A-League Match Preview: 18 – 20 March

Posted on March 17, 2016 | Posted by Clint Vojdinoski

Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar

Friday March 18, 4.40pm, AAMI Park

Nick Fitzgerald’s classy strike helped Melbourne City end Adelaide United’s 14 game unbeaten run as they secured a 1-0 triumph to boost their hopes of taking out the Premiers Plate. City wasted first half chances through Fitzgerald, Bruno Fornaroli and Aaron Mooy. It was more of the same in the second half as City looked the likeliest to score until Fitzgerald broke through 19 minutes from time with a brilliant, curled finish into the top corner.

Brisbane Roar crushed Melbourne Victory 5-0 at home to go back to the top of the A-League. Striker Jamie Maclaren scored his first hat-trick for the club with two first half goals before scoring his third late in the second half, the second of his goals was the pick of the bunch as he ran onto a weighted long ball before lobbing Victory keeper Danny Vukovic. Corey Brown and Corona got the other goals, with Corona’s goal coming off another finely executed counterattack.

Prediction

The Roar have won three out of 11 on the road this season with the major problem being a lack of tightness in defence when they travel. In the past fortnight, Melbourne City have added a bit more defensive solidity to their thrilling attack. Have a look at a City home win which is paying $2.16.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Melbourne City

Over 2.5 Goals

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Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC

Saturday March 19, 2.15pm, Central Coast Stadium

Central Coast Mariners have been condemned to their first ever wooden spoon after a 4-0 defeat away at Perth Glory. It was an entirely ill-disciplined performance from the Mariners as they gave away two penalties and had two men sent off. In the space of five minutes early in the second half, Mitch Austin and Luis Garcia both picked up their second yellows.

Sydney FC top six hopes are fast slipping with a woeful 3-1 loss at home to Wellington Phoenix. Sydney’s first half defending was atrocious as the Phoenix bolted out to a 3-0 lead on 37 minutes. Filip Holosko pulled a goal back just after halftime but it was never going to be enough as the Sky Blues put in another flat performance which stretched their winless league run to eight matches.

Prediction

Two strugglers meet with both club’s lacking form and goals. The Mariners have gone 326 minutes without a goal while Sydney look increasingly out of ideas in the front third of the pitch – they are very much missing injured captain Alex Brosque. Sydney to edge the contest but it will not be comfortable for them.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Sydney FC

Under 2.5 Goals

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Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United

Saturday March 19, 4.30pm, Pirtek Stadium

Western Sydney claimed a workmanlike 1-0 win over Newcastle to complete a season sweep over the Jets. A first half strike from Jaushua Sotirio made the difference and despite not increasing their lead, their ability to retain the ball and fashion sharper chances meant they were the superior side all contest.

Adelaide United suffered their first loss since November 28 when they went down 1-0 at home to Melbourne City. The Reds were mostly subdued in this game as they failed to match City’s tempo. Adelaide keeper Eugene Galekovic made fine saves either side of the break to keep the scores level until Nick Fitzgerald curled an unstoppable winner 19 minutes from time to break Adelaide’s 14 match undefeated run.

Prediction

The last time both club’s met it finished goalless and there is nothing much to suggest that will change in this encounter. Both team’s can grind results which makes the battle in midfield pivotal in this match.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Draw

Under 2.5 Goals

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Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory

Sunday March 20, Midday, Westpac Stadium

Wellington put in another fine performance in Sydney, this time seeing off Sydney FC 3-1. The Nix perfectly capitalised on lazy Sydney defending to power into a 3-0 lead at halftime thanks to goals from Blake Powell, Hamish Watson and Roly Bonevacia. At 3-0 up, the Nix comfortably saw out the remainder of the game.

Perth Glory’s impressive form continued with a comprehensive 4-0 triumph over Central Coast Mariners. A penalty from Diego Castro put Kenny Lowe’s men ahead after just four minutes, Andy Keogh netted twice in the second half to become the first Glory player to score in five consecutive matches, before Chris Harold headed home his seventh goal of the season just on full time.

Prediction

Perth is in the middle of a hot streak, having won seven of their last eight matches and last time against the Nix they triumphed 1-0 in February. Wellington have shown their best form against the team’s challenging for the Premiers Plate but will struggle to contain a Glory outfit that is clicking at both ends of the pitch. Take Glory to win at $2.32.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Perth Glory

Over 2.5 Goals

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Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

Sunday March 20, 2pm, AAMI Park

Melbourne Victory’s place in the top six is still uncertain after being thrashed 5-0 by Brisbane Roar. Despite a decent opening 20 minutes, the Victory crumbled conceding two goals in four first half minutes before giving up another three after halftime. Kevin Muscat’s men had no answers to Brisbane’s movement and perfectly executed counterattacking.

Newcastle Jets faint hopes of sneaking into the top six is all but extinguished as they went down 1-0 at home to Western Sydney Wanderers. Jets goalkeeper Mark Birighitti kept his side in the match with fine saves to deny Scott Neville, Andreu and Mark Bridge. But it was up front where they could not hurt the Wanderers, fashioning very few clear chances, and a late flurry at the Wanderers goal yielded little reward with Jets captain Nigel Boogaard going closest when he crashed a late header into the woodwork.

Prediction

Newcastle’s away form has dramatically slipped in 2016 while they lack the creativity to overcome a more attack-minded Victory. Victory’s form has been poor but they will take the points in this one.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Melbourne Victory

Under 2.5 Goals

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