The match between the Victorian rivals will kick-start an unprecedented run of A-League match play, with the remaining 27 games of the regular season to be held over an action-packed 28-day period before the end of season Finals Series.

Last week we presented the candidates for the best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders. With candidates from Korea Republic, Japan and Saudi Arabia, here are the eight players in contention for the places in the backline.

Review the nominees and then choose your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

The highlight of the programmes was a speech by The Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Launching Education City Stadium digitally, and in compliance with the protective measures implemented by Qatar, affirms the SC’s commitment to deliver its projects on schedule – despite the current circumstances. The stadium’s successful completion was dedicated to frontline workers who have worked tirelessly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The draw, to be conducted at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will separate the 16 qualified nations into four groups ahead of October’s final tournament, and Uzbekistan will be a team many will hope to avoid, should they live up to head coach Timur Kapadze’s expectations.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2017 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

La Liga, the top division of Spanish football, holds a place in the consciousness of fans throughout the globe, and it is also a nation which has played host to some standout players from the world’s largest continent.

In increasing numbers, Asian players are flocking to Spain, with some of the continent’s brightest prospects now making it their first port of call in European football.

With La Liga resuming this week, we invite you to decide which Asian player has made the biggest impact in Spanish football.

Here are our nominees:

We kicked off the series with a look back at some fabulous free-kicks, before shining the spotlight on memorable long-range efforts. This week, we turn our attention to individual brilliance and review five incredible goals where players have taken matters into their own hands and emphatically produced the goods.

So, enjoy the trip down memory lane and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!