Melbourne Victory v Sydney FCPerth Glory v Adelaide United
Central Coast v North Queensland
Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United
Friday, October 9
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Preview: It is second v first in Melbourne this evening, as the two biggest rivals in the A-League do battle for bragging rights and top spot on the ladder. Melbourne defeated Brisbane Roar 2-1 in Round 9 last week to make it three victories in a row while Sydney created numerous opportunities against Central Coast but had to settle for a slender 1-0 victory. Melbourne will fancy their chances against their big-city rivals especially as they have had an extra 2 day break to recover in preparation for this contest. In team news, Melbourne Victory is boosted by the fact that Costa Rica has decided against selecting Hernandez for their WC Qualifiers, meaning he will be available for Sydney. Sydney are equally boosted by the return of their young guns, Danning and Grant, from International duty but their involvement is questionable due to fatigue. Veteran striker, John Aloisi, hopes to have recovered enough from knee soreness to atleast feature on the substitutes' bench.
Verdict: A 30,000 strong crowd is expected at Etihad Stadium this evening, in what is likely to be a hot encounter. Melbourne has the momentum with three wins on the trot and the extra 2 days rest to ensure that they run out the full 90 minutes. Sydney created lots of opportunities last week with the returning McFlynn a big influence from the midfield (and on the scoring sheet) but the Sky Blues' scoring form away from home is worrying. Sydney have scored just 4 goals in 4 away games and three of them came against North Queensland in Round 1 when the new team was still a complete shambles. Sydney also have the burden of been league leaders for the first time this season which is something that I think will work against the visitors.
Pick: Melbourne -0.25AH @ 2.00 (sbobet, 8 units)
Melbourne 0 - 3 Sydney FC
Perth Glory v Adelaide United
Preview: Adelaide United will look to further improve on their consistent form against an equally consistent Perth Glory. Adelaide has lost one in their last six while Perth have lost one in their last 7 contests. Following a 1-1 result, including a missed penalty by Travis Dodd, Adelaide make the long trip to the West with just 4 days recovery. Perth had to settle for the same result against 10-man North Queensland Fury in what proved to be a very disjointed contest. Glory keeper, Tando Velaphi, was in the spotlight (for the wrong reasons) once again as he crossed his own goal line after catching a high ball. Adelaide coach, Aurelio Vidmar, has indicated that he will look to put pressure on the young keeper who has had a tough month or so. In team news, Perth will miss the services of captain Jacob Burns after he received his fifth yellow card for the season while Adelaide lose Lucas Pantelis through injury. Adelaide though are strengthened by the return of young defender Daniel Mullen, from International duty, while midfielder Fabian Barbiero is expected to replace Pantelis in midfield.
Verdict: Perth have shown dissapointing form in the last few weeks and the loss of Burns will definitely not enhance their game. Adelaide have a good record in Perth, tasting defeat only once in their 7 travels there so they will not be daunted by the task at hand. The 4 day turn around for the visitors is worrying but Perth aren't a very quick side and Adelaide like to slow the tempo and keep possession of the ball, so I don't think that tired legs will be a factor here. Adelaide have a very tough run of games coming up against Sydney, Melbourne and Central Coast so it's imperative they get something from this game, and I think they will.
Pick: Adelaide +0.25AH @1.96 (sbobet, 7 units)
Perth 1 - 0 Adelaide United
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