An exciting start to the 2015-16 A-League season season saw 14 goals scored on the opening weekend of the competition. The action continues this weekend with our A-League Round 2 betting tips.
- - -
Adelaide United vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Friday 7.40pm AEST)
The Wanderers clearly weren’t ready for the start of the season as their team still needs time to gel after a full clean out during the offseason. They were only able to create a few opportunities against the Roar and their defence gifted the opposition three goals and their communication was lacking. They travel to Adelaide where they have lost their last three matches and scored only the one goal.
The Reds were able to hold Melbourne Victory to a draw but they were lucky that the MVFC were unable to capitalise on their chances. They never looked threatening however they will create a lot more chances against the weaker Wanderers line up and with the home side advantage they will pull off a win.
TIP: Adelaide @ $1.82 with Crownbet
Newcastle Jets vs Sydney FC (Saturday 5.15pm AEST)
Could the Jets be the surprise package of the competition this year? The wooden spooner’s from last season were able to get off to a tremendous start with a victory in Wellington last weekend. Despite returning home their task gets harder as they take on Graham Arnold’s Sydney FC.
Last year’s Grand Finalists were slow starters against Melbourne City and once again it was their defence that was letting them down. A mistake at the back saw City grab the first goal of the match and despite having the majority of possession they were unable to snatch a winner after equalising at half time. The Jets haven’t beaten the Sky Blues in their last 7 meetings and they have lost 17 of the 30 meetings between the two sides and I expect that trend to continue.
TIP: Sydney FC @ $2.00 with Palmerbet
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City (Saturday 7.30pm AEST)
The Victory was able to get the better of City last season and they would eventually eliminate them from the finals series before going on to claim the title. City have made a lot of changes to their side since then and they proved it last weekend with a strong showing against Sydney FC away from home. Aaron Mooy will be ready to go after only getting 30 minutes in their last match due to international duty. This will be a massive boost for the side as they were lacking in the midfield and creating real chances and his creative presence will bolster their attack.
The Victory were their own worst enemy against Adelaide as they failed to convert on their opportunities and surprisingly it was Besart Berisha who was the most guilty as he let at least four quality chances pass him without putting his side in front. It would ultimately cost them the full three points as they were forced to defend the final 15 minutes after Leigh Broxham was given a red card.
This derby is always a fiery battle and it will be a free flowing affair but Victory will come away with the win with Berisha making amends for his mistakes last weekend.
TIP: Victory @ $2.00 with WilliamHill
Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners (Sunday 5pm AEST)
These two sides have a lot of history having battled in the finals series across three years including that memorable 2011 Grand Final that saw Roar come from 2-0 down with only minutes remaining in extra time. A lot has changed since then though with both sides losing their coaches and a lot of their quality players and are now going through the rebuilding stage.
Round 1 showed promising signs for both of these sides, as they were able to register convincing wins. New recruit Jamie Maclaren proved his worth almost immediately as he pounced on a wayward back pass and showed a cool head to chip the keeper and put the ball into the back of the net. He then showed his awareness by putting himself in the right place at the right time to grab a second. However, when they were tested at the back it was easy for the Wanderers to get in behind them and it could have proven costly on more than the one occasion.
The Mariners were dominant against the Glory and the score line doesn’t give them the justice their performance deserves. Their wingers Fabio Ferreira and Mitch Austin were constant threats and they will be looking to get in behind the Roar’s defence this weekend. Despite having a poor record against the Roar at Suncorp I am predicting these two sides to play out an entertaining draw.
TIP: Draw @ $3.80 with Madbookie
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix (Sunday 7pm AEST)
Despite the trip to Perth being incredibly long, the Phoenix has a relatively strong record against the Glory away from home in recent history having two wins, two draws and two losses.
The Glory and Phoenix both played worse than expected and were on the wrong end of the scoreboard in their matches. The Glory were robbed of a goal early on that could have changed the entire match because it was only minutes later when they conceded. They were able to pinch another one back but it was their defence inside their box that let them down as two clumsy challenges ended it two penalty goals for the Mariners.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix only have themselves to blame as they created enough chances to win the match and also missed a penalty that would have seen them take the lead early in the second half. It is clear that the loss of striker Nathan Burns is being felt as they will need to find a reliable and consistent goal scorer. The Glory will be more potent in this area and find the back of the net.
TIP: Glory @ $2.15 with Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
