The following are previews with betting tips for the second week of the resumption of the 2019/20 A-League season.
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Tuesday, July 21
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Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets7:30 PM AEST, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium |
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Sydney- Buhagiar came on in the 69th minute as a sub for Barbarouses and with the scores locked at 1-all heading into the 88th minute, that is when he made his impact! He proceed to score two quick-fire goals then and also in the 90th minute to stamp home the result for the league-leaders. As a result of his excellent performance, the Sky Blues now only need one more point from their remaining matches to claim a record 4th A-League Minor Premiership. Pretty impressive stuff! Le Fondre also converted a 76th minute spot-kick to give him an = league leading 18th strike of the season, equal with Jamie Maclaren. This was Sydney’s 16th victory of the season from 21 matches as they continued their fine run of form. They shot 8/15 on target and kept the Nix to just 2/12 on target themselves. They also completed a strong 87% of their passes, which was good for 406/468.
Newcastle- The Jets are currently in 9th place with 6 wins on the season. They desperately need to claim all 3 points in this encounter. Before the season was last stopped due to COVID, they upset City 2-1 at home. They scored their goals via Fitzgerald in the 46th minute and also via Ugarkovic in the 78th minute. They shot 9/16 on target and completed 86% of their passes. That was good for 516/598. Prior to that, they thrashed Adelaide 3-0 in Adelaide. O’Donovan, Millar and Ugarkovic all got on the score-sheet in the romp. They shot 6/13 on target and also gave away just 9 fouls throughout the encounter. And sandwiched in-between those two games was an unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Brisbane on the Gold Coast. The games sole-goal came via Scott McDonald in the 16th minute. Newcastle went a poor 0/10 on target this game, despite them owning 60% possession of the ball. Overall however, Newcastle have been victorious in 4 of their past 7 matches.
What should happen- Could an upset be on the cards here??? Sydney were pretty rusty before the season came to a halt and the Jets on the other hand were firing on all cylinders under Robinson (no pun intended). Sydney might be inclined to play a younger squad given the number of games they still have left to play. That whilst Newcastle are fighting tooth and nail for a finals spot. They did it once against Sydney a few seasons back, in what was quite a memorable game at the then Hunter Stadium. Who’s to say they can’t do it again?
Betting tip: Pick Sydney to win at $1.83 (Sportsbet)
Also pick them to score first at $1.50 (bet365)
Wednesday, July 22
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Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix7:30 PM AEST, BankWest Stadium |
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Perth- They got it done, just! Only just recently they scraped past the Mariners 1-0 in what was a fairly dour affair. Ingham scored the games only goal in the 32nd minute. It was a relatively disappointing result for Perth who are used to putting on shows against the leagues easy beats. They shot 4/7 on target, with 56% possession of the ball. They also completed a strong 87% of their passes, which was good for 545/630. They won 58 duels and also 14 aerials. But they did however concede 11 fouls, including 3 yellows. This was their 9th win of the season and as a result has left them in 5th place. They are on 34 points and are just 2 wins of 2nd now. Prior to that, they battled to a tough 0-0 draw with the Sky Blues in Sydney. The Glory had 51% of the ball, but they managed to shoot just 1/9 on target. That was in comparison to Sydney, who owned 49% of the ball, yet shot a more respectable 4/13 on target. The Glory did however manage to complete 86% of their passes, which was good for 405/473. But their foul count was high, as they conceded 17.
Wellington- The Nix could feel somewhat hard done by in their most recent 3-1 defeat to Sydney. They had a goal controversially called back for an offside ruling, whilst the Sky Blues also converted a 76th minute penalty attempt. In addition to that, in the 87th minute the scores were tensely locked at 1-all, that was before Buhagiar proceeded to score in both the 88th and 90th minutes for Sydney to put the game beyond reach for Wellington. That has left them in 3rd place and 4 points of 2nd. It was their 7th defeat for the campaign. The Nix played very well and were quite valiant in defeat. And both GK’s put on an absolute save with Marinovic making some fine saves to keep the Nix within the match. Before that, they whipped the Victory 3 goals to 0. Davila opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute of the game, Hooper scored 18 minutes later and Ball got one in the 55th minute. Wellington are for real this season. No doubt at all!!!
What should happen- A great, yet tough game of Football. In the game affectionately nick-named the ‘Distance Derby’, neither side ever gives up a hell of a lot in this encounter. It’s 3rd vs 5th on the ladder and 11 wins vs 9 wins. The closeness is impeccable. When these two sides last met, the Glory won a 4-2 thriller in Perth. D’Agostino scored twice, Mrcela once and Fornaroli also bagged one. Hooper scored twice for Wellington. There was 34 combined shots from either side in that match. There was also 32 combined fouls in it as well. And it got fiery alright when Payne received a 71st minute red. Before that, the Glory won 2-1 in NZ. Fornaroli and Ikonimidis both bagged a goal each for Perth. Whilst Davila scored a late 95th minute consolation strike for the Nix. Perth had 13 shots and Wellington 14. There was also 2 yellow cards dished out to each side. This clash, should be just like that of ones past and very exciting indeed to watch.
Betting tip: Pick Wellington to be victorious at $2.88 (Sportsbet)
Also pick the highest scoring half to be the 1st at $3.10 (BetEasy)
Friday, July 24
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Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets7:30 PM AEST, Central Coast Stadium |
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Central Coast- The Mariners are dead-last and in 11th position at the moment. They have just 4 wins and a draw from 23 matches so far. They’ve got 18 defeats to their name and a league worse GD of -30. The next worse is -13! Less then half that! They played hard, but they couldn’t quite get it done at home last round, as they went down 1-0 to the Glory. They conceded the games only goal in the 32nd minute via Dane Ingham. Their cause wasn’t at all aided by them shooting a poor 2/7 on target, to go along with their 44% possession ownage of the ball. They did however manage to complete 82% of their passes. That being something that was good for 403/489. They won 51 duels and 11 aerials as well. But their foul-count was high, as they gave up 16. Prior to that, they lost 4-2 to City in Gosford. they leaked goals in the 5th, 10th, 48th and 74th minutes of the game. Whilst Jordan Murray found the back of the net in the 2nd and 69th minutes of the match. Those were just his 3rd and 4th goals of the season. In regards to this F3 Derby, the Central Coast have nothing but pride to play for in this one.
Newcastle- The Jets have won 8 of their past 13 F3 Derbies against the Mariners. Most recently, on February 9th of this year, they prevailed 4-3. They leaked goals in the 45th, 49th and 86th minutes of the game. Whilst their own goals came via Petratos (15th and 52nd minutes), Topor-Stanley (25th min) and Eun-Sun OG (55th minute). Newcastle had a massive 64% possession of the ball, whilst shooting 8/22 on target in the process. They also had a shot hit the woodwork and they also completed 86% of their passes. That was something that was good for 459/531. And they gave up just 12 fouls + the one yellow as well. Before that it was a one-all draw in Gosford, as Duric opened the scoring for the home-side in just the 4th minute of the match. Petratos then scored in the 56th minute to even things up for the away-side. The Jets shot a poor 5/17 on target in that encounter, And before that, the Mariners bettered them 3-2 at Hunter Stadium, in what was an excitingly close affair.
What should happen- A Jets victory! They need it and need it badly! + The Mariners are absolute crap at the moment. And that is the polite way of saying it. Against Perth, the Mariners looked like a bunch of headless chooks running around on the field. Their poor shooting accuracy reflects just that. And realistically, they struggle for goals. Simon is too old, Murray is too inconsistent, etc. I think you get the point. While as for their rivals, they have found a new lease of life under Carl Robinson. He is bringing hope back to the Hunter Valley region and rightfully so. Newcastle will have an impetuous to attack all game long in this encounter, so that they can help to improve their dreadful goal difference. And that can only mean bad news for the Mariners shoddy defence. The Jets should realistically get up by 2 or 3 goals here.
Betting tip: Pick Newcastle to win at $1.87 (BetEasy)
When further odds become available, pick them to also score first and last
Saturday, July 25
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Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United5:00 PM AEST, BankWest Stadium |
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Wellington- Bad news Wellington fans, the 2nd last time you beat Adelaide was on 2015, NOV 13, at Westpac Stadium, where you won 4-2. Prior to that, you’ve won just 1 of your past 12 clashes against the Reds. The 11-match winless streak scores from the most recent result to the oldest have been 3-0, 0-0, 3-1, 3-1, 1-0, 1-1, 2-2, 0-0, 2-0, 4-0 and 3-0. Some fairly heavy results in there. The most recent loss saw them go down 3-1 to Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium, Sheridan scored their only goal in the 73rd minute, whilst the Reds found the back of the net in all of the 10th, 17th and 44th minutes. And Wellington funnily enough had the advantage for most of the 2nd half as well, as Stamatelopoulpos saw red in the 47th minute of the game.The Phoenix statistically dominated that one as they shot 6/19 on target + they had a shot come of the woodwork. And they owned 63% possession of the ball as well. But they choked and were unable to get the job done! They will be strong favourites headed into this one though, given their 3rd place standing and their 11 wins from 21 games so far this campaign.
Adelaide- Adelaide are currently 6th on 30 points. And thus far, they’ve strangely enough yet to lose a game this season. They have 10 wins and 12 draws so far from 22 matches played. And most recently out on the Gold Coast, they beat Brisbane 1-0 courtesy of a 6th minute Opseth goal. And they won it the hard way, as they had just 42% possession of the ball throughout the match and they shot 4/10 on target. Whilst they had 2 shots hit the woodwork. That in comparison to the Roar who hit 1 of the woodwork and went 8/22 on target. The Reds also completed a solid 82% of their passes, which was good for 335/411. They also won 40 duels and 10 aerials. They also made 17 tackles, yet gave up 13 fouls. Prior to this, the Jets killed them 3-0 at home. The Reds leaked goals in the 41st, 51st and 54th minutes of the game, in what was basically a 13-minute brain-explosion for them. This was despite the fact that the possession was split at 50% all. And Adelaide went a horrible 1/10 on target!
What should happen- Wellington changing the course of history. As previously mentioned, for whatever reason they struggle mightily against Adelaide. But not for much longer, this is a history-pushing, boundary-creating Wellington side who don’t take no for an answer. And they have last weekends match as all the motivation in the world headed into this clash. They won’t wan’t to lose the hot-streak they were on and the Reds really struggle to score sometimes. This will all only paint positives in the Nix’s favor. Between Davilla, Ball and Hooper, this game could get real ugly, real quickly for Adelaide. If the Nix score within the first 10-15 minutes, then BANG, it’s all over!
Betting tip: Pick Wellington to be victorious at $2.20 (BetEasy)
When further odds become available choose the 2nd half to be the highest scoring one
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Melbourne Victory v Western United7:35 PM AEST, BankWest Stadium |
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Melbourne- The Victory’s last two games before the season was postponed due to COVID19 was a 3-0 defeat to Wellington and a 4-1 defeat to the Sky Blues. They head into this match with no form whatsoever. Adding insult to injury, Ola Toivonen departed the club during the A-League’s hiatus and will not be returning to the club. They sit in 10th on the ladder and 7 points of a finals berth. OUCH! Their 3-0 loss saw them concede a goal in just the 3rd minute of the match and further goals in the 21st and 55th minutes of the game. And despite having 50% possession, they shot just 1/13 on target. That while the Nix went 5/10 on target. And with Grant Brebner, the new manager of the side, his lack of time with the team definitely won’t work in Melbourne’s favour. This game has the potential to turn very ugly, very quickly.
Western United- W.U. won their last match 5-1 against Adelaide. Before that it was 6-2 against the Mariners. They are on a strong run of form as of late, as they attempt to reach the finals in their inaugural season in the A-League. They are 6th at the moment on 27 points and so far, have 8 victories to their name on the campaign. Their 5-1 win saw Berisha bag a double (18th and 56th minutes), Diamanti score (32nd minute), Burgess get one (just 6 minutes later) + Pain as well (48th minute). They impressively shot 7 of their attempted 13 shots on target, that despite them owning just 38% of the ball. And they conceded just 7 fouls as well, with no yellows or reds. They look very good heading into this local Derby.
What Should Happen- Western United come through with the goods. Berisha has 14 goals this season. Max Burgess has scored 4 and has 3 assists. Diamanti has 5 strikes to his name along with 7 assists + 45 shot assists. Pain has scored 2 and has 4 assists. They have so many capable attacking threats. Whilst the Victory just lost their best player in the form of Toivonen. And have scored just one goal from their past two games. In comparison W.U. have scored eleven times. Western United should comfortably prevail in what should prove to be an all-out attacking affair. The score could well be 5-3 or 4-2 in favour of the Berisha-led side.
Betting tip: When odds become available, pick W.U. to win, to score first and for Berisha to score any-time
Best Bets of the Round
Pick Sydney to win at $1.83 (Sportsbet)
Also pick them to score first at $1.50 (bet365)