The following are previews with betting tips for Round 12 of the 2016/17 A-League season.
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Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers7:50 PM AEDT, Suncorp Stadium |
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A little less than a month after a 1-1 stalemate at Spotless Stadium, these two sides meet again. Brisbane, sitting in 3rd, will be looking to improve on last week’s performance. The Roar were made to sweat for their 2-1 win at Central Coast as John Aloisi looked to batten down the hatches rather than search for the killer third goal. Meanwhile, the luckless Wanderers let a 2 nil lead slip up in Wellington. With just two wins to their name and a third of the season gone, Western Sydney got the wobbles with victory seemingly in their grasp. Club captain Dimas, and Mitch Nichols, had golden opportunities to put the game beyond doubt but lacked conviction with the goal at their mercy.
It feels like Western Sydney are just one big win away, against a top side, before they can get their season rolling good and proper. There was some positive news for the visitors during the week with Sydney FC keeper, Vedran Janjetovic, putting pen to paper on an 18-month deal. Brisbane have ridden their luck in recent weeks with Michael Theo and Luke DeVere, in particular, needing to be in top form at the back. This game is played in the evening so Brisbane’s slight home advantage in regards to the weather conditions is nullified.
Nick’s tip: Over 2.25 goals @1.55 (Pinnacle Sports)
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Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix5:35 PM AEDT, Hunter Stadium |
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The Jets are shooting for a rare three wins on the bounce. Consecutive 2-1 wins over Perth and most recently, Adelaide United, sees the Novocastrians sitting up in 5th place. Morten Nordstrand slotted in the winner after a flurry of missed opportunities for the home side, as the visiting Reds self-imploded in their eagerness for 3 points. Despite the home draw with Western Sydney, Wellington will be riding high on confidence after pulling back a two goal deficit. Guy Finkler converted from the spot and then Roy Krishna leaped highest at the back post to dispatch a perfectly flighted cross from Adam Parkhouse. The Wellington outfit have claimed 4 points from six since the resignation of manager, Ernie Merrick.
Wellington will be hoping to extend their impressive historical record to 6 wins in 10, at The Hunter Stadium. They are every chance to do just that with their tails up, after recent performances, while they downed the Jets 2-0 in Wellington back in Round 5. On their part, Newcastle will be aiming to finish the year on a high with tough away trips to high-flying Melbourne Victory and Brisbane on the horizon. A key match for both sides and their Top 6 aspirations.
Nick’s tip: Wellington 0.25ah @1.88 (Pinnacle Sports)
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Adelaide United v Sydney FC7:50 PM AEDT, Coopers Stadium |
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Poor old Adelaide United. Leicester City’s flailing title defense pales in comparision as the Reds languish at the bottom on 6 points with a third of the season gone. Rumours circulating about Guillermo Amor’s immediate future, and John Aloisi’s impending appointment, just got louder after Adelaide’s late capitulation at Newcastle. Deep into injury time and the scores locked at one apiece , the Reds conceded three opportunities in the space of 90 seconds in what can only be described as suicidal defending. Leading the chasing pack by 7 points, undefeated Sydney FC roll into town after crushing Perth Glory 4-1. The title favourites were easy winners in the end, as the score suggests, but needed heroics from Alex Wilkinson and keeper Danny Vukovic along the way.
Just six points separates Adelaide United and a group of sides in and around 6th spot. In addition to key players return from injury, the Reds still have time to turn things around. Michael Marrone is the latest to return from a long spell on the treatment table. Meanwhile, the Sky Blues will be wary of their wounded opponents. Sydney were quite fortunate to come away with a scoreless draw back in Round 5. With Josh Brilliante returning from suspension, Sydney should get the job done but it won’t be easy.
Nick’s tip: No tip.
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Melbourne City v Perth Glory7:50 PM AEDT, AAMI Park |
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Melbourne City will aim to put their post FFA Cup lethargy behind them as they host an equally uninspiring Perth outfit. City have collected just 2 points from 9 since the capture of their first trophy, leaving them nine points adrift off the top. Perhaps last weekend’s 2-1 derby loss will shake Melbourne City out of their current stupor as Tim Cahill’s opener was overturned by a more vibrant opponent. Perth, meanwhile, will struggle to make the Finals at this rate with just one win in their last 8 outings. It all looked so promising for Kenny Lowe’s men when Adam Taggart deservingly put the Glory one up against Sydney, only to concede moments later. The performance though was not as bad as the 4-1 scoreline suggests.
Few would of predicted Perth’s fall from grace following their impressive 3-2 win in this fixture, back in Round 3. Andy Keogh was the standout performer that evening with a hat-trick, as his manager watched on from the stands following his vehement protestations at half-time. With a tough run of games out of the way, Melbourne City would hope to shoot up the table. The loss of Michael Jabobsen was deeply felt last week and his availability (or unavailability) could well decide the outcome of this fixture.
Nick’s tip: Melbourne City -0.5ah @1.55 (Pinnacle Sports)
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Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners7:50 PM AEDT, AAMI Park |
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The feel good factor at Melbourne Victory is well and truly back after putting one over their City neighbours. Melbourne City’s recent success would not have gone down to well with those of the royal blue persuasion. The 2-1 win and Besart Berisha’s record-equalling 90th goal has Melbourne Victory’s name in spotlights, just the way they like it. Paul Okon’s influence at Central Coast is evident by the sides improved performances on the pitch. Results wise, it’s more of the same as Brisbane handed the side from Gosford their third straight loss. The Mariners had a chance to rescue a point right at the death as substitute Kwabena Appiah broke into the box but failed to find a teammate as he fired across the goalmouth.
Following just 2 wins in six to open their campaign, Victory are beginning to hit their straps. James Troisi and Marco Rojas are in top form since returning to Melbourne for their second spell while Alan Baro is fast becoming one of the most dominant centre-backs in the competition. Central Coast will be hoping to invest in some new players come the January transfer window with a creative type the no.1 priority.
Nick’s tip: Awaiting team news.
