A-League Round 21

Adelaide United V Central Coast Mariners

Thursday, 6:30pm (AEST)

#ADLvCCM

The big talking point out of this game is the return of Fabio Ferriera back to Coopers Stadium against his old club. Pablo Sanchez has scored both of Adelaide’s goals in their win over Central Coast Mariners in November but has scored just three times since in 13 games. With only one win from their past five, Adelaide need the three points to get their season back on track as the finals fast approach.

Head-to-Head: Melbourne

Value Bet: To win by 2+

Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory

Friday, 6:40pm (AEST)

#WSWvMVC

The Wanderers notched up their second win of the season mid-week against a spirited Melbourne City, but have the task ahead to back up against premiership favourites in the Victory. The comfort of another home fixture will please coach Tony Popovic, but their defensive frailties could well see the Victory pour on the goals with the likes of Berisha, Barbarouses and Ben Khalfallah up front.

Head-to-Head: Melbourne

Value Bet: To win by 2+

Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets

Saturday, 6:30pm (AEST)

#MCYvNEW

Melbourne City will have a quick turn around this week but will remain confident as they return back to AAMI Park and remain unbeaten in all six home A-League matches (W4 D2) there. The Jets are without a win from their past nine games with their first and only win this season coming back on the 19th December against Adelaide United.

Head-to-Head: Melbourne City

Value Bet: Correct Score Melbourne City 2-1

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix

Saturday, 8:30pm (AEST)

#PERvWEL

The Glory haven’t lost to the Nix in their past five A-League encounters (W3 D2) but are experiencing a lean run of wins of late despite still maintaining top spot on the ladder. Their last win came eight games ago in January against Melbourne Victory but the ‘Distance Derby’ may just be the tonic for them to return back to the winners circle. If someone had told you before the season started the two teams would be battling it out for the premiership trophy, they’d have said you were ‘talking through your hat’.

Head-to-Head: Draw

Value Bet: ‘HT/FT Double’ Draw/Draw

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar

Sunday, 4:00pm (AEST)

#SYDvBRI

This promises to be the match of the round IMO. The two form teams of late with both sides undefeated in their past five outings. The last meeting between the sides ended in the dour scoreless draw, but I’m not predicting that happen this time around with the likes of leading goal scorer Marc Janko together with Henrique and Brandon Borrello, should guarantee an entertaining match this time around. Confidence is high in both camps on the road, but Brisbane’s 17 points away and 8 at home should see them gain maximum points.

Head-to-Head: Brisbane 

Value Bet: To Score A Goal Henrique

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. @cleansheetoz

A-League Round 20

Newcastle United Jets v Sydney FC

Hunter Stadium, Newcastle

Friday, March 06

6.40 PM (AEST)

#NEWvSYD

As the Jets prepare to host Sydney FC at Hunter Stadium, their poor record of no wins in the last five A-League meetings against them is be a big concern for embattled coach Phil Stubbins. (2D & 3L). What’s worse, the Jets haven't scored a solitary goal in 361 minutes of football against Graham Arnold's men. Sydney will continue utilize their strengths up front, with Marc Janko scoring an incredible eight goals in his past five appearances. Despite an exciting win in the #SydneyDerby last weekend, a clean sheet will be high on Arnie's wish list as he looks to strengthen a defensive line that has always has its doubters.

My tip: Sydney FC H2H. Hard to go past Sydney FC on the back on a very poor Jets season that will see them battle it out with the Wanderers for the wooden spoon.

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United

Hutt Recreational Ground, Wellington

Saturday, March 07

2.00 PM (AEST)

#WELvADL

This promises to be a mouth-watering clash between the third and fourth placed sides, separated by only one goal in the differential stats. The real test will be for Adelaide on the road. They've only been successful once in their last eight trips to Wellington. However, that win came in their last trip across the ditch last season. The Nix are unbeaten in eight home matches and have kept a clean sheet in half of those games. Sergio Cirio has a very impressive goal scoring strike rate against Wellington, but has only found the net when playing on his home pitch.

My tip: Wellington Phoenix H2H in a narrow victory. A value option in the ‘Correct Score’ market is Wellington Phoenix 1-0.

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory

AAMI Park, Melbourne

Saturday, March 07

6.30 PM (AEST)

#MVCvPER

Another highly anticipated clash is the top placed Perth Glory away to the classy Melbourne Victory outfit at AAMI Park. The Victory will be down following their home loss last week to the Phoenix, spoiling the 200th game celebrations for Archie Thompson. The overwhelming stat for the punters is the Victory have scored in 14 successive A-League games against the Glory, so if you’re looking at the ‘To Score A Goal’ market, Besart Berisha and Andy Keogh are worth considering! Both have scored in the previous two fixtures between the sides this season. The Glory haven’t won in their past six games (4D & 2L), but their last victory was against Victory back in Round 13.

My tip: Melbourne Victory H2H to overtake the Glory and snatch top spot on the A-League ladder.

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City

Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Sunday, March 08

2.00 PM (AEST)

#CCMvMCY

Melbourne City are unbeaten in their past three A-League games and were impressive in a 3-1 win over Adelaide last Friday night. Despite the victory, and a return score sheet, the alarming stat for John van 't Schip is in their failure to score in three successive away matches. Despite a poor season by their expectations, I think the Mariners could just sneak home on the back on the home ground advantage in this one. It is a difficult game for the punters, so the ‘Double Chance’ may just give you a little comfort, as this one heads into added time.

My tip: CCM H2H. Fabio Ferreira is also a good option for “First goal scorer’ after finding the net twice for his new club since joining from Adelaide United.

Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Sunday, March 08

4.00 PM (AEST)

#BRIvWSW

It’s been a busy week for both clubs following their ACL commitments, but neither side will have any excuses come Sunday returning to the scene of last season’s memorable Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium. Despite a huge disparity in ladder positions, a win is vital for both clubs. The Roar are looking to leapfrog Melbourne City into the top six. For the Wanderers, talk of the finals is not on the radar, but avoiding the wooden spoon and scoring goals are the sole focus as the club focuses ahead to Asian Champions League knockout stage qualification. Brisbane have won 10 points from a possible 12 (3W & 1D) from their past four A-League games, and on that alone, I favor them to get the three points at home.

My tip: Brisbane Roar H2H. I also like Draw/Brisbane Roar in the ‘Half/Full Double’ market as both teams find their feet in the first half given their busy week.

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.

Tatts.com

A-League Round 19

Melbourne City v Adelaide United

AAMI Park, Melbourne

Friday, February 27

6.40 PM (AEST)

#MCYvADL

Melbourne City have won just one of their previous 10 A-League encounters against Adelaide United, so the stats lean towards the Reds to get the three points in this one. The market suggests a close affair, but given Adelaide have been victors in four of their past six visits to Melbourne City, I’m leaning towards Josep Gombau’s attacking and possession based style to get the job done. A win could see them go to the top of the ladder, albeit temporarily, if the Glory and Victory don’t record wins this round. City have plenty of issues scoring goals, and this game could see them go a month without finding the net. Aaron Mooy was the last to do so against WSW back in Round 15.

My tip: Adelaide United Marcello Carrusca a good option in ‘1st Goal Scorer’ ($10.00) or ‘To Score a Goal’ ($3.75) markets given he has scored in three of his last four games against City.

Newcastle United Jets v Central Coast Mariners

Hunter Stadium, Newcastle

Saturday, February 28

4.00 PM (AEST)

#F3Derby

The Jets would consider themselves a little unlucky at having to share the points last week against the Phoenix. The season has been filled with disappointments in every aspect, and they are without a win in seven league games. Just as desperate, the Mariners are hoping to avoid three straight losses. The recent history between the F3 rivals favours CCM, as the Jets are winless in seven A-League matches against them (3D & 4L). This game could surprise, as a Derby often seems to bring with it plenty of feeling with bragging rights up for grabs. Unfortunately, this game showcases the two worst defensive teams in the League.

My tip: Draw

Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC

Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta

Saturday, February 28

6.30 PM (AEST)

#SydneyDerby

After a successful week away in Japan for their Asian Champions League Group game, the Wanderers have a quick turn around and host cross-town rivals Sydney FC at Wanderland. The Sky Blues have the wood on the Wanderers after being undefeated in the past thee derbies (W2 D1). The previous four games played in Parramatta have only seen a total of six goals scored, with neither side finding the net more than once. This could well be another low scoring affair, but I think the class and confidence of the Austrian scoring machine, Marc Janko, could prove the match winner. Although keep a close eye on Tomi Juric from WSW, as he has a good record scoring twice against Sydney FC in the A-League.

My tip: Sydney FC H2H; but given the closeness of Derbies, it's worth trying the ‘Over/Under 2.5 Goals’ market with the Under (2.5) ($1.82) good value.

Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar

nib Stadium, Perth

Saturday, February 28

8.30 PM (AEST)

#PERvBRI

The Brisbane Roar will be hoping to bounce back quickly after a heartbreaking added time Asian Champions League loss on a very damp Gold Coast pitch against Beijing Guoan. The good news for the Roar is they are chasing a third successive away win. They have also scored in all but one of their last six games against the Glory who have only won just one of their last six clashes with Brisbane. Andy Keogh has been kept quiet on the score sheet of late for the Glory, surprisingly going three games without finding the net. He did however jag a hat trick when they last hosted the Roar at nib stadium back in Round 2.

My tip: Roar H2H are fantastic value. With Perth without a win in five matches, there’s never been a better opportunity for the Roar to record another away win (Brisbane being the best team on the road this season). If you want to be cautious, then the safety of the ‘Draw No Bet’ ($2.55) market is an attractive Multi option.

Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix

AAMI Park, Melbourne

Sunday, March 01

4.00 PM (AEST)

#MVCvWEL

The Victory have a great chance to go to the top of the league ladder if they can continue an impressive record of winning nine of their past ten matches against the Phoenix. This could be a keeper's nightmare given there have been 22 scored in the past five games between these two sides. No team is better at home than the Melbourne Victory this season (7W 1D 1L), so Wellington will need to bring their A game across the ditch, if they want to capture any points at AAMI Park.

My tip: Melbourne Victory H2H; and if Archie Thompson ($3.50) gets the chance to play in his 200th game for the club, then he would be my sentimental favourite in the ‘To Score a Goal’ market, although he’ll need to get in a queue behind Berisha ($1.70), Barbarouses ($2.75) and Ben Khalfallah ($2.75).

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.

Tatts.com

A-League Round 18

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Friday, February 20

7.00 PM (AEST)

#BRIvMVC

This match was postponed due to the wet weather

Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Saturday, February 21

4.00 PM (AEST)

#SYDvCCM

The Mariners are back on the road after a winless week that saw them eliminated from this year’s Asian Champions League competition before it really started. Phil Moss hopes they can stop the rot quickly against the Sky Blues, given the Mariners have failed to score in three of their last four visits to Sydney. With the second worst defence in the league, the CCM have won two of their last four league games, but weren't successful in any of their previous 12. I can’t see the record improving anytime soon as they come up against a Sydney side looking like they have recaptured that mojo from early in the season

My tip: Sydney FC H2H and Marc Janko is a good option for the “First Goal Scorer’ market after scoring four goals in his last three games, including a brace in the 5-1 win against CCM in Round 15.

Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers

Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Saturday, February 21

6.30 PM (AEST)

#ADLvWSW

Adelaide will still be rueing their missed opportunities last weekend against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium, where they shared the points with the league leaders. Josep Gombau will be wary of wounded Wanderers who still languish at the bottom of the ladder with only one win to their name. The poor season for the Wanderers is about to get a little tougher, as they look to defend their Asian Champions League title that seems an age ago, on the back of current form. This is a crucial game for Adelaide, as a win will keep their top two hopes alive. The Reds have scored 20 more goals than the Wanderers this season, so on that stat alone, I am tipping them to win this one comfortably in front of their loyal fans.

My tip: Adelaide United H2H, but for a little more value, try the ‘Both Teams To Score” market and take the ‘Only One or Neither To Score’ option.

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle United Jets

Hutt Recreational Ground, Wellington

Sunday, February 22

2.00 PM (AEST)

#WELvNEW

After such an attacking season, the Wellington Phoenix have hit a scoreless patch over the past two rounds. It’s unfamiliar territory for the club, as they haven’t gone three games without a goal since September 2008. Thankfully they host a Newcastle Jets side, with only one win recorded for the season. With the Cake Tin being used for the Cricket World Cup, the Hutt Recreation Ground is their temporary residence, and I’m tipping the Nix to continue their good form at home after going seven games without defeat (5W & 2D), and keeping a clean sheet in the last three.

My tip: Wellington Phoenix H2H; although I do like the Phoenix to be the ‘First Half Winner’ as they try to break the recent duck on the score sheet early. Nathan Burns is a handy ‘First Goal Scorer’ given he’s the only A-League player in double figures in the Golden Boot standings.

Melbourne City v Perth Glory

AAMI Park, Melbourne

Sunday, February 22

4.00 PM (AEST)

#MCYvPER

This game at AAMI Park looks to be the hardest to pick of the round. City travel back to Melbourne after keeping the Nix scoreless, but face a tough challenge against league leaders Perth, who battled out an impressive draw against Adelaide. After a run of 10 games without defeat (8W & 2D), Glory have failed to win in their last four games (2D & 2L). I get the feeling the Glory may come up flat for this game after the off -field distractions dominating the headlines. Their poor run against City in their last four away games against them (1D & 3L) will be a worrying trend that Kenny Lowe will be hoping to break.

My tip: Melbourne City H2H; Given this could be a tight contest early on the ‘Half/Full Double’ of (Draw/Melbourne City) is worth considering.

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.

TattsBet.com

A-League Round 17

Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar

Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Friday, February 13

6.40 PM (AEST)

#CCMvBRI

The Central Coast has always been a happy hunting ground for the Brisbane Roar and they have only lost two of their previous 17 trips to Gosford. The Mariners have had an inconsistent season and surprisingly are looking for their first back-to-back win after a moral boosting performance against Adelaide last weekend. If you are looking for great value in the first goal scorer market, the Roar’s Jean Carlos Solórzano has found the net four times in his last five games.

My tip: Brisbane Roar H2H, but for some added value the “2nd Half Winner’ Brisbane Roar looks attractive given they have scored seven from the last eight goals against CCM in the second half of games.

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City

Hutt Recreational Ground, Wellington

Saturday, February 14

2.00 PM (AEST)

#WELvMCY

Despite losing their past two matches on the road, the Phoenix are back in Wellington. However, not in the comfort of the “Cake Tin”, rather the Hutt Recreational Ground, where they take on a Melbourne City side which has only tasted success once in its last nine A-League games against them. The Nix have enjoyed great success at home and abroad this season. They sit three points clear of Sydney FC in fourth place and will be keen to see that continue as they push for the finals. Last week was the first time Wellington were kept scoreless in 12 games. I’m predicting they will return to the winners circle, but need to keep the likes of Damien Duff and Aaron Mooy quiet to secure the three points.

My tip: Wellington Phoenix H2H; for an exotic, look at the “Will there be a penalty” as the Phoenix have been awarded six this season (an A-League high).

Newcastle United Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers

Hunter Stadium, Newcastle

Saturday, February 14

4.00 PM (AEST)

#NEWvWSW

You would have thought the Roar lost last week’s game against the Jets listening to the contrasting interviews of Matt McKay and Phil Stubbins. The Jets showed plenty of fight and patience, and could be considered very unlucky not to share the points at home after conceding a late own goal in added time. The Wanderers finally notched up there first win since last season’s final series in oppressive conditions in Penrith. With a poor record this season at home, the Jets have failed to win their last two at Hunter Stadium, but haven’t lost three games in Newcastle since October 2009. I think this one could end in a low scoring stalemate, with both teams hardly setting the world of fire in attack. WSW has just 10 goals and the Jets 13.

My tip: Draw

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory

Allianz Stadium, Perth

Saturday, February 14

6.30 PM (AEST)

#SYDvMVC

This shapes as the match of the round in my opinion as Sydney FC looked to have found their early season mojo again, and the Victory flying high after a strong all-round performance in attack and defence in the Melbourne Derby. The two teams have a strong history & the 'Derby like' feel should provide plenty of fireworks between two passionate managers in Graham Arnold and Kevin Muscat. The last three regular A-League games between the sides have all ended in draws, and seven of the last 11 meetings have also ended in stalemates. If Archie Thompson ($3.25) hits the pitch at anytime, look to him in the “To Score a Goal” market. I also like the “Half Time Correct Score” of Draw 1-1 as another exotic option.

My tip: Hard to go past the Draw based on history, but I’m going to tip Sydney, and you guessed it, “Draw No Bet”

 Adelaide United v Perth Glory

Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Sunday, February 08

4.00 PM (AEST)

#ADLvPER

The other real quality match up of the round is between the two inaugural FFA Cup finalists. On the weight of the stats, sharing the points looks unlikely, as none of the Red’s last 11 A-League games have ended in a draw. After enjoying an unbeaten run of 10 games, the Glory have lost two of their past three. That's something coach Kenny Lowe wants to turn around quickly. I’m sticking with Adelaide to get the points at Coopers Stadium, with their superior defensive record the only reason swaying me towards the Reds.

My tip: Adelaide United H2H or Adelaide Utd 2-1 “Correct Score” to add some spice to a Multi is terrific value.

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.

TattsBet.com

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