Thursday 23 October 2014

A-League Round 3 Preview

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday, October 24
7 PM (AEST)

The Roar find themselves in uncharted waters as they share bottom spot of the A-League ladder with Grand Final opponents Western Sydney Wanderers. The task is huge for the Sky Blues as they plan for their third game in less than a week. I felt the Roar was solid in patches, but some key defensive lapses cost them on the back of a stand-out striking performance by Irish import Andy Keogh for the Glory. Sydney’s extra-time quarter final FFA Cup loss against Adelaide United will be a bitter pill to swallow, but I feel Brisbane are very good value to notch up their first win of the season
Pick: Brisbane Roar (H2H)

Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, October 25
6.30 PM (AEST)

Last week saw a record attendance for the #SydneyDerby but the hype now moves to Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium for Melbourne’s version. David Villa will add an extra special feel to the encounter, as emotions are always high to claim bragging rights. Big name player often step up to the plate in big games and I see no reason why it won’t happen in this one. Carl Valeri has been an important ingredient in linking the attacking talent at the Victory and I just feel Kosta Barbarouses is very close to getting on the stats sheet.
Pick: Melbourne Victory (H2H). A Red card being handed out is always a big possibility and good value in derby games!

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle United Jets
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Sunday, October 26
2 PM (AEST)

The Phoenix returns back across the ditch to the ‘Cake-tin’ after a rare away win in Gosford. Ernie Merrick will be looking to go back-to-back against a team (Jets) with whom they enjoy their best win record against (59%). Newcastle were impressive, and probably should have claimed the three points, against Melbourne City after some wayward chances in front of goal. With the attacking weapons of Jeronimo Neumann, Marcos Flores and Joel Griffiths up front, I’m thinking they could pull off an upset on Sunday.
Pick: Newcastle (H2H) on the back of an unexpected and impressive performance last weekend.

Adelaide United v Perth Glory
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Sunday, October 26
4 PM (AEST)

I for one am looking forward to this match up. Andy Keogh (Glory) collected a hat trick against the Roar last Sunday and is a clear leader in the ‘Golden Boot’. Adelaide could show signs of fatigue after travelling to Allianz Stadium mid-week for their FFA Cup quarterfinal against Sydney FC. With plenty of youth players filling the void, and hosting back at Coopers Stadium, this could be the tonic to notch their second win of the season. Confidence is sky high in the Glory camp and their top spot on the ladder should see a steady return of support in the west.
Pick: Perth Glory (Draw No Bet) is awfully good value for an undefeated team atop the ladder!

Western Sydney Wanderers  v Al Hilal
Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta
Saturday, October 25
6.30 PM (AEST)

The A-League takes a back seat this weekend for the Wanderers as they host the first leg of the Asian Champions League final at Parramatta. Tony Popovic is remaining positive despite a slow start to the local competition, but it is obvious one eye has been focussing on this challenge. The reward is massive for the winning club as it opens the door to a potential meeting with Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco later this year. For now, it is all be about the win and not conceding the away goal to their Saudi opponents. The first leg is always a window to the soul of the manager’s strategy, and with the #MelbourneDerby telecast at the same time, it will be hard to choose which game to watch. That’s easy I’ll watch both!
Pick: Wanderers (Draw No Bet). If he starts, Tom Juric is a solid choice in the '1st Goal Scorer'!

I’ll be on The TattsBet Brekky show @tattsbetbrekky every Friday and Monday morning around 7:45am AEST over the course of the entire @Aleague season with my previews and reviews of every game.


James ‘Hamez’ Clark

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