The following are previews with betting tips for Matchweek 11 of the 2021/22 A-League Men season.
*Previews written prior to Sydney FC’s FFA Cup clash against the Central Coast Mariners.
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Wednesday, January 19
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Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory7:45PM AEDT, Moreton Daily Stadium |
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The Roar are coming into this clash off the back of positive back-to-back performances against Sydney FC. With both matches being played in Kogarah they were certainly up against the odds, however in the League they claimed a comprehensive 1-1 draw in which Nikola Mileusnic bagged his first goal of the season, in the 40th minute, with the right footed attempt. Whilst prior to that they were brave in a 1-0 defeat in the FFA Cup. Despite failing to advance to the next round, Warren Moon’s men would’ve had plenty of positives to take from that affair. Whilst despite sitting in 12th place, they appear to be on the up and there’s no better chance to continue their newfound momentum then against a Glory side that haven’t featured since December 8th of last year.
As for Perth, they might start this game a little rusty given their prolonged absence, but you’d also pick them to be extremely energetic as well and eager to play. While as an added bonus former Liverpool Champions League victor Daniel Sturridge is expected to play solid minutes off the bench. How Richard Garcia’s men perform is anybody’s best guess, but you’d have to pick Bruno Fornaroli to be the key piece to the puzzle. With ‘El Tuna’ having struck twice from four appearances this campaign, the 34-year-old Uruguayan is a constant threat and one who is sure to keep Brisbane on high-alert, especially with the inexperienced Macklin Freke residing in goals.
*The Brisbane Roar’s lack of A-League experience sees them lose this game as opposed to Perth winning it.
Betting tips: Pick Perth to win at $3.75 (Bet365)
Also pick there to be over 2.5 goals at $1.80 (Bet365)
And look for both teams to find the back of the net at $1.65 (Bet365)
Friday, January 21
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Wellington Phoenix vs Western United7:45PM AEDT, WIN Stadium |
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Neither the ‘Nix’ or the ‘Green & Black’ have particularly good momentum headed into this game. For the hosts they have won just one of their past five domestic games. While for Western United, they’ve only proved victorious in one of their past three games overall, as their latest defeat was a heavy 3-1 scoreline to the Victory. Yet given that Wellington currently reside in 11th place on the ladder, combined with their -10 GD, you’d expect them to be far more desperate than that of their rivals. That’s especially so considering United are 3rd with four wins from six games this season and already eight points ahead of Wellington.
Meanwhile the ‘Nix’ are undefeated in their past five games against the opposition, including four wins, with those having come in the form of 1-0, 3-0, 3-2 and 2-0. The latest clash seeing Ben Waine strike with venom in the 35th minute, in what was the clash’s only goal. And the victory was claimed despite them shooting just 1/4 on target, in comparison to the ‘Green & Black’ who went 6/14. While when looking back, it seems fairly absurd that John Aloisi’s men last beat Wellington on 13.10.2019. So given their current position, in addition to the class they have filtered throughout their side, it’s difficult to see them not claiming a comfortable win here.
*Western United win here because of the talent they have on paper. Nothing more and nothing less!
Betting tips: Look for Western United to win at $2.30 (Bet365), strike first at $1.72 (Bet365) and ‘No’ for both teams to score at $2.25 (Bet365).
Saturday, January 22
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Sydney FC vs Perth Glory7:45PM AEDT, Netsrata Jubilee Stadium |
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If not for a darting Elvis Kamsoba run and a clinical Anthony Caceres finish last game, then Sydney would’ve handed the Roar their first three-points of the season! At home no less! As they settled for a 1-1 stalemate vs Brisbane. There are people currently calling for Steve Corica’s resignation and they’re not wrong. However, he wasn’t the only one to blame for last weekends diabolical performance. Trent Buhagiar and Milos Ninkovic were both uncharacteristically poor. While the likes of Joel King, Ben Warland and then Harry Van der Saag and Bobo off the bench were equally as atrocious. That while there was no Adam Le Fondre, Kosta Barbarouses or Luke Brattan there to contribute either. It’s dire times for the ‘Sky Blues’ and unless something rights the ship quickly, they’ll continue to lose pace with the Top Two very quickly.
The debut however of Mustafa Amini proved to be something solid, as his touches were well-composed, and he appeared to be smart with his attacking sequences and movements. Yet the former Borussia Dortmund man didn’t play a single game last year, so his match fitness is still a concern, yet he’s also expected to replace Brattan in the Midfield. As capable and as talented as Amini is, the former A-League Premiership winner needs time to adapt to his home league once again. Can Sydney supporters be that patient? Only time will tell, but regardless expect him to again make his presence felt against Perth.
*While it’s impossible to tell what exactly will occur at Netsrata Jubilee Stadium, look for both outfits to put out clinical attacking performances.
Betting tips: Look for Sydney to prevail … just, at $1.50 (Bet365)
Additionally pick No for both teams to score at 2.00 (Bet365)
Also look for there to be at least 1+ goal in each half when the match odds become available.
Sunday, January 23
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Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City4:05PM AEDT, Central Coast Stadium |
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With the Mariners placed 5th and City 4th this is bound to be a tightly contested encounter. For the Central Coast they have won six of their past eight games overall, including a most recent 6-0 rout of APIA Leichardt in the FFA Cup in Leichardt. While Melbourne pushed and pushed in what was an eventual 2-2 draw vs Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium. While a 70th minute Nuno Reis red card certainly did the visitors no favours. However, with Jamie Maclaren making the back of the net bulge, his fourth of the season, the Mariners have a tad more to worry about then whether or not the game will go ahead due to potential COVID complications. It was a soft start to the season for ‘Macca,’ but now he is well and truly on fire, with the rest of the competition quaking in their boots.
City have also won four of the previous six H2Hs contested between these two sides, with the most recent coming roughly midway through last year, with a 1-0 triumph at AAMI Park. That win coming courtesy of Craig Noone’s 59th minute strike, via Adrian Luna’s assist. Funnily enough both Melbourne and the Central Coast each had one shot land on target that game, but evidently it was City’s that made theirs count big time. Despite City’s relative inconsistencies in the wake of their maiden Championship, you’d semi expect them at some point to really get raring. Against the Mariners whom they have a solid record versus, this could be exactly that time!
*This matchup should be close for lengthy periods of time, but down the stretch when it matters the most, pick Melbourne to come through in the clutch.
Betting tips: Look for both teams to score at $1.53 (Bet365), City to score first at $1.66 (Bet365) and for the second half to be the highest scoring one at $1.95 (Bet365).
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Brisbane Roar vs Adelaide United5:45PM AEDT, Moreton Daily Stadium |
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Despite Adelaide only positing a sole victory this campaign, they’ve fought hard and that’s adequately reflected through them being just a single point off a Top Six berth and only four off the Top Three. To start the season off with, they claimed an entertaining 1-1 draw vs Perth. Then up next and back at home, it was 2-2 vs City. After that it was a trip to Redcliffe, which resulted in a goalless stalemate against Brisbane. Then back to Hindmarsh Stadium they suffered late heartbreak, going down 2-1 to the Victory in the leagues original and still incredibly tense rivalry. A controversial 1-0 defeat to Western United in Melbourne followed suit, then at Hindmarsh it was a comfortable 4-0 win over Wellington. Finally, it was a 1-1 draw vs the Victory, also at AAMI Park, then another thrilling 2-2 draw vs City at home.
Hiroshi Ibusuki was the star of the show, as the Nagareyama-born Striker scored the equaliser against City in the 84th minute, following Craig Goodwin’s delicious corner. With that being his ‘Reds’ debut, it was quite the first appearance for the former Sevilla and Gerona man. And it has alleviated some Adelaide’s supporters concerns that the club would/will struggle with the departure of Ben Halloran and the soon-to-be-one of Stefan Mauk, two quality attackers. If he gets enough time out on the field, Brisbane’s somewhat inexperienced defence may struggle to hold him at bay for prolonged periods of time.
*Adelaide have more then proven what they are capable of lately. It’ll be far from easy, but they should eventually fashion all three-points in this affair.
Betting tips: Look for Adelaide to triumph at $2.90 (Bet365)
Also pick both teams to make the net bulge at $1.61 (Bet365)
And pick Adelaide to also score last at $2.20 (Bet365)
Tuesday, January 25
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Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory7:45PM AEDT, AAMI Park |
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The Big Blue really something else, isn’t it? Fans separated by barriers, but hardly when it comes to trophies won. Whilst all-time legends such as Besart Berisha, Alex Brosque, Leigh Broxham and Ryan Grant know exactly what this derby means! It’s the hatred, the will to win and the fire in the belly that drives all the lads up some extra notches for Australia’s biggest regular season game of Football. Some seasons ago it was Sydney who pumped the Victory 6-1 in a Semi-Final massacre at Kogarah. Whilst in the same elimination circumstances at Allianz Stadium prior to that, Terry Antonis’s winner against his old club in ET was something truly memorable. Especially so given his OG at the end of regulation pushed the game to that point. As usual we’re in for one hell of a clash right here at AAMI Park!
Elvis Kamsoba played in 61 games for the Victory, compiling six goals in the process. He was let go at the end of their Wooden Spoon season last year and headed to Sydney in order to try and prove himself as a valuable asset to any side. Well, he’s done exactly that and more! He’s scored two goals in six games, has provided 10 shot assists and plenty of pacey runs, while he’s also torn the FFA Cup to shreds. It’s never easy versing your former side. But with the way he’s been a shining light for the ‘Sky Blues’ so far this season, expect him to give it to his former employers, despite the relentless taunts he’s no doubt likely to receive from the home supporters.
*Elvis Kamsoba is the do-or-die factor right here for Sydney. Make no two guesses about it! His level or lack thereof of impact, will decide the eventual outcome of this hefty clash.
Betting tips: Look for both teams to find the back of the net
Also look for Sydney to score last
While you can pick the Victory to open the scoring whenever the match odds become available.
Best Bets of the Round
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City: Look for both teams to score at $1.53 (Bet365), City to score first at $1.66 (Bet365) and for the second half to be the highest scoring one at $1.95 (Bet365).