The top 2 teams clash in this round of A-League matches. 2nd placed Adelaide host league leader Brisbane Roar in a much anticipated fixture. Central Coast entertain Melbourne Victory on New Years Eve in the other standout clash of the weekend.
Last weekend was the 5th A League column from this site, and the fifth time the suggested bets have posted a profit. If punters had been wagering accordingly, they would have posted a profit of 90% during these 5 weeks. Or, if betting $5 on each suggested bet, this works out to a profit of over $150 so far.
Friday Night (New Years Eve)
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory (AEDT 1800)
This is the Central Coast’s 3rd successive home match. Since being thumped 5-1 by Brisbane, the Mariners have bounced back in style collecting 10 of a possible 12 points. They also have a good recent record against the Victory, winning 3 of their previous 5 encounters against the Melbourne club. Victory are also on a good little run winning 3 on the spin and unbeaten in 6. Another interesting stat is that both of these sides have scored in 11 of their previous 12 games! Both teams will remain fairly steady at the selection table. Melbourne Coach Ernie Merrick has indicated that midfield hardman Grant Brebner will play, possibly at the expense of Leigh Broxham. This will also be striker Robbie Kruse’s last match before jetting off for Australia’s Asian Cup campaign in January. The Victory have only won 1 of their 8 matches outside of Melbourne and that is enough to sway me to back Central Coast.
Andy’s Bet: Central Coast to win @ 2.15 (Multiple Sites)
Sunday Twilight
Melbourne Heart v North Queensland Fury (AEDT 1700)
Melbourne Heart look to have emerged from their mid season blip after back to back wins in Adelaide and Sydney. A home triumph is next to cross off their list as they have not won at AAMI Park in any of their previous 6 fixtures at the ground. Their key players are running into form and fitness just in time as they look to hold on to 6th place and the last finals spot. The Fury jet down to Melbourne 2nd bottom and with only 1 away win all season. They have played some decent football in recent weeks without much reward and I think they are due for a downer.
Andy’s Bet: Melbourne Heart to win @ 1.90 (Centrebet, TAB Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: Melbourne Heart to win by 2 or more goals @ 3.65 (TAB Sportsbet)
Sunday Night
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar (AEDT 1900)
Brisbane’s unbeaten run currently stands at 18 games. Is Adelaide the team to stop them? It will be tough, but I think they will give it a good shake. After 3 losses on the trot, United got back to winning ways against Sydney midweek. They won that match with goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic and captain Travis Dodd both missing through injury. Dodd is expected to return for this big clash, but Galekovic will be out of action for a few weeks. Adelaide striker Sergio Van Dijk is in outstanding form and his goal against Sydney took him to the top of the league goalscoring chart. Brisbane are safe in top spot, 8 points clear of the Reds, and may already have one eye on finals action, so I am going to punt on Adelaide pulling off an upset at Hindmarsh.
Andy’s Bet: Adelaide to win @ 2.90 (Centrebet)
Monday Twilight
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC (AEDT 1700)
Sydney were the champions last season, but their defence of that crown has been horrible. They have lost their last 5 and now sit at the foot of the table with no hope of finals action. Newcastle might have lost to Melbourne Victory last weekend, but they still put in a very impressive footballing display and were unlucky to lose. Their home form has been outstanding this campaign and they have only lost once in a home fixture this year, and that was the only time they have played a home game away from EnergyAustralia Stadium. So they are actually undefeated in 9 matches at their main venue. They need to win to get back in the top 6, and they will.
Andy’s Bet: Newcastle to win @ 1.75 (TAB Sportsbet)
Andy’s Bet: Newcastle to win by 2 or more goals @ 3.10 (Centrebet)
Monday Night
Gold Coast United v Perth Glory (AEDT 1900)
Perth are atrocious on the road. The Glory have lost on their travels 8 of the last 9 times, the only exception was a draw at lowly North Queensland. I just can’t see them reversing that trend against a Gold Coast outfit that were fantastic in their 2-2 draw with Brisbane on Boxing Day. The Gold Coast should win, and even though they are pretty short, I think the 1.60 is good value. If you are feeling particularly keen you can get $8.00 at TAB Sportsbet for the Gold Coast to score 4 or more goals.
Andy’s Bet: Gold Coast to win @ 1.60 (Multiple Sites)