A-League Match Preview: 12 – 14 February

Posted on February 11, 2016February 11, 2016 | Posted by Clint Vojdinoski

Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets

Friday February 12, 5pm, Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Roar are working back into form after a 4-0 hammering of Central Coast Mariners. Jade North and Jamie Maclaren put the Roar 2-0 ahead in the first half. It was more of the same in the second half as Corona hit a fine 20 yard drive before the hour. Henrique completed the rout with a penalty after Mariners substitute Harry Ascroft was unlucky to be sent off for hauling down Maclaren.

Newcastle Jets stunned a 10-man Melbourne City to win 2-1 at home. Milos Trifunovic opened the scoring from the penalty spot shortly after halftime when Jack Clisby was penalised for handball and new signing Morten Nordstrand set up Trifunovic for his second. The Jets held on after conceding a late goal to move up to eighth in the A-League.

Prediction

Roar have won two straight since their Olyroos stars Maclaren, James Donachie and Brandon Borrello have come back into the side. Donachie offers solidity in defence and Maclaren and Borrello are focal points up front who are able to make decisive runs for their midfielders to play balls to. The Roar are undefeated in their last six matches against the Jets and the run will continue.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Brisbane Roar
Over 2.5 Goals

Sydney FC v Perth Glory

Saturday February 13, 2.15pm, Allianz Stadium

In a much improved attacking performance, Sydney FC snapped a two game losing run with a two-all draw away in Adelaide. Conceding after a couple minutes, Matt Simon drew the Sky Blues level with a diving header eight minutes before the break and Filip Holosko capitalised on poor defending to equalise for a second time in first-half stoppage time.

Perth Glory’s hopes of reaching the finals remains after a gritty 1-0 win over the Wellington Phoenix. The winner came on 21 minutes when Chris Harold powered home a header from Nebojsa Marinkovic’s free kick. The Glory had the bulk of the chances with Andy Keogh guilty of passing up a one-on-one in the second half. The result was enough to extend the Glory’s unbeaten streak to four games and put themselves within five points of the top six.

Prediction

Sydney moved the ball a lot better against Adelaide and created a slew of good chances. The Glory cannot be too passive against Sydney as they are the tightest defensive team in the league. Sydney to win as the Glory have a poor away record against the Sky Blues having won four times in 16 attempts.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Sydney FC
Under 2.5 Goals

Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory

Saturday February 13, 4.30pm, AAMI Park

Melbourne City were shocked by a lively Newcastle Jets 2-1 last time out. City were unable to counter a Jets outfit who played with defensive solidity and a tempo they could not contain. At 1-0 down, Jacob Melling was showing a straight red card after hauling down new Jets signing Morten Nordstrand. Bruno Fornaroli pulled a goal back with 10 minutes remaining to take him back to the top of the scoring charts.

Melbourne Victory dropped two points in their quest to stay in touch with the top two conceding an 89th minute goal to draw 1-1 at home to Western Sydney Wanderers. Besart Berisha headed the opener on 16 minutes but the Victory could not hold out against an opponent who bossed possession and looked to move the ball quickly into their attackers to create chances.

Prediction

Third versus fourth, both sides are on equal points. The third Melbourne derby of the season is decisive. City go into this match in a bit of wobbly form, having lost two straight and striker Harry Novillo is a fitness doubt with an ankle injury. Expect Victory to press quickly to City’s midfield and defence which is where they build their attacks. Victory to take the derby.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Melbourne Victory
Over 2.5 Goals

Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United

Sunday February 14, Midday, Central Coast Stadium

Central Coast Mariners remained bottom of the A-League after being thrashed 4-0 away in Brisbane, their fifth straight loss to the Roar. The Mariners were extremely poor as they failed to shackle Brisbane’s key central midfielders who created chances at will. Mariners substitute Harry Ascroft was shown a late red card for a foul on Jamie Maclaren.

Adelaide United could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Sydney FC. In an enthralling first half, Cirio twice put the Reds ahead but Sydney cancelled both strikes out. The Reds went into their shells into the second half and invited a lot of Sydney pressure, and in truth, were lucky to hang on for a draw. The result denied the Reds a fifth straight win.

Prediction

Adelaide are in the midst of an impressive run and will see off the Mariners with their quicker passing and movement. Take Adelaide for a win at $1.78.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Adelaide United
Over 2.5 Goals

Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix

Sunday February 14, 2pm, Parramatta Stadium

Substitute Brendon Santalab fired an 89th minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Western Sydney against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium. The Wanderers fell behind on 16 minutes but pushed hard to get back into the contest as they dominated possession and shots on target, and were finally rewarded with a late goal. The Wanderers ended the match with 10 men as defender Alberto Aguilar was sent off for his part in a penalty box fracas on the stroke of full time.

Wellington’s winless run has stretched to nine games after a dispiriting 1-0 loss at home to Perth Glory. The Nix started brightly and forced the Glory onto the backfoot but were stung by Chris Harold’s goal in the 21st minute which deflated Ernie Merrick’s men. From that point on, Wellington did not create enough chances to trouble the Glory’s defence.

Prediction

Injuries have hurt the Nix and as each week passes a shot at making the A-League finals becomes even more unrealistic. Wellington are limping towards the end of the season and have very little to play for against a strong Wanderers lineup.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Western Sydney Wanderers
Over 2.5 Goals

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