Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar desperate for win, title contenders Adelaide and Sydney FC meet Former Socceroo John Aloisi runs his eye over some of this weekend's biggest match-ups in the A-League. Mike Mulvey and his Brisbane Roar side are struggling and need a win. ROUND five of the A-League sees Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar - two sides desperate for a win - face off, while two of the competition's form sides and contenders for the title, Sydney FC and Adelaide United meet at Coopers Stadium. Former Socceroo and Melbourne Heart striker and coach John Aloisi casts his eye over the five matches this weekend. Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City, Saturday, 7.30pm EDT There's plenty of pressure building on these two sides after a difficult start to the season, so this is one of the weekend's most interesting matches. On one hand, you've got a side trying to integrate 10 new players; on the other, you've got a team with plenty of pedigree that you expect to turn it around, which team will get it right Saturday? I'm really interested to see how Brisbane adapt against a Melbourne City side that will come at them with pace up front and look to press them high, exposing the champions like Sydney FC did a fortnight ago. John van "t Schip won't have David Villa, but he will have a very mobile front three: Mate Dugandzic, David Williams and Damien Duff, most likely. Will Mike Mulvey's side look to vary things and not try to play their way out every time? Could they, perhaps, look at space in behind with a player like Henrique and try turn City around to keep them guessing? Against Sydney FC, for example, I recall one instance where Sasa Ognenovski was able to press so high up the field simply because he knew he wasn't going to be challenged in behind. I'm not worried about Brisbane Roar's prospects just yet. With a spine of Matt Smith, Jade North, Matt McKay - back this week from suspension - and Thomas Broich, that's as good as any. If I were Brisbane, there's one obvious weak spot for Melbourne City that I'd exploit: their left side. They've conceded six of their nine goals down that side. Iain Ramsey was tried, and van "t Schip showed he was desperate by throwing an underdone Jonatan Germano in last week, before Ben Garuccio had to come on to replace him. None are natural left-backs and Henrique or Dimi Petratos are ideal to be unleashed down that side. Hopefully City fans are patient as I think they've shown glimpses. They keep the ball very well, they press from the front when they lose the ball well; but when opponents get a stranglehold on possession, they've wilted at times. If they want to be a top side they need to learn how to soak up pressure as well. Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey is looking for his first points of the season. Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers, 5.30pm EDT It's going to be hard for the Wanderers players to get mentally prepared for this game.They'll try and do everything right but let's be honest, it's not easy after being on such a high, celebrating, travelling all that way and then having to travel again, going to a team that has done well so far. I think Popa will try and rotate his squad a little bit, if he can. Mathew Spiranovic and Tomi Juric are two options that come to mind as he tries to keep his team on their toes. But over there, I think Wellington could be too strong. I like the look of Nathan Burns; Michael McGlinchey was a bit quiet last week but I expect him to bounce back at home. With Roly Bonevacia sharp in midfield. they're a team to look out for. Captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley admits the Wanderers will be using their heroic Asian Champions League win as motivation as they aim to break their A-League duck. Adelaide United v Sydney FC, 7.45pm EDT I can't wait for this one - along with Melbourne Victory, these are the two hot sides in the competition. What's most interesting is the clash of styles we'll be treated to: Adelaide United, who like to take the game to their opponents and dominate on the ball, against a very well structured Sydney side who have no problems soaking up pressure. Adelaide are more comfortable with the ball than without it - if they lose it, they want it back quickly! Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold has rated captain Alex Brosque a 50/50 chance of overcoming an ankle injury to face Adelaide in round 5 of the A-League. Sydney, on the other hand, are very versatile. They can absorb some heat and then hit teams, be it on the break, or through set pieces. It's been a very encouraging start for Graham Arnold. This will come down to a wonderful midfield battle: Carrusca, Isaias and Jeggo or Sanchez up against Dimitrijevic and Antonis - a pairing as good as we've seen this season so far, who seem to complement each other really well. Sydney will sit off, making sure the likes of Cirio and Mabil don't enjoy the space they crave, where they like to get in behind their defenders, or isolate them 1 v 1, and then look to pounce. Fans at Coopers Stadium love this fixture and this one is a game to look forward to. But, I can't split the teams. Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has confirmed injured stars Besart Berisha and Matthieu Delpierre are a chance to return this weekend when the A-League leaders take on Newcastle. Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory, 5pm EDT Newcastle finally get a home game after four away trips, including the horror double of Wellington and Perth, but I still can't see that being enough to help them past Melbourne Victory. We saw on Monday night that despite a few injuries and suspensions, Kevin Muscat's outfit have as much depth as anyone and can beat anyone on their day. Look at Connor Pain, for example. He hasn't played a lot and he showed what he can do coming off the bench against Wellington. Their front three will cause too many problems for Newcastle's back four, who have been a bit suspect so far. Phil Stubbins's side has a bit of work to do at the back, as it is really hamstringing their side. They do have quality going forward, but the easy goals they are conceding are killing them. Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory, 5pm EDT After winning their first away game, Perth struggled when they travelled to Adelaide and had a heavy schedule at home last week with an FFA Cup and league double. On the other hand, Mariners showed last week some decent touches at Sydney FC and at home, I think Bluetongue will remain a hard place to get points at. Even though Perth are on nine points I think the Mariners can get them. Originally published as Something's got to give for Roar, City