A-League Round 10 Preview

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar

Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Friday, December 12

6.45 PM (AEST)

This is the Roar’s third game on the road in 10 days and they will be looking to bounce back following a disappointing effort against the struggling Melbourne City. This will be Matt Smith's last appearance in orange before he leaves the club for Thailand in what is the first player movement since the recent Mike Mulvey sacking debacle. The playing group will want to send the skipper out a winner, but the assignment could be a tall order against an Adelaide fresh from beating a Wanderers team which is now in Morocco for the World Club Cup match against Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul. Roar will need to be on song for every single minute against the Reds, who so far are undefeated at the cosy and crowded Coopers Stadium. #ADLvBRI

Pick: Adelaide United (H2H)

Perth Glory v Newcastle United Jets

nib Stadium, Perth

Friday, December 12

8.45 PM (AEST)

Perth Glory are going from strength to strength this season and return home after derailing Sydney FC’s unbeaten record. A Friday night game should suit the boys from the west as they prepare for next Wednesday night’s inaugural FFA Cup Final against Adelaide. Very difficult to see the winless Jets troubling the league leaders in this one, and if Irish import Andy Keogh has his way, then the Jets could be preparing for a long lonely red-eye flight home back to Hunter Stadium. #PERvNEW

Pick: Perth Glory (H2H). Andy Keogh (Glory) to score the first goal is good value ($5.00)

Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners

Eden Park, Auckland

Saturday, December 13

2.00 PM (AEST)

Wellington Phoenix are a side relishing their football, particularly away from the comforts of the ‘Cake Tin’ in Wellington. Coach Ernie Merrick has instilled loads of self-belief in his playing group and it shows as they punch well above their weight on the A-League ladder (5th). Often labelled as pre-season wooden spoon favourites, the Nix are now a feared commodity at home and away, with players such as Nathan Burns, Roy Krishna and Roly Bonevacia all making an impact. The Mariners have already lost to Phoenix in Gosford this season in Round 2 and should find the task of stealing the three points at Eden Park in Auckland a very tough road assignment. #WELvCCM

Pick: Wellington Phoenix (H2H)

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC A-League

AAMI Stadium, Melbourne

Saturday, December 13

6.30 PM (AEST)

This match-up promises to be another arm wrestle that sadly delivered a 0-0 draw last time they met in Round 6. The Victory are the only undefeated team remaining in the A-League and Kevin Muscat will be hoping that continues. Graham Arnold is the ultimate in preparing a team for big occasions and will be engaging his softly spoken, smiling assassin approach to pre-game media opportunities in a bid to derail the confidence of the Victory. This should be a classic clash and expect plenty of feeling between two very competitive outfits.

Pick: Melbourne Victory (Draw No Bet). Red Card ($3.80) or a Penalty ($3.15)

is always worth a look in these games with plenty of feeling.

I’ll be on @tattsbetbrekky every Friday and Monday morning around 7:45am AEST over the course of the entire A-league season with my previews and reviews of every game.