A-League Round 1 Preview

Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers

Etihad Stadium
6.40pm (AEST) 10/10/14

The Victory have enjoyed a fruitful pre-season qualifying for the FFA Cup quarter finals whilst maintaining an unbeaten run of 10 games and conceding only two goals in the process. Besart Berisha will be looking to add to his impressive goal scoring strike rate for his new club and is the clear favourite in the first goal scorer market. With an Asian Champions League final at the forefront of the Wanderers minds, the Victory looks the better option at home in front of their passionate fans.

Tip: Victory H2H

Gui Finkler good value to score a goal for Victory!

Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets

Central Coast Stadium
4pm (AEST) 11/10/14

The old “F3 Derby” in Gosford will ensure plenty of feeling with Marcos Flores heading to his old home in what could spark a fiery start to the season. The Jets have recruited heavily in the off-season, but whether combinations have formed this early is questionable. With defensive structures not at their peak just yet, the market for a penalty or red card is always good value with teams keen to secure early competition points. Mitch Duke has been training the house down and impressed in the FFA Cup. He's a handy choice for first goal scorer.

Tip: Mariners H2H

(Yes Red Card given or Yes Penalty kick are good value)

Sydney FC v Melbourne City

Allianz Stadium
 6.30pm (AEST) 11/10/14

This looks to be a very close encounter on paper as the new look Melbourne City brand makes its A-League debut at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. The Sky Blues under new coach Graham Arnold are under enormous pressure to deliver this season and I think they will come out of the blocks and be too strong for City. The uncertainty over star import David Villa’s availability and indifferent pre-season form is too big a query and I will need more convincing before investing in them.

Tip: Sydney FC H2H

(Correct Score: Sydney FC 2-0)

Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory

Westpac Stadium, 2pm (AEST) 12/10/14

Often dubbed the “Distance Derby”, this is probably the toughest match in the round to come up with the winner. The Phoenix have always struggled away from home and visiting teams seem to relish travelling across the ditch. With a disappointing couple of seasons behind them, and the loss of Carlos Hernandez and Paul Ifill, the only way appears up for Wellington. This is probably a good game to avoid in the head-to-head market. I’m more in favour of taking the classy new Irish striker Andy Keogh (Glory) to score a goal in his official A-League debut for his new club.

Tip: Perth Glory (Draw No bet)

Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United

Suncorp Stadium
 4pm (AEST) 12/10/14

The Premiers and Champions (Brisbane) return to the scene of last year’s Grand Final triumph (Suncorp Stadium) to take on an Adelaide United side brimming with confidence after a recent 2-0 Round 16 FFA Cup win over the Roar. For the Roar, there is much change to last season, but plenty that remains the same. No Berisha means they must look to Henrique, Mensur Kurtisi and Dimi Petratos to fill the gap in goals. On paper, the Roar are clear-cut favourites, but I can’t help but think that a draw this early in the season is wonderful value. Adelaide has a fine record in Brisbane, only tasting defeat 3 times from 14 outings and is responsible for their lowest losing percentage of all away venues.

Tip: Draw

I’ll be on the TattsBet Brekky Show @tattsbetbrekky every Friday and Monday morning over the course of the entire @Aleague season with previews and reviews of every game for @tatts_sports

James ‘Hamez’ Clark

@cleansheetoz

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