A-League Round 12 (23/10 to 25/10)

Newcastle Jets v Central Coast
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
North Queensland v Perth Glory
Wellington v Gold Coast United
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar


Saturday, October 24
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United

Preview: League leaders, Melbourne, will look to increase their lead at the top of the table when they face their favourite opponents, Adelaide United. Melbourne has won seven of the last seven matchups and are favourite to do so again here. Adelaide United will look to string two wins in a row for the first time this season, following the 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in Round 11. Brazilian striker, Cristiano, scored a 2 goal brace in said game and will look to break his scoreless run against Melbourne. On the injury front, Pondeljak and Vargas miss for Melbourne while Barbiero and Reid are out for the visitors.

Verdict: Melbourne has gained only 6 of a possible 18pts (1 win) at Etihad Stadium this season so Adelaide will fancy themselves to atleast break their losing streak today. Melbourne introduce new loan signing, Suksomit from the Singaporian league while young 20-year old, Dugandzic, replaces Pondeljak in midfield. It is questionable how these two will perform and with Adelaide having more options to reshuffle things off the substitutes' bench in what is likely to be a tight contest, we could possibly see an upset here.

Verdict: Adelaide United +0.5AH @1.97 (sbobet, 6 units)
Melbourne 3 - 1 Adelaide United

North Queensland v Perth Glory

Preview: In-form Perth Glory will play their second match in succession on the North-East when they face struggling North Queensland. North Queensland have only lost once in their last six outings but draws have ensured that they remain at the bottom of the pile. Perth had their 5 game undefeated streak broken at Gold Coast last week, losing 2-1 in a game where they produced their best half of football for the season. North Queensland have a host of long-term injuries to contend with. The Fury defence has been hit hard with first choice players in Stefanutto, Wilson and Dodd all out indefinitely. It's better news for the visitors and veteran striker Mile Sterjovski returns to the squad.

Verdict: Despite their loss last week, Perth are the second most form side in the competition. In addition to this, the Glory remained in Queensland following their defeat to the Gold Coast. By all reports, preparations have gone very well and they couldn't be more prepared for this fixture. North Queensland have only the one win for the season and with their defensive woes, it is hard to see them notching up their second today.

Pick: Perth Glory -0.25AH @2.21 (sbobet, 10 units)
Nth Queensland 2 - 1 Perth Glory