The 2016-17 A-league season started with a lot of interesting match ups and a lot of questions about sides were raised and not many answers were given. Continue reading for our A-league Round 2 Preview and Betting Tips.
Adelaide United vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Friday 7.50pm AEST)
This match can not come quick enough for the Wanderers as they will want to put the disaster that was last weekend behind them as soon as possible. We predicted they would struggle as they have an entirely new squad for the second straight season as coach Tony Popovic elected for another clean out of his side despite them reaching the grand final last year and it is looking like a questionable decision after their opening match loss to arch rivals Sydney FC. Their second half capitulation saw the side suffer their biggest loss to the Sky Blues and they face a tough task on the road this weekend.
Meanwhile the Reds came back from a goal down to snatch a draw on the road against the Jets. The match never reached any big heights and we expect the Reds to continue to struggle on the road this season. However, they will be playing in front of their home crowd and Adelaide are notorious for their strong performances on home soil and we believe they will hold on for a victory.
TIP: Adelaide United @ $2.00 with Ladbrokes
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The first 45-minutes of the opening match for the Mariners last weekend was disastrous and it had fans shaking their heads thinking they were in for another long season as they headed into the halftime break down 3-0. However, something miraculous must have been said in the sheds as the Central Coast boys came out in the second half as a new team and bagged three goals themselves to earn a well-deserved draw on the road.
However, whilst it has given the faithful a bit of hope, it shouldn’t be overlooked that the side still has a long way to go to be consistent and if they put in a first half performance like that against the Sky Blues that were on display last week it could be 10-0 at half time. Sydney FC struggled to find the back of the net last season but those worries seem to have been left behind as they scored 4 on the weekend. They have quickly become the title favourites but we can’t get too excited after just one performance. We believe they will be far too strong this weekend as coach Graham Arnold gets another one up against his old club.
TIP: HT/FT – Sydney/Sydney @ $1.80 with William Hill
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City (Saturday 7.50pm AEST)
Last weekend saw the biggest ever regular season derby between the two Sydney clubs and we could be in for a similar turn out this weekend in Melbourne. Tim Cahill should be making his debut for City whilst it will be the first time both sides are playing in Melbourne this season after they began their campaigns on the road. The two sides began the season as favourites to claim the title but neither team was able to show why they will lift the trophy in the opening game of the year.
The Victory were able to take the lead against a 10-men Roar side but they ultimately lost two-competition points when they failed to clear the ball into the box in the final seconds of the match. They had multiple opportunities to do so and it is a bad sign for the club as it was an amateur mistake.
Meanwhile City were able to get the job done on the road in Wellington which is no easy task. The side created the better chances but they weren’t able to capitalise on all of their opportunities. In front of a huge crowd this weekend we are predicting the two sides to split the points with a late equaliser coming to one of the sides in dramatic fashion.
TIP: Draw @ $3.60 with Sportsbet
Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar (Sunday 5pm AEST)
The Roar will be without captain Matt Mckay who earned himself a red card on Friday night in the sides draw against Melbourne Victory. He was sent from the field after earning a silly second yellow card and it ultimately led to his side trailing 1-0 just 5-minutes later. However, the side was able to regroup and with the last roll of the dice they snatched a draw which shows great character for the team moving forward. They were the better side for the majority of the game and controlled the possession whilst they looked good in defence. Their finishing will need to improve but we are expecting them to get plenty of opportunities against the Jets.
Newcastle had an awful offseason but that was almost forgot in the opening 15-minutes as the side looked slick and grabbed the lead. However, that was as good as it got as the Reds quickly equalised whilst the Jets didn’t do much to please the eyes. We are predicting the side will lose on home soil.
TIP: Roar @ $2.10 with CrownBet
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix (Sunday 7pm AEST)
The Glory had sharpied the three points next to their name at halftime against the Mariners and they have spent all week attempting to erase that. They will definitely see that as two-points lost rather than one-point won and they won’t want to repeat that effort this weekend. The side is too strong to be allowing a team of the Mariners calibre into a match when they were leading 3-0 and they should be out for vengeance.
Meanwhile the Phoenix were disappointing against City and failed to register a goal despite the side boasting one of the best forward line ups in the league. They shouldn’t have a problem finding the back of the net and we are predicting they will open their account this weekend and look like a much better side. However, the long travel will impact them and the Glory will be playing their second match in a row on home soil to start the season and will be comfortable and earn the three points.
TIP: Glory @ $1.67 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!
