Adelaide United v Gold Coast UnitedWellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Heart v Sydney FC
Central Coast v Brisbane Roar
North Queensland v Perth Glory
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Gold Coast United v North Queensland
Friday, November 26
Adelaide United v Gold Coast United
Verdict: Adelaide United will look to stay on the coat tails of runaway leaders, Brisbane Roar, when they face third-place Gold Coast United. After a run of 11 games undefeated, Adelaide United has lost 3 in the past month but returned to winning ways at Melbourne Heart last weekend, winning 0-2. Visitors, Gold Coast United, extended their respective undefeated run to 11 games following a 2-3 win at Central Coast. Gold Coast United made the most of Central Coast's hectic schedule as they came from a goal down to eventually over run the tiring hosts in the second half.
Adelaide United were back to their efficient best in Melbourne. The Reds seemed to have recaptured some of the spark that made them the early pace setters earlier in the season. Gold Coast United rode their luck at Central Coast and were extremely fortunate not to be 3-0 down at halftime. With a host of absentees for this game including first choice keeper Glen Moss, Joel Porter, and Michael Thwaite, the visitors will find it tough going at a rejuvinated Adelaide United.
Pick: Adelaide United -0.25ah @2.07 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Adelaide United 2 - 1 Gold Coast United
Saturday, November 27
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Verdict: Wellington broke a run of two consecutive defeats at Westpac Stadium with a hard fought 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart. The visitors created the better chances but a bit of fortune in addition to the sending off of Melbourne captain, Matt Thompson, swayed the contest in the way of the hosts. Two-time A-League champions, Melbourne Victory, put in one of their better performances for the season but could only manage a 2-2 draw against in form Central Coast Mariners.
Both sides have been below par so far this season. Wellington seem to have lost their invicibility at home whereas the Victory has lacked consistency. The prospects for this season though are looking brighter for the visitors with the A-League's all-tme leading goalscorer, Archie Thompson, nearing 100% match sharpness. His strike partnership with Robbie Kruse, against Central Coast, looked very threatening which bodes well for the rest of the season. Wellington has conceded 14 goals at home, more than any other team in the A-League. Considering that they are also coming off a 3-day break, I give a slight advantage to the visitors.
Pick: Melbourne Victory dnb @2.09 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Wellington 2 - 2 Melbourne Victory
Sunday, November 28
Central Coast v Brisbane Roar
Verdict: Fourth meets first as Central Coast look to topple league leaders Brisbane. The Mariners find themselves in some what of a hole at the moment with the 1-1 draw at Newcastle making it three games without a win. Brisbane seem to be coping a bit better with their busy schedule, defeating Perth Glory 3-2 midweek to stretch their unbeaten run to an impressive 13 games.
Central Coast has looked a very tired unit as of late and will need to work even harder today against a Brisbane side who pride themselves on their fitness, and quick passing game. The win for the Roar, midweek, saw them back to winning ways after two consecutive draws against Newcastle and North Queensland. The 3-2 result was flattering on Perth Glory as Brisbane were back to their best with Broich, especially, pulling the strings from midfield. Central Coast look to be running close to empty at the moment so I give the visitors every chance of coming away with the points.
Pick: Brisbane Roar dnb @1.98 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Central Coast 1 - 5 Brisbane Roar
North Queensland v Perth Glory
Verdict: This game looms as a 6-pointer as both sides attempt to get themselves away from the bottom reaches of the table. Incidentally, both teams' last encounters were against league leaders Brisbane Roar. A week ago, North Queensland produced a spirited performance, pressuring Brisbane high in their own defensive third to eventually come away with a well deserved 1-1 draw. In contrast, Perth were lucky to only lose 3-2 as a converted Robbie Fowler penalty, and a 25-yard screamer by Adriano Pellegrino added respectability to a fulltime score line that didn't reflect Brisbane's dominance.
In addition to their poor form, Perth go into this game with a depleted side as regular centre-backs Andy Todd and Jamie Harnwell are injured while first choice wing-back, Scott Neville, is suspended. This news is a big blow to a side that holds the worst defensive record in the league. North Queensland manager, Fran Straka, has a full squad to choose from in addition to a further 4 days to prepare his team for this encounter.
Pick: North Queensland -0.25ah @1.87 (ibcbet, 10 units)
North Queensland 1 - 1 Perth Glory
Wednesday, December 1
Gold Coast United v North Queensland
Verdict: Injury stricken Gold Coast United will hope their youngsters can pull through as they aim to return to winning ways, following the 2-1 loss at Adelaide United. Bas Van der Brink's long range equalizer in first half injury time was not enough for the Coasters as Adelaide United struck early in the second half to seal the points. That was Gold Coast's first loss in 12 outings. North Queensland will feel aggrieved at not taking a much needed three points against Perth Glory on the weekend. Before and after Perth were reduced to nine men, following the dismissals of Sekulovski and Griffits, North Queensland wasted plentiful opportunities but eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
The last time Gold Coast United were in a similar predicament (with injuries) earlier in the season, they lost 0-1 to Melbourne Victory in a lackluster performance. North Queensland has shown alot of fight this campaign, proven by the fact that they have not lost by more than a single goal all season. Dispite their wastefulness against Perth, North Queensland will be encouraged by their last away performance at league leaders Brisbane where they came away with a creditable point. With Gold Coast missing key personel, there's not much to separate these sides in terms of quality.
Pick: North Queensland +0.75ah @2.06 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Gold Coast United 1 - 2 North Queensland
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