A-League Round 16 (27/10 to 29/11)

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


Friday, November 27
Central Coast v Perth Glory

Team news: Central Coast - Simon (IN), McCallister (OUT), Doig (OUT) -- Perth - Harnwell (IN), Srhoj (IN), Downey (OUT)

Verdict: In form Central Coast will fancy their chances against anyone just at the minute with big recent wins against Melbourne Victory (0-4) and North Queensland (1-5) respectively. Funnily enough, they probably wish they could stay on the road as their form in front of their home fans has only returned 2 wins in 6 encounters. Perth returned to winning ways last week against Sydney FC (2-0) following a run of 4 games without a win. What made that win even more impressive is that key players, Sterjovski and Sikora, only played a bit-part in that game and in addition, key midfielder Wayne Srhoj was suspended. Glory manager, Dave Mitchell, will be able to field his strongest side since Round 11 where Perth was on the back end of a 5-match unbeaten run. With Central Coast's inability to replicate their away form on their own patch in addition to Perth's recent return of their stars, the away side has a good chance of getting something from this game.

Pick: Perth +0.5AH @1.94 (sbobet, 6 units)
Central Coast 0 - 0 Perth Glory

Saturday, November 28
Melbourne Victory v Gold Coast United

Team news: Melbourne – Nil – Gold Coast United – Rees (OUT), Traore (OUT), Van Den Brink (OUT), Van Strattan (OUT)

Verdict: Gold Coast will take their injury/suspension ravaged squad to Melbourne, looking to upset the ladder leaders and draw level at the top of the Australian league. It will be a tough ask though, as Melbourne have won 7 of their last 9 fixtures whereas Gold Coast hold the 2nd worst defensive record in the league. In Round 15, Melbourne introduced young keeper Mitch Langerak with immediate dividends, holding Brisbane scoreless in a 1-0 away win. This was only Melbourne’s 3rd clean sheet for the season. Gold Coast achieved a 1-1 result in Adelaide but at a huge expense, with defenders Rees (red card) and Van Den Brink (yellow) suspended for this encounter. This leaves Gold Coast manager, Miron Blieberg, with only one first choice defender to chose from as first teamers Traore and keeper Van Stratan sidelined. Melbourne will be hell bent to atone for their embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Etihad Stadium last time out, and I believe they have the perfect opportunity.

Pick: Melbourne Victory -0.25AH @1.80 (sbobet, 7 units)
Melbourne 4 - 0 Gold Coast United