Sydney
FC v Newcastle Jets
WIN
Stadium, Wollongong
Saturday,
January 03, 6.30
PM (AEST)
Normally you’d back Sydney FC against the Jets, but without a win in
six starts, no goals from their past two games and conceding five, confidence
is a little thin. Graham Arnold is desperate for a win before the A-League
takes a break for the upcoming Asian Cup tournament. The Jets are coming off an
embarrassing display after Melbourne City notched their first win at Hunter
Stadium. I’m thinking Sydney will take the three points and help ease some
pressure. It would also keep them in the hunt for the top four. The match is
being hosted at the “neutral’ venue of WIN Stadium in the ‘Gong. #SYDvNEW
Pick: Sydney FC H2H
Wellington
Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Westpac
Stadium, Wellington
Sunday,
January 04, 2.00
PM (AEST)
Wellington are flying high at the moment after an impressive NYE win
away to Adelaide United. Despite the Reds scoring an equaliser on the back of a
darting run and assist by Awer Mabil to Sergio Cirio, the Phoenix dug deep and
scored within five minutes, and again in added time, to hand Adelaide only
their second loss at home this season. The Nix continue to shorten from $21.00
at the start of the season and sit fourth in betting to take out the title. The
Roar are without a win in two rounds and need to find the net after a scoreless
draw against Sydney mid-week. #WELvBRI
Pick: Wellington Phonix Roar H2H
Central
Coast Mariners v Melbourne City
Central
Coast Stadium, Gosford
Sunday,
January 04, 4.00
PM (AEST)
The Mariners broke their long goal scoring duck at home against the
Roar, but were unable to secure the three points after an exciting five goal
second half. City has no trouble scoring goals after punishing the Jets on the
back of a Robbie Koren hat trick. With Aaron Mooy considered unlucky by many at
missing Ange Postecoglou’s Asian Cup squad, City will be strengthened across
the park with he, Koren and Damien Duff all combining well. On the back of
another flat performance against the Wanderers, I’m be sticking with the
in-form City to take the maximum points on offer. #CCMvMCY
Pick: Melbourne City H2H
nib
Stadium, Perth
Monday,
January 7.00 PM (AEST)
This Monday night football clash takes us back a few weeks to the
scene of the FFA Cup Final, although the home ground advantage will be with
Perth this time. The Glory, despite their comfortable four-point lead at top of
the ladder, surprisingly are tagged as the underdog in almost all of their
games. On this occasion, they will enjoy slight favouritism but a deep source
of revenge over Josep Gombau’s Reds. I’m predicting the Glory to bring up their
7th win of the season at nib Stadium. #PERvADL
Pick: Perth Glory H2H
Western
Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory
Pirtek
Stadium, Parramatta
Tuesday,
January 06, 6.30
PM (AEST)
The Wanderers look set to retain Tony Popovic as coach for the time
being, but are still wallowing and winless at the bottom of the A-League
ladder. The task doesn’t get any easier when they host Kevin Muscat’s
second-placed Melbourne Victory. The Wanderers will again struggle without
Socceroos stars Tommy Juric and Matthew Spiranovic. It is a strange position
for the young and successful club, with every team in the A-League keen to see
the losing trend continue. Victory’s balance is always a little off kilter when
captain Mark Milligan is out of the XI, so they will need to continue their
strong attacking mindset, if they’re to retain that all important second spot.
Keep an eye on the ‘To Score a Goal' market for the Wanderers' young winger
Jaushua Sotirio, who has impressed with his speed and skill when called upon
this season. #WSWvMVC
I’ll be on @tattsbetbrekky 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.
