The following are previews with betting tips for Round 2 of the 2022/23 A-League Mens season.
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Friday, October 14
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Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City7:45pm AEDT, Suncorp Stadium |
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Melbourne City have come out triumphant in seven out of their last 10 appearances vs Brisbane. Meanwhile the visitors have also won three of their last five clashes, as opposed to Brisbane who have tasted success just twice over that same time span. Those two results being 2-1 versus Adelaide United and on penalties against Avondale FC.
For the visitors a Leo Lacroix class in disaster Football helped them to a devilish 2-1 victory over Western United at AAMI Park last round in a ‘version’ of the Melbourne Derby. He gave away the ball to Jamie Maclaren on the 59-minute mark, as the star Striker proceed to scurry the ball into the back of the net. Whilst prior to that he scored an absolute blunder of an own goal 38-minutes in. And for the Roar back at Suncorp Stadium, they had 13 shots at goal and 10 corners to three, yet they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against the Bulls. Both sides highlighted raw glimpses of their capabilities over their two respective matches.
In the words of Charlie Austin, one of the A-League’s marquee signings and a great advocate for the Roar, they “battered” Macarthur and were “unlucky” to not come away with the result. However against a side like Melbourne City you simply need to finish your chances, otherwise they’ll eat you up. Maclaren did what Austin couldn’t and those capitalised upon opportunities may well prove to be all the difference in this tasty encounter. It’ll be far from easy, but City should get the dub here.
Betting tips: Look for City to win at $2.15 (Bet365)
Also look for there to be over 2.5 goals throughout the match at $1.72 (Bet365)
Saturday, October 15
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Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory5:00pm AEDT, McDonald Jones Stadium |
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Newcastle head into their home contest against Perth on a tad bit of a goal scoring streak, having fashioned 2+ strikes in five of their last nine overall contests. As for the Glory they’ve managed to do it just twice over that exact same nine-match period. However, their second latest clash was a 4-0 thrashing of the Gold Coast Knights and a well-rounded effort at that, with four different players all etching their name onto the score-sheet.
The Jets would’ve been hoping their season could start with a win, albeit it was to no avail as the infamous F3 Derby was all washed out at Bluetongue Stadium due to the torrential weather as the pitch took a hit for the worse, resulting in the game being postponed. Newcastle and Central Coast supporters alike instead stayed to pay their respects to the career of retired A-League legend and all-time great Mariner Matt ‘Wizard of Woy Woy’ Simon. And as for Perth, they were valiant in defeat at CommBank Stadium, as their new look side fought hard against Western Sydney. Liam Reddy the star of the show, as the 41-year-old veteran Goal Keeper kept the Glory in the match with five saves, including a spot kick save in the 90th-minute, as he dove electrically to the bottom right hand corner.
Perth haven’t had much of anything lately and it’s put the club in a tough spot. However they’re fighters and no matter the result here, they’ll sure as hell be busting their guts out on the field. And with four of their last six clashes against the Jets having seen three draws and one win in their favour, they will more than likely feel capable of brewing up an upset in the Hunter Valley. Reddy will need to be on hand more so than ever to stop the oncoming onslaught, but if the Glory can put away some of their chances then game on!
Betting tips: Look for the Jets to edge this encounter out at $1.61 (BlueBet)
Also look for them to score first at $1.55 (TexBet)
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Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers7:45pm AEDT, AAMI Park |
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From their last 13 total games, the Wanderers have tasted defeat just three times, as they appear to be headed in the right direction under the ever-experienced Mark Rudan. Following their latest dab of success, a tight 1-0 victory over the Glory at CommBank Stadium, Rudan proclaimed to the press, “I thought we were one of the best looking teams in Round One.” And with new signing Sulejman Krpic scoring on debut for the club, coming via one of Western Sydney’s 12 total shots, six of which were on target, the ex-Western United and Phoenix manager might not be far off the ‘mark’ with his reMARKS.
The visiting Wanderers have the likes of Krpic, one goal in one game to rely upon. The Bosnian has a strong track record at finding refuge in the back of the net, having scored 15 goals in 34 games in his home country last season. Whilst just two years ago he had 12 strikes from 18 appearances and 19 from 36 prior to that. He’s lethal, as is fellow attacking partner Milos Ninkovic who also proved his value on Sunday afternoon. The sneaky Serbian ended the encounter with three shots, two of which were on target + one shot assist, 24 accurate passes (86%), 6/7 duels won, 1/2 tackles won and 2/2 take ons won. Meanwhile for the Victory, they stunned the ‘Sky Blues’ 3-2 in the first ever Football contest/Big Blue at the brand new Allianz Stadium. Backed by their strong contingent of away supporters, they produced the goods in the 31st, 67th and 83rd-minutes of the match thanks to Nick D’Agostino, Chris Ikonimidis and former Sydney man Josh Brilliante, respectively. Thus giving Tony Popovic and his men the perfect start to the new campaign.
This is the sort of pulsating and exciting encounter that while entertaining, you’d also pick the Victory to win with little to no fuss involved. Without disrespecting what the Wanderers achieved last round and are currently building towards, Melbourne have toppled them in six of their last 12 clashes against one another. In addition, the last time the Wanderers claimed back-to-back road wins was in early November of 2021! It has well and truly been that long! They’re not the best when away from home, having scored just two goals throughout their last three away clashes. Melbourne, even in difficult circumstances, should be able to tick Western Sydney off their to-do-list come the end of 90-minutes.
Betting tips: Look for a Victory win at $1.80 (BlueBet)
However also look for both teams to score at least 1+ goal a piece at $1.68 (BlueBet)
Sunday, October 16
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Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners1:00pm AEDT, Sky Stadium |
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Playing at Westpac Stadium last weekend, the Phoenix were rightfully treated to a healthy crowd as they held on for what can only be described as a scintillatingly entertaining 1-1 draw against Adelaide. Down to 10-men after just 25-minutes of game time due to a controversial red card given out to new signing Yan Sasse, Wellington appeared to be in all sorts of trouble, yet they still forged the opener through Ben Wine 50-minutes on. That was before Ben Halloran sunk their determined spirits with an equaliser on the 93rd-minute mark. Meanwhile for the Central Coast they finished in the Top Six last season despite operating on a shoe string like budget, so even the casual A-League supporter knows that they have plenty of dawg in them.
With the Mariners latest game against the Jets a complete washout, it only seemed fair that they used the demonic weather to pay their respects to a ‘devil’ player in some respects in the form of Matt Simon. Simon he a player who produced 217 games for the Central Coast, scoring 61 goals in the process. Simon was a tough, but also entertaining as hell bugger, which is the ideal way to describe these teams H2Hs against one another. When they last played the Mariners tasted success in the form of a commanding 4-0 win, whilst prior to that it was 5-0. Jason Cummings has two strikes from his last two games versus the Phoenix, as the laughable Aussie is their version of Waine. So with that being the case, Wellington might be hoping its’ a case of new season, new beginnings, for them against the Central Coast.
‘tHe phOeNIx arE BAd fOr tHE A-lEAgUe’. It’s been raised by dumb ar$e supporters all throughout the COVID period and even when the Phoenix made the finals it was still being stupidly said. Wellington get unfairly criticised for no good reason at all. And linking back to their earlier match against Adelaide, they showed everybody who watches the A-League what a passionate bunch of blokes they are and how much they play for one another. Most sides would’ve capitulated being a man down for the majority of a match, but they just thrived under the pressure and reached new levels. And now with them finally getting consistent games across the ditch once again, with every week that comes and goes they should continue to erase the disrespect to their amazing franchise. That easement continues with this tasty H2H.
Betting tips: Look for their to be 12+ corners collectively fashioned in this match at $2.20 (Bet365)
Also look for Ben Waine to strike anytime with an electric goal at $2.75 (Bet365)
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Macarthur FC v Adelaide United3:00pm AEDT, Campbelltown Stadium |
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Both these sides featured in the Final Eight of the FFA Cup over the off-season, with the Dwight Yorke led Bulls making in their inaugural trophy inside the trophy cabinet. Whilst both teams also claimed hard-fought draws to open up Round One with. For Macarthur they played a dogged game of Football courtesy of their nil-all draw versus Brisbane up at Suncorp Stadium. Meanwhile the ‘Reds’ have returning veteran Ben Halloran to thank for their 1-1 draw against the Phoenix in New Zealand. After a year out with FC Seoul in Korea, his rebound effort in the 93rd-minute secured his visiting side a surprise point.
Playing their first home game of the season, on a Sunday afternoon, with cheap tickets and already plenty of members signed up for the campaign ahead, everything is in place for the Bulls to ram down the ‘Reds’. Despite going scoreless against the Roar last Saturday afternoon, prior to that Macarthur had registered a scintillating 19 goals from six games. That will be their focus point for this affair, to not only entertain as Yorke has previously alluded to, but to break down Adelaide’s stoic defence with some well earned strikes too. Young Forward (22) Al Hassan Toure is bound to break off the shackles soon after producing just one shot vs Brisbane, as he scored five memorising goals during the Macarthur’s cup run. Whilst Daniel Arzani had three goals and two assists during their Australia Cup success. Not too mention alongside captain Ulises Davilla, teeing off mint balls to the likes of Anthony Carter and Craig Noone, the explosiveness of their attack should prove too much for a vibrant, yet young Adelaide side to be able to fully reign in.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. As the saying goes if it works, why work on it? Macarthur works, they were just a bit unlucky vs Brisbane. Opposing Goal Keeper Jordan Holmes made three saves, three quality stops. However on a different day Yorke’s Men would’ve had them covered. As long as they’ve been working on their finishing skills during the week there’s no reason to believe that Macarthur won’t win this affair. And if they’re smart, Yorke will have his rampant Bulls targeting Adelaide’s right side of defence which features the inexperienced 22-year-old Harry Van der Saag and Lachlan Barr.
Betting tips: Pick Macarthur to get the win at $2.37 (BlueBet)
Also back Ulises Davila to score anytime at $2.50 (Bet365)
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Western United v Sydney FC5:00pm AEDT, AAMI Park |
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This match presents the reigning champs up against the 5X champs. Western United are aiming to become what Sydney FC currently are. Whilst in somewhat of a weird and unheard of paradox, Sydney FC are also aiming to become what Western United are in many regards such as cohesiveness, team chemistry and recent success. Further adding fuel to this already brilliantly complex game is that the last time these two competitors went H2H, Sydney won 3-0, whilst prior to that it was a 3-0 victory in favour of the ‘Green & Black’.
Leo Lacroix has played for his national team of Switzerland, whilst he’s also competed in both Champions League and Europa League Football. Not too mention he’s also an A-League All-Star and a man who’s won competitive silverware in his own country. However this past Friday night against fellow Grand Finalists of last season, Melbourne City, he looked absolutely rubbish. From own goals to comical errors, he may as well have stayed in bed. However one bad game shouldn’t tarnish his reputation as an elite Defender in Australian Football. But he will have to turn it around in this clash and up against the likes of Robert Mak and Joe Lolley it’ll certainly be no easy task. He needs to commit to sticking to his man, as well as not coming out to far from his defensive stand posts. If head coach John Aloisi can get him to stick to the programme then Sydney will be in for an extremely difficult task against the best in the league.
This match oozes potential and promises to be quite exceptional in a lot of regards. And it may well be the game in which Jack Rodwell, the former Manchester City flyer debuts for Sydney as well. However most importantly all eyes will be on James Trios up front and Jamie Young at the back. Troisi had a decent debut for the ‘Green & Black’ which included two shot assists and a near goal. Whilst Young made seven saves! With Trios in particular a historically good performer against the ‘Sky Blues’ and having also been Western’s only acquisition over the off-season, all eyes and all pressure will be on him to help his side get an opening three-points for the new season.
Betting tips: Back Sydney to produce the games last goal at $1.95 (TexBet)
Also bet on both teams to score at $1.60 (TexBet)
Best Bets of the Round – Newcastle Jets vs Perth Glory
Look for the Jets to edge this encounter out at $1.61 (BlueBet)
Also look for them to score first at $1.55 (TexBet)