Brisbane Roar v Newcastle JetsCentral Coast v Adelaide United
Gold Coast United v North Queensland
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Perth Glory v Melbourne
Friday, October 30
Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Preview: Brisbane will look to arrest a four game losing streak as they meet fellow strugglers Newcastle this evening. The home side will be looking to emulate their opponents as the Jets broke their own six game winless run with a 2-1 win against Central Coast in Round 12. Brisbane provided a spirited performance in their 2-1 defeat against Sydney FC and were probably a little unfortunate not to come away from the game with something. Despite the defeat, new manager Ange Postocoglou was impressed with the way his team fought right to the end. In team news, Brisbane retain the services of experienced men Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto, while striker Reinaldo misses out through injury. Newcastle are without young guns Rooney and possibly Kantarovski while there are injury clouds over Vignaroli, Elrich, and Dapuzzo. The Jets captain, Ljubo Milicevic is still one to two weeks away from returning.
Verdict: Brisbane has had a favourable record against Newcastle in recent times with three wins in their most recent meetings, including a 3-0 win in Newcastle earlier this season. More reasons for optimism, for the home side, is that Newcastle are yet to register a win on their travels in five attempts. In the process, Newcastle are the lowest scoring team in the league and have only managed to score four in five matches away from Energy Australia Stadium. Brisbane's fighting performance in Sydney suggests that the new manager has gained the respect of the players already and this evening, they could not be facing a better team than the Newcastle Jets. Brisbane have reduced the cost of the tickets to try and get more spectators at the game so strong home support is expected.
Pick: Brisbane -0.5AH @2.26 (sbobet, 7 units)
Brisbane 1 - 1 Newcastle
Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United
Preview: If league positions are anything to go by then a tight contest is expected here. Central Coast sit in 5th after their 2-1 defeat at Newcastle last week and Adelaide in 6th respectively, following their 3-1 defeat in Melbourne. In round 12, Central Coast paid the ultimate price for a slow start after conceding two quick fire goals within the opening 20 minutes. Despite bossing most of the game after that, they couldn't quite find the equalizing goal. Adelaide played out a similar scenario in Melbourne, undone by a goal out of nothing and a quick fire counter-attack to fall behind 2-0. To their credit, Adelaide rallied to 2-1 and had opportunities to restore parity but it wasn't to be. In team news, Adelaide retain the services of Fabian Barbero after serving his suspension while Central Coast have no new injury concerns.
Verdict: In recent weeks, Adelaide have conceded a number of goals from counter-attacking situations so it will be something they must keep an eye on. Despite losses away from home in recent weeks away to Perth and Melbourne, I believe Adelaide played some good football on those occasions and maybe deserved atleast a share of the spoils from those encounters. Central Coast have the best defensive record in the league but it was alarming to see how easily their backline was breached against Newcastle, the poorest attacking team in the league. Adelaide is due a change in fortunates so I back the away team to get atleast a draw here.
Pick: Adelaide United DNB @1.87 (sbobet, 7 units)
Central Coast 0 - 0 Adelaide United
Sunday, November 1
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Preview: Two of the most in form teams in the league clash here where table topping Sydney clash with Wellington Phoenix. In arguably the surprise result of the season so far, Wellington smashed early pace setters, Gold Coast United, 6-0 and stretched their unbeaten run to 7 games. Sydney FC survived a late onslaught from Brisbane Roar to hang onto their 2-1 advantage and in turn consolidate their position at the top of the pile. In team news, both teams are near full strength with just Stephen Keller missing for Sydney and Jon McKain for the visitors.
Verdict: These two sides met back in Round 4 where Sydney FC proved too good on that evening with a 2-0 win. Strangely enough, that proved to be a turning point for the Wellington Phoenix as they have since turned on an impressive unbeaten run, all be it with a cluster of draws (six) and a maiden victory. In contrast, Sydney have managed to lose four times in the same period. Wellington are a different proposition now in comparison to the time when these two last met as new imports, Ifill and Greenacre, now having fully settled within the squad. I believe Wellington's current form deserves respect.
Pick: Wellington Phoenix +0.75AH @1.73 (sbobet)
Sydney 3 - 1 Wellington Phoenix
Wednesday, November 4
Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets
Verdict: In a very rare mid-week game in Australia's premier competition, Wellington will go in search of another undefeated run just 3 days after they were outclassed 3-1 in Sydney. There are several players who may be given a rest today including injured keeper Mark Paston and leg weary midfielder, Leo Bertos. Well rested Newcastle did just enough to earn a bore 1-1 draw at Brisbane Roar but will possibly need to do much more here to earn a much needed 3 points. Despite Wellington's undefeated record at home this season, they have only won 2 of those encounters. Conversely, Newcastle have only been defeated twice on their travels to date.
Pick: Newcastle +0.25 @2.0 (sbobet, 8 units)
Wellington 3 - 0 Newcastle
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