Finals Play-offs Week 1 (18-20/02)

Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix
Central Coast v Brisbane Roar
Gold Coast United v Melbourne Victory


Friday, February 18

Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix

Verdict: The A-League final series gets underway with this sudden death clash between two sides that met a little less that two weeks ago. Wellington prevailed on that occasion with a first half Chris Greenacre goal giving the visitors a deserved 0-1 win.

After deemed as certainties to claim 2nd place just before Christmas, Adelaide United's season has since hit the breaks with only 13pts collected from a possible 33. Their home form is of major concern going into this match, losing four of their last seven. Wellington Phoenix are poor travellers with a season record of 2-2-11 away from home. Their away performances though have steadily improved going into this match with ofcourse the win in Adelaide, in addition to competitive outings at top two teams Brisbane Roar (lost 2-0 in last 10 minutes) and Central Coast Marines (lost 1-0). The visitors go into this match in better shape form wise, in addition to having a mental edge over their opponents of which they have defeated on the last two occasions. Adelaide look certain to get back key figures in Cassio and Van Dijk, but the unsettled Bodrusic is likely to keep his place at centre-back. Wellington are at full strength with the return of striker Paul Iffil, who is likely to make a cameo appearance off the bench. Adelaide stumbled into the finals series where as I believe Wellington are on the rise.

Pick: Wellington +1ah @1.98 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Adelaide United 1 - 0 Wellington Phoenix


Saturday, February 19

Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar

Picks:
Brisbane Roar -0.25ah @2.25 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Central Coast 0-2 Brisbane Roar
Over 2.25 goals @1.99 (ibcbet, 5 units)
Central Coast 0-2 Brisbane Roar


Sunday, February 20

Gold Coast United v Melbourne Victory

Verdict: Fourth meets fifth in this 'sudden death' play-off encounter, meaning the match will go to extra time/penalties if required. Gold Coast approach this game on the back of some indifferent form, winning one of their last five games. The 4-0 loss at Brisbane last weekend was their second consecutive loss, conceding 8 goals in their last three games in the process. Melbourne were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at Adelaide United following a late headed goal by Travis Dodd. That broke a sequence of five games with out loss.

In the long-term absence of creative midfielder, Jason Culina, Gold Coast has relied on organisation and stubborn defending to make the finals. The recent influx of conceded goals will worry manager, Miron Bleiberg., especially against the visitors' superior attacking arsenal. Melbourne striker, Archie Thompson, and midfielder Carlos Hernandez returned from injury last weekend, meaning that manager, Ernie Merrick, has the most lethal attacking outfit in the league at his disposal. AAMI Park has been much criticized this season for its poor surface but it has now been relaid to allow for passing football which will suit the visitors. Melbourne has always been my dark horse this season, and I see them having too much attacking power for the home side.

Pick: Melbourne Victory +0.25ah @1.82 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Gold Coast United 1-0 Melbourne Victory