Thursday, 16 October 2014

A-League Round 2 Preview

Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory


Adelaide Oval

Friday, October 17

6.40 PM (AEST)

This promises to be a tough 'top of the table' clash between two fierce rivals. The match has been moved to the Adelaide Oval and may favour the visitors. Confidence is high in the Victory camp after the 4-1 domination of a heavily burdened Wanderers, but Adelaide is a different proposition after a successful winning road trip against Brisbane Roar. Bruce Djite was unlucky not to get a brace for the Reds and returned to sparkling form up front. Sergio Cirio is a handy choice in the ‘To Score a Goal’ market on TattsBet after some impressive pre-season form that netted two goals. Victory’s Kosta Barbarouses was hard to handle on the wing in the opening round and will be itching to get on the scoresheet.


Pick: Adelaide (Draw No Bet)

           

Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix


Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Saturday, October 18

4.00 PM (AEST)

The Mariners have had a busy week after Mitch Duke slotted home the added time winner to snatch three important points in the #F3Derby at Gosford. They return home still high from a mid-week FFA Cup five-goal rout of NPLQ Champions Palm Beach Sharks. It will be intriguing to monitor if Mariners boss Phil Moss will start with Matt Sim after his outstanding four goal heroics off the bench. The big question is what Phoenix away team will turn up given their appalling 61% away loss stat? Expect a close contest, but I think the home team with prevail.

Pick: Central Coast Mariners (H2H), or Half/Full Double: Draw/CCM good value!



Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers


Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Saturday, October 18

6.30 PM (AEST)

This is the big one! The #SydneyDerby looks a certain sell-out at Allianz Stadium and Graham Arnold’s ‘Sky Blue’ outfit is looking to take advantage of a Wanderers squad preparing for a very busy few weeks juggling A-League and Champions Leagues commitments. Sydney’s attack was patchy last week against Melbourne City and could consider themselves lucky to get away with a point from that game. They will need to be on song against the very experienced and match hardened Wanderers defensive unit. With a tight market the Draw looks attractive but I’m leaning towards the Sky Blues to build on last weeks opening stalemate.

Pick: Sydney FC (Draw No Bet)



Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets


AAMI Park, Melbourne

Sunday, October 19

2.00 PM (AEST)

David Villa’s arrival last week has all the City fans in a tailspin and should ensure plenty turn up to watch the Spanish star play his first home game at AAMI. He’s already lived up to his reputation with a classy strike to share the points with Sydney. I see no reason why he can’t replicate it or go better this weekend against a team equal favourite in the ‘Wooden Spoon’ market. Clearly I think City will deliver his club’s first A-League win as a new entity but by how much is the big query?

Pick: Melbourne City (H2H)



Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar


nib Stadium, Perth

Sunday, October 19

4.00 PM (AEST)

This is a tough road trip for the Roar coming off their loss to Adelaide at Suncorp. A fascinating contest awaits with the combinations between Youssouf Hersi, Adam Keogh and Mitch Nichols already displaying great promise for the Glory. After a long flight home from across the ditch, Glory play a Roar team with whom they’ve enjoyed a healthy rivalry since the 2012 Grand Final. The Roar’s timing was slightly off against the Reds, but if they find the net early, I’m confident they can get the three points.

Pick: Roar (H2H) & 'Will there be a penalty' YES is also worth a go in rivalry games!



I’ll be on the @tattsbetbrekky 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_sport



James ‘Hamez’ Clark












 

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