The following are previews with betting tips for Round 7 of the 2016/17 A-League season.
View and compare the latest A-League bookmaker odds
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Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City7:50 PM AEDT, Spotless Stadium |
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Are they teething or deep-rooted problems at ‘Wanderland’? Either way, it’s safe to say that Tony Popovic’s more expansive tactical approach, this season, has not quite gone to plan. The 3-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory has left the Wanderers languishing 4th from bottom, 12pts behind runaway leaders Sydney FC. The Wanderers will point to referee Jarred Gillett’s incredible decision not to award Jumpei Kusukami a stonewall pen, although Victory had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside. City returned back to winning ways with a scratchy 2-1 result over the visiting Jets. Bruno Fornaroli’s first half double was enough to claim all 3pts but City’s second-half performance did not inspire much confidence.
The Wanderers will be eager to get one back on City following their FFA Cup mauling at AAMI Park, back in in September. In a huge blow for the hosts, top scorer Brendan Santalab sits out with a hamstring strain. City retain the services of newly-crowned Socceroo, Luke Brattan, who was an unused substitute in Australia’s 2-2 draw in Thailand.
Nick’s tip: Melbourne City 0ah @1.87 (Pinnacle Sports)
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Perth Glory v Adelaide United10:00 PM AEDT, nib Stadium |
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Like lambs to the slaughter! Perth were the latest to fall victim to Sydney’s rampaging ways after a 4-1 defeat in the Harbour City. The result may well have been different had Andy Keogh stuck in one of two presentable opportunities inside the opening quarter of an hour. In the absence of Josh Risdon due to Socceroos’ duty, towering centre-half Dino Djulbic was assigned as a makeshift right back. It proved to be a poor tactical decision as his woeful error set the ball rolling for the hosts. Adelaide United’s hard fought 1-1 draw with high-flying Brisbane will give the faltering champions some confidence but they still remain at the foot of the table.
After the fine 3-2 win at Melbourne City on Matchday 3, Perth have taken just one point from nine. Kenny could do with plugging holes in his defense, conceding at an average of two or more per game. The return of Risdon can only help in that regard while fit-again striker Adam Taggart will offer some much need firepower with Keogh down on form. Marcelo Carrusca should be better for the 65 minute run out last week as he continues to edge back to full match fitness. To say Adelaide United need their star man firing on all cylinders is a huge understatement.
Nick’s tip: Perth -0.25ah @1.83 (Pinnacle Sports)
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Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory5:35 PM AEDT, Westpac Stadium |
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Postponed.
Nick’s tip:
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Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC7:50 PM AEDT, Suncorp Stadium |
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Can the Roar derail the ‘Sydney Express’? Six teams have tried so far but to no avail. It took a couple of scares down back and a slice of luck up the other end but when Sydney FC opened the scoring against Perth Glory, the result was a mere formality. The second-half riposte to conceding, as Rhyan Grant turned into his own net, was especially impressive. Brisbane only have themselves to blame for dropping two points in Adelaide. Michael Theo was pedestrian at best for letting in the equalizer. The Roar though should of been out of sight well before then after Brett Holman struck on the hour mark.
The return of star striker Jamie MacLaren definitely boosts Roar’s chances of an upset. The No.9 was handed his full international debut by Ange, against the Thais, but failed to make an impact in what was a disjointed team display. Graham Arnold has made only one change to his Starting XI all season. Expect an unchanged side to that of last week’s.
Nick’s tip: Sydney FC 0ah @1.83 (Pinnacle Sports)
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Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners5:00 PM AEDT, Hunter Stadium |
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In what is perhaps the least anticipated match of the round, don’t be totally surprised if this turns out to be a six goal thriller! Anything bar three points for either side would be seen as a missed opportunity. Favourites to finish one and two at the wrong end (choose your order), Newcastle have looked the more accomplished of the two so far. The 2-1 defeat to Melbourne City was far from disgraceful for the Jets. How Morten Nordstrand contrived to sky his shot over the bar, from a yard out, is anyone’s guess. Meanwhile, the Mariners turned in one of the most abject performances you would ever wish to see, losing 2-0 to an undermanned Wellington Phoenix.
The Jets go into this edition of the ‘F3 Derby’ with the onus on them, as the home side, to make all the running. This could play into the hands of the Mariners who rely on their pace in transition to score most of their goals. The absence of Jets captain, Nigel Boogard, is a hammer blow for the hosts who were already depleted at the back. Fit again Ben Kantarovski will slot in as a makeshift center-back while new Chinese signing, Ma Leilei, may get his chance to shine further up field. The Mariners are also a little light at the back with Faty joining Poscoliero on the sidelines.
Nick’s tip: No tip.
