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A-League Match Preview: 1 – 3 April

Posted on | Posted by Clint Vojdinoski

Clint Vojdinoski’s Preview

Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners

Friday April 1, 4.40pm, Pirtek Stadium

The Wanderers blew their chance to retain top spot in the A-League after a 2-0 loss away at Melbourne Victory. Oliver Bozanic’s clinical double either side of halftime put big a dent in the Wanderers hopes of winning the Premiers Plate. In a vibrant encounter, the Wanderers will rue missed first half opportunities in which they found Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas in top form.

A double from Central Coast Mariners striker Roy O’Donovan was not enough as Tony Walmsley’s men went down 4-2 away at Adelaide United. O’Donovan’s 16th minute goal gave the Mariners an unexpected lead. In trying to protect their lead, the Mariners sat too deep and invited a lot of pressure from Adelaide in which they overpowered them with three first-half goals. A little over five minutes from full-time, a goal of the season contender from O’Donovan reduced the deficit to 4-2.

Prediction

The race for the title is hot with the Wanderers in fourth yet they are only two points off the lead. Expect Tony Popovic’s men to attack early as it is a must-win match.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Western Sydney Wanderers

Over 2.5 Goals

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory

Saturday April 2, 2.15pm, Westpac Stadium

Wellington Phoenix crashed to a 3-0 defeat away at Melbourne City. An even first-half changed on 43 minutes when Harry Novillo put City ahead. Facing a deficit, the Phoenix were never likely to mount a serious challenge in the second half, conceding twice more to the A-League’s leading scorer Bruno Fornaroli.

Oliver Bozanic netted a double to help Melbourne Victory to a 2-0 triumph over Western Sydney Wanderers. The Victory were a goal up inside three minutes when Kosta Barbarouses picked out Bozanic and his low 20 yard strike beat Wanderers keeper Liam Reddy. Bozanic grabbed his second in the 66th minute when he evaded a tackle inside the Wanderers box, before finding the net with another low shot to clinch the win.

Prediction

Phoenix have only pride to play for while an inconsistent Victory have done just enough to finish in the top six. Take a Victory away win in a place where they have a record of six wins out of 13 matches.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Melbourne Victory

Under 2.5 Goals

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

Saturday April 2, 4.30pm, Allianz Stadium

Though mathematically possible, Sydney FC’s season is all but over after a stunning 3-2 loss away to Brisbane. At 2-1 down at half-time, the Sky Blues threw everything at Brisbane, and they found a deserved equaliser with Filip Holosko’s 87th minute strike. However, the Sky Blues inexplicably switched off from the kick-off to fatal effect as John Aloisi’s side swiftly charged to the other end for a well-worked winner to Henrique.

Adelaide United kept in the mix for a second Premiers Plate with a come from behind 4-2 triumph at home to Central Coast Mariners. A goal down after 16 minutes, the Reds hit back with three goals from Isaias, Stefan Mauk and Bruce Djite inside 10 first-half minutes to blow away the Mariners. Substitute Pablo Sanchez made it four from the penalty spot before the Mariners grabbed a consolation.

Prediction

Sydney have limped to the finish line where they will miss the finals this season. Injuries may have hurt the depth of the squad which highlighted the lack of a potent goalscorer. A trip to Sydney will be a big test for Adelaide’s potential to make a deep run in the finals.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Draw

Under 2.5 Goals

Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets

Sunday April 3, 3pm, Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Roar snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Sydney FC after Henrique scored within a minute of Filip Holosko’s 87th minute equaliser. Holosko earlier fired Sydney into a lead midway through the first-half before goals from Dimitri Petratos and Jamie Maclaren turned the match Brisbane’s way. Holosko’s second of the match would have condemned Brisbane to a share of the points if not for Henrique to play his role of super-sub to perfection as his goal from the restart all but ended the Sky Blues’ season.

Newcastle Jets’ season officially ended after going down 2-1 at home to Perth Glory. Despite carving out decent chances through both halves, the Glory hit them with a suckerpunch after 72 minutes through Krisztian Vadocz. Andy Keogh doubled Glory’s advantage from the penalty spot after Nigel Boogaard was shown red for a challenge on the striker. Just on full time, Ryan Kitto won a penalty which Mateo Poljak converted to reduce the deficit.

Prediction

A sixth straight season without the finals for the Jets but an encouraging 2016 is a platform to build on. For this match, take a Brisbane home win as the form of Petratos and Maclaren has put the Roar in a good position for the Premiers Plate.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Brisbane Roar

Over 2.5 Goals

Perth Glory v Melbourne City

Sunday April 3, 5pm, nib Stadium

Perth Glory grounded out a ninth win in 10 matches with a scrappy 2-1 triumph away at Newcastle. Jets keeper Mark Birighitti made two superb saves to deny Diego Castro and Richard Garcia before Krisztian Vadocz broke the deadlock for the Glory after 72 minutes. Andy Keogh made it 2-0 when he netted in a seventh straight match from the penalty spot. Glory defender Dino Djulbic was shown a red card in stoppage time after bringing down Ryan Kitto inside the area.

An Easter Monday masterclass from Bruno Fornaroli inspired Melbourne City to move to the top of the league on goal difference after dispatching Wellington Phoenix 3-0. Fornaroli scored twice and laid on a clever assist for Harry Novillo as City stamped their authority on a second-best Phoenix.

Prediction

To close out round 26 is the match of the weekend with both teams in free-scoring form. City have struggled in Perth in the past and will welcome Aaron Mooy from international duty as he will be vital in unlocking Glory’s settled defence. The match will be decided by which creative midfielders get enough time on the ball to create chances for their prolific forwards.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Draw

Over 2.5 Goals

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