Wednesday 4 February 2015

A-League Round 16

Newcastle United Jets v Brisbane Roar

Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Friday, February 06
6.40 PM (AEST)
#NEWvBRI

Despite the Jets being the Roar’s nemesis in recent seasons, the turmoil on and off the pitch at the club will not help their chances as they host a Roar side still brimming after an entertaining home win over the Phoenix. Newcastle will attempt to put the worst defeat in A-League history (7-0 to Adelaide) behind them, but with one win and 16 goals conceded at home, the stats aren’t in their favour. Roar were impressive in attack following the welcome return of Thomas Broich, and I think will win comfortably to shake off that “bogey-team” tag.

Pick: 'Goal Margin' Market - Brisbane Roar by 2+ Goals 

Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United

Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Saturday, February 07
4.00 PM (AEST)
#CCMvADL

It is all ahead of the Central Coast Mariners this weekend as second-placed Adelaide United travel to Gosford. No A-League side has scored more goals, or won more games away from home this season, than the Reds. The previous poor home record against the Mariners shouldn’t trouble Adelaide, as they finally broke their winning duck in November. Boasting the best attack and defence in the league, I simply can’t go past Adelaide to continue their good form and they should string three wins on the trot.

Pick: Adelaide United H2H

Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, February 07
6.30 PM (AEST)
#MelbDerby

Everyone loves a Derby, and Saturday night is filled with them, both here and abroad in the EPL (Tottenham v Arsenal) & (Everton v Liverpool). Etihad Stadium hosts the 15th chapter in this battle with City narrowly winning the last encounter 1-0, but they have never won back-to-back games against the Victory in A-League history. The nature of these often spiteful clashes; the ‘Will there be a Red Card’ or ‘Penalty’ markets are always good value as both teams test the patience of the man in the middle. I’m leaning towards the Victory get the three points, but Derbies often throw up plenty of surprises. The ledger is all-square with five wins to both teams and four games ending in a stalemate.

Pick: Melbourne Victory H2H

Perth Glory v Sydney FC

nib Stadium, Perth
Saturday, February 07
8.30 PM (AEST)
#PERvSYD

The late game in Perth sees the league leaders hosting a Sky Blue Sydney FC full of confidence after crushing the Mariners in Gosford a fortnight ago. Marc Janko is in devastating form with a handy brace that brought up his sixth goal of the season. Sydney coach Graham Arnold is never happy and will be hoping they can get on a roll after failing to score in any of their previous four games. They are the only side unbeaten away from home this season, but Perth is always a tough ask. Andy Keogh has been Glory’s main man this season with nine goals and four assists.

Pick: Perth Glory H2H & Andy Keogh 'First Goal Scorer' is great value 

Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix

Penrith Stadium, Penrith
Sunday, February 08
4.00 PM (AEST)
#WSWvWEL

The big question is will the Wanderers notch up their maiden A-League win of the season. Last week’s performance against Melbourne City was patchy, after leading early through new summer signing Yjiro Takahagi. The Wanderers are lacking cohesion, and alarmingly this weekend, they take on a Phoenix, a side that haven't beaten in five meetings. Wellington boast the best away goals record in the league and will be hoping that stat continues this weekend. Hard to go past Wellington, but I think this could be a low scoring affair with the Wanderers narrowly sneaking home with just a solitary goal.

Pick: Wanderers H2H ('Correct score' WSW 1-0) 

I’ll be on @RadioTABAus 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.


James Clark - RadioTAB @cleansheetoz



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