A-League Men Matchweek 8 – Previews & Betting Tips

Wellington Phoenix vs Newcastle Jets 5:05 PM AEDT, Jubilee Stadium

When these two sides locked horns back in RD4 it proved to be an incredibly one-sided affair, as Newcastle prevailed 4-0 at McDonald Jones Stadium. Owning 60% possession of the ball and shooting 9/18 on target + having one come off the woodwork, it was a truly damaging five-star performance from the ‘Novocastrians’. One which saw them fashion goals through Beka Mikeltadze (32^nd & 52^nd mins), Dylan Murrane (69^th min) and Daniel Penha (80^th min). Whilst only further adding to the ‘Nix’s’ pain was that they won 46 duels to their 31! Can Arthur Papas’s men produce a similar ‘highlights’ reel or will Ufuk Talay and his team give it right back to them?

Mikeltadze has four goals this season and Yuel three, as they are amongst the leading scorers in this season’s A-League Men competition. They’re running amok as Mikeltadze’s precision and Yuel’s speed has helped deliver ‘Newy’ five points, as they sit just a win off a Top Six berth. Then there’s also lads such as Cameroonian Forward Olivier Boumal. He’s gotten one goal, one assist and six shot assists so far on the campaign. Unlike that of seasons past, Newcastle now possesses a formidable attack and one that’s capable of frightening their opponents, see their earlier season 2-0 – 2-2 comeback vs Sydney FC for details. Just like the last time they met, the eager attack should be a bit too much for Wellington to manage.

Betting tips: Pick Newcastle to prevail at $2.75 (bet365)

While you can also look for there to be over 1.5 goals at $1.22 (Sportsbet)

Whilst also pick the Jets to score 2 or more goals in the match at $2.30 (Sportsbet)

 

Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United 7:45 PM AEDT, AAMI Park

In the current, twisted world of COVID, we can be thankful at least that this wasn’t one of the postponed games. The passion, the intensity, the flair, the poise, and the integrity! Those are just many of the factors that make this Derby one of the most anticipated within all of Australian Football. As an example, when they last went head-to-head at Hindmarsh, Melbourne conjured up a late and mesmerising 2-1 triumph, after producing strikes through Francesco Margiotta (59^th min) and Nishan Velupillay (79^th min), after having previously been one-nil down. Adding to the raw unfiltered passion as the match wore down was Jason Davidson’s second yellow card for the evening, with both Bernardo Oliveira and Joshua Cavallo seeing late opportunities blocked by the opposing defence. What will the latest chapter of this spinetingling rivalry produce?

With Melbourne sitting in 1^st on the ladder with 4/6 wins, it’s been an incredible ride under new manager Tony Popovic so far. They’re firing on all cylinders and have proven to be an incredibly tough side to overcome. That’s in no small part due to the impact of Nick D’Agostino both on and off the ball. The Australia U-23 international who once bagged 17 goals in 22 games for the Roar’s youth NPL side has been phenomenal so far. He’s banged in three strikes, whilst also having won 17 duels in total, including 9/19 aerials, along with having completed 2/3 tackles. He’s a difficult proposition to thwart when he’s running full speed at you, given the incredibly creative aspect of his kitbag as well. Adelaide and their weak defensive tendencies (the ‘Nix’ result being the exception to the rule because they’re struggling badly this season) may not have it in them to be able to slow him down in this all-encompassing Derby affair.

Betting tips: Look for the Victory to secure the win at $2.05 (Sportsbet)

While the game should also fashion over 2.5 strikes at $1.81 (Sportsbet)

Also pick for there to be 1+ goal produced in each half at $1.67 (Sportsbet)

 

Sunday, January 09

Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers 6:45 PM AEDT, AAMI Park

This matchup presents us with two underperforming sides, who are still both incredibly good chances of taking out this season’s Championship if they were to get all of their affairs in order. For City, they were one of the best teams in the entirety of Asia last season, as they shattered Australian Football to bits through their emphatic 3-1 Grand Final victory over Sydney FC. As for the Wanderers, head coach Carl Robinson appears to be on extremely thin ice, despite the super talented squad at his disposal. But for whatever reason it hasn’t been working out both on and off the pitch for them. Consistency is the key to unlocking both sides potential and the good thing is, more then likely one of them will find it right here in this affair. Is it Melbourne’s or Western Sydney’s time to shine?

Young 20-year-old Thomas Aquilina this season has won 23/39 duels, 6/9 tackles and 4/8 take ons. With recent rumours suggesting that a move to Europe may be on the cards in the not to distant future, the stats would certainly back up those claims for the 2X Youth Championship winner for Australia. With 23-year-old John Koutroumbis also partnering him on the ride side of the defence, it’ll be a big challenge for the two of them, given everything that City will no doubt pelter at them. However, Koutroumbis’s finer stats from this season include, 13/28 duels won, as well as 2/2 tackles and 1/2 take ons. No matter the result, this will be a great learning curve for the two supremely talented, hardworking Wanderers.

Betting tips: Look for City to win, as well as score both the first and last goals of the game when the match odds become available.

 

Best Bets of the Round

Pick Newcastle to prevail at $2.75 (bet365)

While you can also look for there to be over 1.5 goals at $1.22 (Sportsbet)

Whilst also pick the Jets to score 2 or more goals in the match at $2.30 (Sportsbet