particularly in summer. Adelaide have a number of players pressing for national-team selection, particularly Travis Dodd, who was disappointed to miss out in 2007. United welcome back Bobby Petta and Fabian Barbiero, who'll be desperate to pick up some form before the Asian Champions League.

Queensland head in to the final round with a goal-difference advantage, but also as the only top team to travel. Reinaldo is back from suspension and should provide something upfront and the returning Robbie Kruse should improve the service to the strikers. A worry for Queensland is the continued absence of Liam Reddy, forcing Griffin McMaster to start in goal for a third week. The Roar could be without captain Craig Moore, which would be a large blow to their defence. However, they know exactly what they have to do to win the league and it is in their hands.