Wednesday, 3 December 2014

A-League Round 9 Preview

Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Thursday, December 04
6.30 PM (AEST)

League leaders Perth Glory continue their road trip after sharing the points at Suncorp Stadium with Brisbane Roar. They have their work cut out against a Sydney side boasting the best defensive record, only leaking five goals in eight games so far this season. Perth are brimming with self belief under the relaxed Kenny Lowe management style and another Glory win mean the teams outside the top four would have little hope in the Premiership race. With only one loss away from nib, the Glory are again at super H2H odds and I give them a realistic chance to steal the three points from the rock solid Sky Blues at Allianz.
Pick: Perth Glory (H2H) or Perth Glory Draw No Bet is also good value

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory
North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Friday, December 05
6.40 PM (AEST)

The Mariner’s problems aren’t just limited to the pitch this season, with some major board member issues shifting the focus off the team in the news this week. The club has moved the game from their picturesque Gosford surrounds to North Sydney Oval in a bid to target some new city members. I’m rather skeptical the experiment will pay dividends against a red-hot undefeated Victory outfit. Central Coast has the worst attacking record in the league and host a Victory side boasting the best attack with an incredible 18 goals from 8 outings. The previous two meetings have seen Kevin Muscat’s men prevail 3-1 and I can’t see that trend turning around anytime soon.
Pick: Melbourne Victory H2H or Melbourne Victory Correct Score 3-1 

Newcastle United Jets v Sydney FC
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Saturday, December 06
4.00 PM (AEST)

The Wellington Phoenix are soaring this season and would still be buzzing following their 5-1 demolition of Melbourne City at the Cake Tin last Sunday. The last two A-League games between these sides have seen 10 goals hit the net in very one-sided affairs. Despite the Jets playing on their home patch, I think winning form is good form and it will be difficult to go past the Phoenix to get the three points. However, it could be a tight affair as the market suggests.
Pick: Wellington Phoenix (Draw No Bet)

Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Saturday, December 06
6.30 PM (AEST)

Adelaide are the entertainers this season and meet a Wanderers outfit quit remarkably searching for their first win of the season. The last time the Wanderers defeated United in the League was back in November 2013, and given their impeding travel commitments to Morocco for the FIFA Club World Cup, this could be tough ask to get up for. A healthy Adelaide crowd will be on hand to watch their team bounce back from their first loss of the season last week against the high-flying Melbourne Victory. I think the record at home, coupled with the Wanderer’s woes, will deliver the three points to the Reds.
Pick: Adelaide United H2H
Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Sunday, December 07
4 PM (AEST)

Melbourne City will attempt to bounce back from a demoralising 5-1 loss to a spirited Wellington side. The big concern for coach John van’t Schip is the lack of ‘Heart’ (pardon the pun!) shown by his side after conceding the first goal. The Brisbane Roar are building in confidence with the ball, despite losing their classy German creative mid-fielder Thomas Broich. Mid-week, the champs kept the struggling Wanderers scoreless to their first win at Wanderland. Roar’s record at AAMI Park is mixed, with only two wins from nine trips to the venue. However, a galvanising performance on Wednesday night has them back in the six, and I reckon they can sneak another important away win against a hemorrhaging City outfit.
Pick: Brisbane Roar (Draw No Bet)

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 for @tatts_sports.

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