A-League Round 23 (14-19/01)

Gold Coast United v North Queensland
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Perth Glory v Melbourne Heart
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast
Melbourne Heart v Gold Coast United
Perth Glory v Central Coast


Friday, January 14

Gold Coast United v North Queensland Fury

Verdict: Stuttering title contenders, Gold Coast United, will aim to get back to winning ways following the dissapointing 2-0 defeat at Sydney FC. Sitting in fourth place with games in hand on their rivals above them, Gold Coast will hope that the return of striker Shane Smeltz can help break a four game winless streak. In total contrast, North Queensland sit rock-bottom with no chance of making the finals, and the future of the club looking very bleak. The 1-0 midweek loss at Newcastle Jets stretched their winless run to six games.

In the absence of creative midfielder Jason Culina, Gold Coast United has not scored a single goal in three games, losing two and drawing one. The loan signing of last year's A-League golden boot, Shane Smeltz, will go a long way in rectifying the home side's scoring woes against a tired, depleted, and injury-stricken Fury. The visitors play their third game in 6 days without key players in Williams, Talay, Edds, and Malak. I expect a motivated and fresh legged Gold Coast United to win this game comfortably as they aim to stay in the hunt for second place.

Pick: Gold Coast United -1ah @2.12 (pinnacle, 10 units)
Gold Coast United 4 - 0 North Queensland Fury

Saturday, January 15

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory

Pick: Sydney FC -0.25ah @1.98 (12bet, 10 units)
Sydney FC 1 - 1 Melbourne Victory


Perth Glory v Melbourne Heart

Pick: Over 2.5 goals @2.11 (pinnacle, 5 units)
Perth Glory 1 - 1 Melbourne Heart


Sunday, January 16

Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners

Verdict: In what is known as the F3 Derby in Australia, the two east-coast sides do battle in what is an important game for both, in more ways than one. Currently in the sixth and final play-off spot, Newcastle are looking to solidify their position with Melbourne Heart and Wellington trailing close behind. Central Coast are higher up the table, in third, and can overtake Adelaide United with a win today. Finishing in the top 2 is important as it ensures home finals and a second chance in case of a loss.

Despite winning their two most recent games against bottom club North Queensland, Newcastle are currently going through a tough time. Captain and inspirational leader, Ljubo Milicevic, is rumored to have split the dressing room in two after his decision to terminate his contract with immediate effect. In addition, the team is suffering an injury crisis with regular first team players D'Apuzzo, Abbas, Kantarovski, and Bridges all out, not to mention Milicevic and Francis Jeffers. Central Coast are on top of their game at the moment with only a single defeat (undeserved 1-2 loss to Melbourne Victory) since December. Midweek, they pushed league leaders Brisbane Roar all the way in a 3-3 draw, and perhaps should of taken all 3pts.

Pick: Central Coast dnb @2.11 (sportbet, 10 units)
Newcastle Jets 0 - 2 Central Coast


Wednesday, January 19

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

Pick: Central Coast Mariners dnb @1.83 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Perth Glory 1 - 2 Central Coast