Friday Night
Adelaide United v Gold Coast United (2000 AEDT)
Hindmarsh Stadium will play host to the match of the round. Adelaide sit second on the table after a 2-0 victory over the Heart last weekend. That win snapped a spell of 3 losses in 4 games. They enjoy playing in front of their home fans and have won their past 5 fixtures at Hindmarsh. With 4 wins on the trot, their opponents, Gold Coast United, could not be travelling any better. This shapes as a belter and I am struggling to pick a winner. I am going to pick Adelaide due to their more potent attacking threat from Sergio Van Dijk (6 goals), plus the in form and Marcos Flores (4 goals).
Adelaide United to win @ 2.4 (TAB Sportsbet)
Saturday Night
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory (2000 AEDT)
Wellington comfortably disposed of the other Melbourne team midweek, and will be hoping to complete the set on Saturday against the Victory. This match is an effective 6 pointer with the winning side getting a gap on their finals rival. Paul Iffil scored twice midweek and will be hoping to continue that form here. Melbourne’s fans favourite Archie Thompson is yet to find the net in his first 3 games back from injury. He missed quite a few chances last weekend. I think he’s blown the cobwebs away and will be back on the scoresheet here. I also expect this to be a draw, perhaps 1-1.
Draw @ 3.35 (TAB Sportsbet)
1-1 @ 7 (TAB Sportsbet)
Archie Thompson to score anytime @ 3.50 (TAB Sportsbet)
Melbourne Heart v Sydney FC (2015 AEDT)
Three losses on the spin, injuries to key midfielder Rutger Worm and promising forward Eli Babalj, plus the suspension of captain Matt Thompson. That is the current state of affairs for Melbourne’s A-League new-comer. They should regain striker John Aloisi for the visit of Sydney. The sky blues are picking up form, but have still won only 1 of 6 away fixtures. They won’t have a better chance to add to that. Bruno Cazarine and Alex Brosque are arguably the most lethal strike pair in the league and it is the performance of those two men that will determine the outcome.
Sydney to win @ 2.95 (Luxbet)
Sunday Afternoon
Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar (1600 AEDT)
Another beauty! Central Coast may be sitting pretty, occupying 4th spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder, but they should be higher. After losing the lead and ultimately the game to Gold Coast last weekend, the Mariners threw away more points on Wednesday. They leaked a goal in stoppage time to allow Newcastle a 1-1 draw. Confidence will be down and I expect a rampant Brisbane to take full advantage. The Roar are this seasons revelation and will look to gain a psychological advantage on the turf of a potential finals opponent.
Brisbane to win @ 2.60 (TAB Sportsbet, Sportsbet)
North Queensland Fury v Perth Glory (1800 AEDT)
Two of this season’s stragglers face off in the final fixture of the weekend. If either side wishes to be a participant in finals action they must win this game. North Queensland have won only twice this year, the last time was coincidentally a home game against Perth Glory. So at least they will have some confidence. The Glory started their campaign like a house on fire, but the flames were quickly extinguished during a 7 match losing streak. They bounced back to form with a recent win over Melbourne Victory. Robbie Fowler scored a hat track in that one, and the marquee man will need to get busy if the Glory are to take any points back to Perth. Unfortunately for the Glory, they have been hit by injury and suspensions, so will be tested at the back.
North Queensland to win @ 2.10 (TAB Sportsbet, Sportsbet, Centrebet)
Over 2.5 goals @ 2.05 (Centrebet)