The following are previews with betting tips for Round 11 of the 2022/23 A-League Mens season.
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Friday, January 6
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Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar7:45pm AEDT, AAMI Park |
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Playing out at Industree Group Stadium and AAMI Park respectively it was tough goings for both the Victory and Roar last round, as Melbourne went down 2-1 to the Mariners and Brisbane had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Western United. For Tony Popovic’s side, Spaniard Cadete’s 39th-minute worldly was undone by Jason Cumming’s double. Whilst for Warren Moon’s Men, they had opened the scoring via Carlo Armiento’s 28th-minute strike, his second in as many matches, but were eventually stifled when Aleksander Prijovic found the back of the net for the opposition 12-minutes from full-time. However neither side is all that far off a Top Six berth, so there is absolutely everything to compete for in this intense rivalry.
The history – Brisbane have won three of the last six matches that have been contested between these two teams. Meanwhile there has also been one draw placed in there too and that was the latest result when they last met, a 0-0 stalemate. Playing in front of just over 6000 people at AAMI Park, the chances were a plenty (21 combined shots at goal from both sides), however neither could find the required finishing touch in front of goals. It was also quite the robust Derby as all in all four yellow cards were handed out by referee Kurt Ams and a grand total of 32 fouls were called. There’s always a bit of disdain towards one another when they face off.
Normally a Victory vs Roar match at the famous venue of AAMI Park would go off! However with the recent supporter sanctions that have been placed on Tony Popovic’s side, there won’t be nearly as much passion and as much noise in the stadium, compared to that of what there normally would be. However I don’t expect that to dilute the on-field product one single bit, as both sets of players ultimately will want to walk away with the win. 23-Year-old Winger Carlo Armiento, as previously mentioned has hit a rich vein of form recently and will need to be looked out for in this encounter. He already has three goals in eight appearances this season for Brisbane, while last season for a struggling Perth side he fashioned three goals and four assists, despite his youthful age. With the Victory’s defence having been very shaky as of late, his pace and vision may well hurt them at home.
Betting tip: Back the Victory to edge out this clash at $1.90 (BlueBet)
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Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers10:30pm AEDT, Macedonia Park |
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The Glory’s latest efforts were anything but ‘glorious’ as they fell to a 2-0 defeat versus the ‘Reds’ out at Hindmarsh Stadium. Meanwhile the Wanderers on the other hand were firing on all cylinders as they posted a first ever win against the ‘Bulls’ and a comprehensive one at that, as they ran out 4-0 victors in Parramatta! Despite Liam Reddy playing his 350th match, he couldn’t get his side up on this occasion, as they leaked strikes in the 40th, then the 72nd-minutes of the match. And ultimately Perth themselves couldn’t finish their chances off much either, as they landed just 1/12 on target. The ‘Red & Black’ meanwhile were having a blast as Yeni N’Gbakoto opened the scoring 16-minutes in, whilst Oliver Bozanic doubled the lead just two minutes later. Then on the 70-minute mark Brandon Borrello made his mark with the games third strike and individually his second of the season, before Ramy Najjarine finished off the proceedings 88-minutes on with a finely converted spot kick. This match will be a fun one, but also one that should ultimately finish in Western Sydney’s favour.
The history – The Wanderers have won three of their last five matches played against the Glory, the latest of which was a tight 1-0 win, played at CommBank Stadium late last year. And it could’ve been more had Suljeman Kripic’s 90th-minute spot kick attempt not been easily thwarted by Liam Reddy. However more notably when they last competed against one another in Western Australia, the game ended in a fun 1-1 draw. However it was Western Sydney who would’ve been left severely pissed off, as they only converted one of their 25 chances at goals that day. Not only that, they also had 75% possession of the ball. And you can expect both sides to have their chances in this tasty affair.
After they comprehensively disposed of their rivals by four strikes to nothing, it’s almost impossible to not back the Wanderers to run away with this game! Against Macarthur they shot 8/17 on target, whilst they also limited the opposition to just 1/13 on target. Yes a team that featured Ulises Davila, Craig Noone and Al Hassan Toure landed just one shot on target throughout a 90-minute + period of time! And with the Glory’s shooting woes once again on display, this time against Adelaide, that only further strengthens the Wanderers case for them claiming a dub at the beautifully boutique venue of Macedonia Park. Ruben Zadkovich’s troops will certainly fight hard, as is the norm for the Glory, but Mark Rudan’s Men should be leaving Perth Airport with all three-points in their luggage.
Betting tips: Back the Wanderers to take out this affair with a strong win at $2.14 (BoomBet)
Also look for them to open the scoring at $1.66 (Bet365)
And look for the affair to have over 1.5 goals within it at $1.28 (Bet365)
Saturday, January 7
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Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix5:00pm AEDT, Allianz Stadium |
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Sydney were stellar last round, whilst Wellington were not, as each side produced contrasting results in the latest round of the A-League Mens competition. To Sydney’s credit they travelled to Newcastle and bested the Jets 2-1. Meanwhile Wellington at home simply couldn’t contain the ever ferocious Jamie Maclaren as they went down 3-1 in a toughly contested match of Football. It was a brilliant five-minute period towards the end of the first half that really won the match for the visiting ‘Sky Blues’. On the 37-minute mark Adam Le Fondre found the back of the net with his relatively standard right-footed shot. Then on the 41-minute mark Robert Mak twisted and turned as he blasted the ball past Jack Duncan as it thundered in to make the score what it was and also to mark his fourth strike of the campaign in style. As for the ‘Nix’ they pressed City incredibly hard with their 51% ownage of the ball and 7/20 shots on target, but it wasn’t quite enough as ‘Macca’s’ 96th-minute strike secured all three-points for Melbourne. Despite their loss, Wellington should certainly be presented with a buffer of chances versus Sydney in Moore Park.
The history – When Sydney and Wellington last went head-to-head they fought each other valiantly in what was a 1-1 draw at Sky Stadium over in New Zealand. That day David Ball opened the scoring with a decent effort just before the stroke of half-time, whilst the ever-illusive and now-retired Bobo made things equal on the 67-minute mark. And prior to that funnily enough, the ‘Sky Blues’ have beaten the Phoenix 2-1, 2-1 and 2-1. The latest of those consecutive efforts saw them take the lead through Elvis Kamsoba and then have the score doubled courtesy of Adam Le Fondre. And despite Ben Waine pegging it back and making it a game with his own fine strike in the 83rd-minute, it just wasn’t to be for Ufuk Talay’s Men in the end. Another thriller and nothing less is to be expected here!
So far this campaign, Sydney have won 4/10 games and Wellington have gone 2/10. Sydney have 13PTS and Wellington are on 11. Either side could very well realistically win this match and ultimately it will depend on who turns up to Allianz Stadium on the day prepared and ready to play. 73X Slovakian international Robert Mak will certainly look to cut into the on-edge Wellington defence and his 17X shot assists highlight what a multi-dimensional Forward he really is. His unselfishness could really benefit the likes of Adam Le Fondre, as well as players such as Max Burgess, which could potentially turn the tide of the game at any given moment. Whereas for Wellington, Kosta Barbarouses needs to step up against the club in which he won a Championship and a Premiership representing. All in all across three seasons at the club he fashioned 18 goals, alongside 10 goal assists. And with Ben Waine now departed, the 32-year-old will be more crucial then ever to Wellington’s attacking hopes. Anything can happen in this match and we should all be here for it!
Betting tip: Look for the ‘Sky Blues’ to come away with the victory at $1.90 (BlueBet)
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Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United5:00pm AEDT, Industree Group Stadium |
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Playing in their home confines of Gosford the Mariners were absolutely brilliant last round as they pounced on a helpless Victory side, prevailing 2-1. Meanwhile Adelaide were equally as dominant at home as they toppled the Glory 2-0. A Jason Cummings double in the 11th and 53rd-minutes of the match meant that Garang Kuol was sent out to Europe a winner and also that Melbourne’s campaign went from bad to worse. To the ‘Cum Dog’s’ credit those were his fifth and sixth strikes of the season from just 10 matches played. Meanwhile the ‘Reds’ saw Lachlan Barr produce his first ever A-League goal with a finely headed strike on the 40-minute mark. Then around half an hour later Ben Halloran secured the match result with his third goal of the season, via a brilliantly executed pass courtesy of Zach Clough. The Central Coast to their credit are now just two-points off of 2nd-place, whilst Adelaide are just three. The Mariners are also in 3rd-position on the ladder and Adelaide in 4th. Anything can happen in this superstar filled matchup!
The history – In 21 out of these two teams last 26 head-to-head matches, there have been 3+ goals scored in each and every one of those clashes. However their latest match versus each other was only early last year, but it was a classic as the maestro Socceroo Craig Goodwin provided one goal and one assist as his Adelaide side romped the Mariners 3-1 at home. And the ‘Reds’ were very incredibly accurate in front of goals too, as they landed 8/16 shots on target. Meanwhile the Mariners weren’t too shabby in that department either, going 4/10 on target. As each and every game passes after these two teams have met, you wonder how they’re going to top it, but they do! Goals may well and truly rain down from the sky in this exciting encounter.
Jason Cummings to bag a double? Maybe Craig Goodwin will claim Man of the match? Or perhaps you’d prefer to back Danny Vuckovic to put out a vintage display in goals? Or look to Hiroshi Ibusuki to put his body on the line for his teammates … again? The fact that there are so many superstars to pick from in this match is a testament to both teams and how well they build their squads. But more then that, it’s a real testament to their characters. Somebody like Jason Cummings is a battler and a workhorse on the field, something that represents the entire Central Coast franchise strongly. Meanwhile in Adelaide’s latest win against Perth, Hiroshi Ibusuki suffered a serious head knock when contesting for the ball against Liam Reddy, however after a short time off the field he came back on and played like nothing had occurred. He is representative of the way that the ‘Reds’ constantly fight for each other on the pitch. All four are guaranteed to make an impact in this clash and all four just present another four reasons as to why you should watch the A-Leagues.
Betting tips: Look for a tasty Mariners win at $2.20 (BlueBet)
Also look for the Central Coast to score first at $1.66 (Bet365)
And also back both teams to find the back of the net at least once each at $1.44 (Bet365)
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Melbourne City v Western United7:45pm AEDT, AAMI Park |
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Take a bow Jamie Maclaren! In New Zealand playing against the Phoenix, the 2X Premiership winning Striker became the first ever A-League player to conjure up strikes in nine consecutive matches. He just keeps on getting better and better and that was further highlighted in his sides 3-1 demolition job of the ‘Nix’. Meanwhile the ‘Green & Black’ fought valiantly at AAMI Park but it wasn’t to be as they drew 1-1 versus Brisbane. Aleksander Prijovic’s strike on the 78-minute mark is what secured John Aloisi’s Men a vital point. Maclaren scored in the 51st and 96th-minutes of the match, whilst he could have had a third if he wasn’t pegged back for an offside call. Meanwhile Western United weren’t afraid to go hard at the Roar right in the middle, but things didn’t quite work out like they’d hoped they would have. I anticipate this to be a high-intensity Derby with the potential for one or two ‘crushing’ red cards.
The history – We all know the history between these two arch-rivals! Constantly clambering over one another to be the NO.2 Football team in Melbourne, they certainly have a colourful history when pitted against each other. Their first-ever match way back in 2019 showed us all exactly that, as it took until the 85th-minute for a Jamie Maclaren strike to seal the match result (a 2-1 win in favour of City). Then last season the ‘Green & Black’ made it one Championship a piece, as an own goal via Nuno Reis and an Aleksander Prijovic goal saw them hoist up one of Australia’s most prestigious sporting trophies. And then their latest affair certainly had it’s moments too, as City just edged out the opposition 2-1. On the 90+2-minute mark Nicolas Milanovic took advantage of a loose ball and blasted it home past Tom Glover which gave the final moments of the match a real ‘edge of your seat’ type feeling about it. So when they once again meet each other on Saturday night, you can expect no love to be lost between the two competitors.
Can Jamie Maclaren continue to make the record books tumble? Most definitely he can. On 12 goals for the season from only nine games played. He is doing everything his own way! And with continued assistance from the likes of Matthew Leckie, Marco Tilio & Co City will only continue to dominate the rest of the competition. This is where Jamie Young needs to be smart, his the sort of Goal Keeper who ages like a fine wine and will no doubt position himself well to stop Maclaren at every possible turn he can. Whilst Leo Lacroix despite having a down season, has the potential to make life hell for Maclaren in this Derby affair. He has the pace and the know-how needed in order to dislodge the ball off Maclaren, or Maclaren off the ball. This game could be humungous for him within the context of his future at Western United. Hypothetically if he threw this one in ie had a bad performance, how much longer would he actually be wanted around the club? If your’e in Melbourne GO AND WATCH THIS GAME, because it’s going to be one hell of a firecracker!
Betting tips: Back a Melbourne City win at $1.56 (BoomBet)
Sunday, January 8
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Macarthur FC v Newcastle Jets3:00pm AEDT, Campbelltown Stadium |
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Last round both sides suffered disappointing defeats as the ‘Bulls’ were left shell-shocked after suffering their first ever defeat to the Wanderers, as they were smashed 4-0 in Parramatta. Meanwhile playing at home in the Hunter Valley, the Jets couldn’t get much of anything going at all, as they endured a comprehensive 2-0 loss to the ‘Sky Blues’. For Macarthur a relatively easy area to pinpoint from there performance, or lack there of, was their dreadful shooting. Despite having 13 opportunities at the ‘Red & Blacks’ goal, they landed only a wasteful one on target. While for Newcastle it was a similar story, as with 59% possession of the ball, alongside shooting 4/12 on target, their output should have been a hell of a lot more than that of what was actually produced. However with both sides having defences that are low on confidence, we might be privy to a goal-fest right here.
The history – When these two sides last met the Jets ran out easy 3-0 victors at Campbelltown Stadium. And all it took was just four-minutes for Savvas Siatravanis to open the scoring for the visitors. Ironically that was his lone season for Newcastle and just one of his two goals in total that he produced for the season. ‘Newy’ shot a fine 7/11 on target, as they took strong advantage of the chances they forced against Macarthur. Meanwhile the ‘Bull’s were woeful, as they took 24 shots in total, yet they couldn’t find the back of the net once. Given the Jets precarious position at the moment, they would love nothing more then for history to repeat itself right here.
Despite the Wanderers strong performances so far this campaign, I don’t think many had a 4-0 rout on their cards against the ‘Bulls’! However this is the perfect chance for the reigning Australia Cup champions to really flex their muscles and show us all what they’re capable of. We all know how well they can do when they’re winning, but what about after a hefty defeat? What sort of mettle do Dwight Yorke’s troops have within them? They are only two weeks removed from their famous 3-0 thrashing of Sydney FC away from home, so one would think there’s still a lot of fire within their belly. This is the sort of game where leaders such as Ulises Davila, Filip Kurto & Co really need to step up to the mark and that’s exactly what I’ll back them to do in a commanding ‘Bulls’ victory.
Betting tips: Bet on Macarthur to win at $1.98 (BoomBet)
Also look for them to produce the games last goal at $1.75 (BoomBet)
And look for the match to have over 1.5 goals scored within it at $1.20 (BoomBet)
Best Bets of the Round – Perth Glory vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Back the Wanderers to take out this affair with a strong win at $2.14 (BoomBet)
Also look for them to open the scoring at $1.66 (Bet365)
And look for the affair to have over 1.5 goals within it at $1.28 (Bet365)