Friday, 28 November 2014

A-League Round 8 Preview

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Friday, November 28
6.40 PM (AEST)

Despite neither team recording a loss this season, Adelaide play at AAMI Park where they have a much better record than Etihad Stadium, the scene of their worst record in the A-League. In 14 games at Etihad, the Reds have only won once, whereas at AAMI they've only tasted defeat twice in nine outings. Adelaide have already equaled their total away wins of last season, but I think this will be a stern test against their traditional rivals. The last match up saw both teams share the points in a tight contest at the Adelaide Oval, but I’m leaning towards the Victory with the home ground advantage to continue their unbeaten run.
Pick: Melbourne Victory (H2H)
Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, November 29
4.00 PM (AEST)

After a disastrous week off the pitch, the Brisbane Roar have a new coach and hope for a return to their proven “philosophy” of winning football games. In one of the most bizarre football sackings, Mike Mulvey was removed less than six months after delivering the Premiership double to the most successful club in A-League’s short history. Caretaker coach Frans Thijssen has an enormous task to prepare his side for the Glory, who defeated the Roar on the back of an Andy Keogh hat trick at nib Stadium in Round 2. Despite all the drama, Roar are clear favorites in TattsBet's ‘Head to Head’ market. I’m still unconvinced, so will go for the value of the draw in this highly anticipated clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Pick: Draw
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta
Saturday, November 29
6.30 PM (AEST

The second Sydney Derby of the season moves out to Parramatta as the Wanderers attempt to wake from their Asian Champions League slumber and get their domestic season back on track. Sydney on the other hand are enjoying one of their best starts to an A-League campaign. They are the surprising outsiders for this clash and great value for a team still unbeaten after seven rounds. If you’re lacking confidence in Sydney getting the win, then the Draw No Bet market is a good option to keep your multi legs alive and kicking.
Pick: Sydney FC (Draw No Bet)
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Sunday, November 30
2.00 PM (AEST)

The Phoenix are one of the more underrated teams this season and are sitting well above the position that many pundits predicted. With ten goals scored and conceded, they need to improve their defence and lay claim to a top four position at the end of the 27 rounds. This should provide plenty of entertainment, with both teams looking to avoid back-to-back losses.
Pick: Wellington Phoenix (H2H)
Newcastle United Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Sunday, November 30
4 PM (AEST)

With heaps of pressure on both coaches, the F3 Derby is shaping as a massive contest, with the Jets clear favorites. All the talk is whether Phil Moss still has the support of the Mariners' dressing room, but I think they can bounce back from the disappointment of the Adelaide defeat at home and get a much needed win. Newcastle will be full of confidence following last Saturday’s 1-all draw at Wanderland, but I feel they still have to improve sharply to have any hope of avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.
Pick: CCM (H2H) or CCM (Draw No Bet) is also attractive odds

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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