Wednesday, 11 February 2015

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.




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