After a shock exit in the FA Cup last weekend, Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan turn their attention back to Premier League matters as they prepare to take on Carlo Ancelotti’s resurgent Everton.
The Socceroos pair were both rested from the FA Cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday but are sure to return for the clash at Goodison Park at 2am on Sunday (AEDT).
The Seagulls drew with Chelsea in their most recent EPL clash and have the chance to leapfrog the Toffees on the ladder if they secure all three points on Merseyside.
But it won’t be an easy task with Everton showing encouraging signs in the league since Ancelotti’s arrival, winning two of their three matches.
Another Aussie faces a tough road trip in England, with Massimo Luongo’s Sheffield Wednesday travelling to Championship leaders Leeds United at 2am on Sunday (AEDT).
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Fresh from their upset of Brighton in the FA Cup, Luongo’s side head to Elland Road full of confidence and in with a shot of a win that could move them back into play-off places.
Elsewhere, Jackson Irvine’s Hull City (ninth) host fifth-place Fulham at 2am on Sunday (AEDT) in a clash that could have major ramifications on their top six hopes.
At the same time, Kenny Dougall’s Barnsley take on Huddersfield Town in a crucial relegation ‘six-pointer’, while Adam Federici and his Stoke City side host in-form Millwall.
And Bailey Wright’s Bristol City will hope to stop the rot – they’ve lost four of their last five in the league – when they travel to Wigan Athletic at 2am on Sunday (AEDT).
In League One, Harry Souttar’s Fleetwood Town – unbeaten in five games in the league - could move into the top six if they can overcome Burton Albion, who have fellow Aussie Ryan Edwards in their squad.
Vital clash for Goodwin’s Al Wehda
Craig Goodwin and Al Wehda are preparing for the challenge of AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday (4.05am AEDT).
Goodwin’s side are currently third on the table, one place and three points behind Al Hilal approaching the halfway point of the season.
Trent Sainsbury’s Maccabi Haifa will be looking to bounce back from a defeat to Maccabi Tel-Aviv last weekend when they head to Maccabi Netanya at 4.50am on Sunday (AEDT).
In Cyprus, Apostolos Giannou and his AEK Larnaca are also on the road, taking on Ethnikos Achna at 4am on Sunday.
And on the home front...
Jamie Maclaren will hope to continue his stunning goal-scoring form when his Melbourne City take on Brisbane Roar at 5pm on Saturday (AEDT).
Maclaren, who scored a hat-trick in his last clash against Roar, is coming off a match-winning brace in City’s last match against Western United FC.
Andrew Redmayne’s in-form Sydney FC travel up the F1 to take on struggling Newcastle Jets on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm AEDT), who sacked coach Ernie Merrick this week.
Sky Blues and Socceroos teammate Rhyan Grant remains suspended for the clash.
Meanwhile, Mitch Duke’s Western Sydney Wanderers are on the road, taking on in-form Wellington Phoenix on Saturday at 2.45pm AEDT.
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