A-League Preview: 29 – 31 January

Posted on January 28, 2016 | Posted by Clint Vojdinoski

Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City

Friday January 29, 4.40pm, Parramatta Stadium

Western Sydney Wanderers snapped their two game losing run to return to the A-League’s summit as they overcame a spirited 10-man Central Coast Mariners 2-1. In the first half Mark Bridge grabbed his sixth goal of the season when he pounced on an error from Storm Roux. After Fabio Ferreira levelled on 67 minutes, Brendon Santalab won it in the 88th minute when he was on hand to tap home after Mariners keeper Paul Izzo parried Kearyn Baccus’ low cross in the penalty area.

Melbourne City are unbeaten in four matches after they outclassed Wellington Phoenix 3-1. The win was set up with another sparkling attacking performance with a brace to Harry Novillo and Bruno Fornaroli’s 13th goal of the season putting City 3-0 up inside 50 minutes.

Prediction

It is the match of the round. John van‘t Schip’s team are attacking with verve and have an eye on the league leadership but the Wanderers are harder to break down and they will look to press higher onto City’s midfielders and defenders to stop them playing the ball out of the back. Take the 2.5 goal overs and the Wanderers to edge a high quality contest.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Western Sydney Wanderers

Over 2.5 Goals

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Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners

Saturday January 30, 2.15pm, AMI Stadium (Christchurch)

Wellington Phoenix are now winless in their last seven games after losing 3-1 at Melbourne City. City’s vibrant attacking trio of Bruno Fornaroli, Harry Novillo and Aaron Mooy easily found space in Wellington’s defence on too many occasions. Phoenix’s Roly Bonevacia smashed a contender for goal of the season midway through the second half but it was mere consolation.

Two defensive mistakes by 10-man Central Coast Mariners gifted victory to the Western Sydney Wanderers. The first mistake was Storm Roux’s poor backpass which let in Mark Bridge to score in the 11th minute and the second was two minutes from fulltime when Michael Neill’s misplaced pass ultimately resulted in Brendon Santalab’s winner. Between both Wanderers goals, Fabio Ferreira equalised for the Mariners and Nick Montgomery was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge.

Prediction

Wellington continues to struggle with injuries as their push for the top six has fallen apart. The Mariners are yet to win away from home and that trend will continue as the Nix will snap their winless run.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Wellington Phoenix

Over 2.5 Goals

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Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar

Saturday January 30, 4.30pm, Allianz Stadium

Sydney FC went down 1-0 away to Melbourne Victory on Australia Day. The Sky Blues were poor all match and only were sparked into life when they went a goal down after 79 minutes. A Jesse Makarounas cross was deflected into his own goal by impressive Sydney defender Matt Jurman.

A week after a 4-0 humbling at Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar suffered their second consecutive heavy loss in a row when they down 4-1 at home to Adelaide United. A goal down at the break, the Roar equalised on 50 minutes when Henrique Silva won and then dispatched a highly dubious penalty, yet had no answers to three more Adelaide goals. Despite having a lot of possession, John Aloisi’s men were always pressed quickly, forcing them to move the ball poorly and ultimately they could not match Adelaide’s energy.

Prediction

Brisbane cannot welcome the likes of Jamie Maclaren and Brandon Borrello soon enough from international duty as they have struggled without their first choice strike duo. But their issues also lie in midfield where they have been outmuscled by teams who are willing to pressure midfielders Thomas Broich and Corona. Sydney to win narrowly.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Sydney FC

Under 2.5 Goals

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Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory

Saturday January 30, 6.40pm, nib Stadium

Perth Glory registered their biggest win in the A-League crushing 10-man Newcastle Jets to offer a glimmer of hope to their A-League finals prospects. Despite going behind to an early Milos Trifunovic header, Glory were in unstoppable form to extend their unbeaten league record against the Jets to 12 games. Chris Harold equalised midway through the first half before Diego Castro put the Glory ahead a minute before Nigel Boogaard was sent off for the Jets. Glory hit four more after the break with Harold, Alex Grant, Castro and a Daniel Mullen own goal completing the rout.

Melbourne Victory leapfrogged Sydney FC into fourth in the A-League table as Matthew Jurman’s 79th minute own goal handed Victory a 1-0 win. Victory’s best chance before then was squandered by Besart Berisha who failed to beat Sydney goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic with an early one-on-one but they were left largely frustrated against last-season’s grand-final opponents.

Prediction

Glory return home in a buoyant mood after their first away win this season. The football they played in Newcastle was confident and it was an attacking performance that had been a long time coming. Victory are unbeaten in five and back in form but look for Glory to hold Kevin Muscat’s men to a draw which is priced at $3.40.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Draw

Under 2.5 Goals

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Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets

Sunday January 31, 2pm, Coopers Stadium

A second half double from Bruce Djite inspired Adelaide United to a 4-1 thrashing away at Brisbane Roar. Adelaide hit the front after 19 minutes through Corey Brown’s own goal. Even though the Roar equalised with a highly questionable penalty, the Reds were quick to shut the Roar out of the match. Djite restored Adelaide’s lead from the spot and then extended it when he collected Tarek Elrich’s first-time through ball to fire past Michael Theo in the 67th minute. Marcelo Carrusca capped off a memorable victory with a wonderful 25 yard strike.

While Newcastle Jets were humiliated 6-1 at home to Perth Glory. In a season of poor performances, the Jets hit rock bottom with an inept display. They allowed Glory the bulk of the possession and chances, yet that was coupled with poor distribution and defending. It was as one-sided of a thrashing in the A-League this season.

Prediction

The A-League’s form team meet an opponent who are demoralised. Adelaide are sixth at the moment but do not count them out for a late run at the top two. Adelaide to win at home.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Adelaide United

Over 2.5 Goals

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