Despite dwindling attendances off the pitch, this A-League season is an absolute belter on the field. Last weekend was highlighted by Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar drawing 3-3 in a pulsating match on Friday night. Other notable performances came from Central Coast, who put 3 past Sydney in the first 20 minutes and Wellington snatching victory over Adelaide in the 94th minute.
It was also a successful weekend those punters out their who hopped on my suggested bets. A $5 wager on each bet would have netted a $42 profit.
Friday Night
Adelaide United v North Queensland Fury (AEDT 2000)
Adelaide return to their home patch after an unlucky loss in Wellington last weekend. The reds conceded the decisive goal at the death after having Travis Dodd sent off in a poor refereeing decision. That red card has been rescinded, so the Adelaide skipper is free to play in this one. United have been in menacing form at Hindmarsh Stadium, winning their last 6 matches in front of the red army. In contrast, North Queensland sit bottom of the table and have really been leaking goals at the back. The fury have not kept a clean sheet in their last 11 matches. Adelaide playmaker Marcos Flores was quiet last week, but I expect the creative midfielder to put on a show this week
Andy’s Bet: Adelaide to win by 2 or more goals @ 2.60 (Sportsbet)
Saturday Night
Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory (AEDT 1900)
The big Melbourne derby kicks off the Saturday night action. This is the second meeting between the city rivals this season. Heart won the first match, which was a fiery encounter, 2-1. Heart, an A-League newcomer are sitting one place above the Victory, but the two couldn’t be more different in terms of current form. Heart have collected only 1 point from the last 15 available. Victory haven’t fared much better, but have played some great football in their last 3 fixtures. Their problem has been keeping things tight in defence. Roddy Vargas has been tipped to make way for Adrian Leijer. I expect Victory to come out of the traps firing and they should finally take all 3 points here. Even though John Aloise and Wayne Srhoj will be back for the Heart, I think the Victory are still surprisingly good value for the win, so that is my bet.
Andy’s Bet: Melbourne Victory to win @ 2.35 (Centrebet)
Andy’s Bet: Melbourne Victory to win by 2 or more goals @ 4.85 (Centrebet)
Gold Coast United v Wellington Phoenix (AEDT 2115)
Wellington played well to beat Adelaide last weekend, but there is a big question over their form when they play away from home. The Phoenix have managed only 1 win and 1 draw from their 9 trips across the Tasman. I can’t see that record improving against a Gold Coast team pushing for a top two finish. Jason Culina scored twice on his return to the side last week. The Australian international will look to pull the strings from midfield again. Wellington look to play all their attacks through Paul Iffil, so Gold Coast will need to guard him closely. In terms of goals conceded, United have the second best record in the league, so look for them to stifle Wellington in the final third.
Andy’s Bet: Gold Coast to win @ 1.72 (TAB Sportsbet)
Sunday Afternoon
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar (AEDT 1700)
Sydney entertain league leader Brisbane in the twilight game on Sunday. The sky blues are in indifferent form, but hit their straps when they play at home. They’ve won their last 3 at the Sydney Football Stadium, but those were against much weaker opposition. Brisbane have been up for a while. It is, in fact, 15 games since the Roar last tasted defeat. They were lucky to escape Melbourne with a draw last weekend. Will their luck run out here? I don’t think so, but I also believe that Sydney will give them a good contest. Jean Carlos Solorzano scored again for Brisbane last weekend. That took his amazing run to 7 goals in his last 4 games. I would advise having a look at his odds to score in this one. If he is around the 3.50 mark it might be worth having a nibble.
Andy’s Bet: Draw @ 3.35 (TAB Sportsbet)
Sunday Night
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners (AEDT 2000)
After the bye last week, Perth should be fresh for the visit of Central Coast. The Mariners were outstanding last weekend when they blasted 4 past Sydney without reply. The Glory will huff and puff early, but if Central Coast can withstand that they should run away with this match. Perth have only won 1 of their last 14. Their problems have been quite dramatic. They have conceded the most goals of any team, and they have scored the least.
Andy’s Bet: Central Coast to win @ 2.55 (TAB Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: Central Coast to win 2-0 @ 11.00 (Sportsbet, TAB Sportsbet)