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Clint’s Easter Weekend A-League Preview

Posted on | Posted by Clint Vojdinoski

Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers

Friday March 25, 4.40pm, AAMI Park

Sixth-placed Melbourne Victory blew their chance to put daylight between themselves and seventh-placed Sydney FC after being held to a 1-1 draw by a 10-man Newcastle Jets. A goal down at the break, Victory equalised just before the hour mark through Besart Berisha. While they had enough possession, the Victory failed to make the most of their numerical advantage they held for more than 50 minutes. The result means Victory are three points ahead of Sydney FC.

Western Sydney Wanderers moved back to the top of the A-League after an edgy 0-0 draw with Adelaide United. Chances were few and far between but the Wanderers pressed the hardest for a goal and were denied a great chance when Adelaide Ryan McGowan made a last ditch block from Mark Bridge. The Wanderers hit the post inside the last 10 minutes from a Brendon Santalab header and Bridge again went agonisingly close in the final minute with a curling shot.

Prediction

Both team’s enter the clash in patchy form. The Victory have looked very shaky in central midfield as they lack the true ball-winning, hard running midfielder that they have had in previous seasons. While the Wanderers have a stronger central midfield which can overrun any opposition. Despite the evenness of the match on paper, the Wanderers will narrowly edge this.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Western Sydney Wanderers

Under 2.5 Goals

Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory

Saturday March 26, 2.15pm, Hunter Stadium

Newcastle Jets’ top six hopes are all but over after a 1-1 draw away at Melbourne Victory. The Jets took a 37th minute lead through Ryan Kitto but just two minutes later Daniel Mullen saw red for a second bookable offence. Despite playing with 10 men, the Jets worked much harder than their opponents, looked to keep the game open and created enough chances to win against their more fancied opponents.

Perth Glory made it eight wins out of nine matches with a well-deserved 2-1 triumph away at Wellington Phoenix. A goal in each half from Andy Keogh and Diego Castro capped off a display in which Kenny Lowe’s men controlled the match with better pressing, movement and a willingness to create stronger chances. Keogh became just the third player in the A-League to score in six or more consecutive A-League matches.

Prediction

The last time Perth travelled to Newcastle in January, they thrashed the Jets 6-1 which kickstarted their fantastic league run. At the moment Glory have great balance in their lineup with their midfielders and forwards combining confidently. The Glory are unbeaten in 13 A-League matches against the Jets, and while the law of averages dictates that they are due for a loss, it will not be for this clash. Take a Glory away win at $1.98.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Perth Glory

Over 2.5 Goals

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC

Saturday March 26, 4.30pm, Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Roar went down 3-1 at Melbourne City despite leading 1-0 at halftime courtesy of a brilliant Dimitri Petratos strike. At a goal up, the Roar looked comfortable holding out against City’s potent front line but the match swung when Jack Hingert conceded a penalty, which was converted, and was sent off. Playing with 10 men for much of the second half, Brisbane finally cracked against continual attacking pressure from City as they scored two late goals to push the Roar down to third in the league.

Sydney FC blew a 2-0 lead in the final five minutes to draw 2-2 at Central Coast Mariners to leave their top six hopes hanging by a thread. A Shane Smeltz goal on the stroke of halftime and a first ever A-League goal from George Blackwood put the Sky Blues in the ascendancy. But the Sky Blues capitulated in the dying minutes with Roy O’Donovan pulling one back before a shocking error from goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic allowed Harry Ascroft to equalise in the 91st minute.

Prediction

Despite their strong form in the Asian Champions League,the Sky Blues have now gone 10 games without a clean sheet in the A-League. The Sky Blues are limping out of finals contention with a lack of solidity in defence. Look for Brisbane to win at home.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Brisbane Roar

Under 2.5 Goals

Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners

Sunday March 27, 2pm, Coopers Stadium

Adelaide United escaped with a 0-0 draw with their clash with Western Sydney Wanderers as the Reds grimly hung on in the face of a wave of second half pressure from Tony Popovic’s men. Adelaide created very little in this clash, registering no shots on target and lacked any dominance of possession as the Wanderers pinned the Reds back into their own half.

Central Coast came from two goals down with less than five minutes remaining to earn a 2-2 draw against Sydney FC. An 86th minute volley from Roy O’Donovan and a stoppage time strike by Harry Ascroft helped the Mariners snap a six match losing streak. The Mariners would look to a key moment in 50th minute when Ascroft produced a crucial goal line clearance to save his side from conceding a third to keep them in the match.

Prediction

The Mariners have not kept a clean sheet all season and coupled with their poor away record they will not be able to get anything out of this clash against Adelaide.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Adelaide United

Over 2.5 Goals

Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix

Monday March 28, 4.30pm, AAMI Park

A powerful second half helped Melbourne City surge to a 3-1 win over a 10-man Brisbane Roar to keep their Premiers’ Plate hopes alive. A goal down at the break, the match swung when Brisbane defender Jack Hingert hauled down Bruno Fornaroli to give away a penalty and was shown a red card. And City took full advantage, with Aaron Mooy converting from the spot before late goals from Anthony Caceres and Nick Fitzgerald.

Last time out Wellington Phoenix were well beaten 2-1 by Perth Glory. Despite having 56 percent possession, the Nix were highly ineffective as they spent much of the match on the back foot. Added to a poor display, they lacked any creativity and movement in the final third, managing just four shots on goal, with Thomas Doyle’s fine late strike mere consolation.

Prediction

Three wins in a row for City, who are finishing the regular season with all the momentum. The Phoenix have little to play for and are prone to crumbling when teams press them quickly. Take a City home win.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Melbourne City

Over 2.5 Goals

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