A-League Tips Round 12

Brisbane v Perth – (Thur 7:50pm)The Roar just can’t get anything going but there was a positive in the second half of the loss to Melbourne last week – the return of Kristensen. The Dane is likely to return to the starting line up this week alongside McKay in the middle of the park. The Roar looked more composed in central midfield when the pair combined last week and it meant more ball in space for Skapetis, Khalfallah and Franjic. The Glory squeezed out a win against the Phoenix but it wasn’t easy with the side missing a host of goal scoring opportunities. There is some huge news for them though with Keogh, Taggart, Grant, Neville and Torres all training during the week. Castro scored the winner off the bench last week in yet another positive and The Wolf believes they can make it all count. The ability to score has been critical in this series with the last 5 meetings producing at least 3 goals. The Wolf will be on the Overs and says to keep an eye on possible late inclusions for the Glory – if Keogh and Taggart are in then you want to be on the visitors.
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.61)
Value Bet: Over 3.5 goals ($2.75)

Newcastle v Western Sydney – (Fri 7:50pm)
In a true reflection of how the Jets season is going they were awarded a dubious penalty in the 89th minute – one which Petratos converted to give them yet another 3 points. It means that they remain 5 points behind Sydney, but more importantly, have pulled 4 point clear of 3rd placed City. There was some bad news with O’Donovan ruled out for three months with a groin tear. We saw the Jets have some trouble in attack without him and it will be ionteresting to see who plays the role of target man. Nabbout and Petratos are both more effective out wide leaving Ernie Merrick with some tough decisions. The Wanderers are coming off just their second win of the season and their first clean sheet in 13 A-League fixtures. It was on the counter where the Wanderers got it done and they will get plenty opportunities to play on the break against a Jets side that is relentless going forward. The Wanderers are undefeated in their last 7 meetings with the Jets and have found the back of the net in their last 10 against them. If Newcastle are to continue winning they will have to continue their goal scoring streak.
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – YES ($1.60)
Value Bet: 1st Half Over 1.5 goals ($2.60)

Wellington v Sydney FC – (Sat 5:35pm)Wolfy is running out of words to describe Sydney FC. They were behind the 8-ball after conceding first last week but responded with 2 goals in as many minutes to take the lead – a lead which they would not surrender. The Sky Blues have 3 wins and a draw in their last 4 against Wellington and are undefeated in their last 5 trips across the Tasman. There is more bad news for the hosts. Early in the season they had no problem finding the back of the net but the goals have dried up. They have failed to score in their last 240 minutes of football and the drought is set to continue against the best defence in the land. The visitors are at full strength. Ninkovic came off the bench last week and will likely be back in the starting line up – joining Brosque, Bobo and Mierzejewski. Sydney FC look short at $1.60 but The Wolf says that is value!
Best Bet: Sydney FC WIN ($1.60)
Value Bet: Teams To Score – Sydney FC Only ($3.00)

Melbourne City v Melbourne Vic – (Sat 7:50pm)
We can talk about form and injuries but rivalries tend to overwrite all of those factors. Both teams have scored in the last 7 meetings with Over 2.5 saluting in 15 of the last 17 meetings. It is simple… when these two lock horns there is goals galore! There has been an average of 3.7 goals per game in the last 13 clashes and that is exciting news for all, including the neutrals and those planning on backing the Overs. The Victory will be without Milligan, Austin and Donachie which will leave plenty of space in the centre of the park. The Wolf really likes what he has seen from the Victory front quartet in recent weeks. George has become a genuine threat on the wing and his supply is second to none. With Troisi and Barbarouses alongside him in a three pronged attack behind Berisha they will put teams to the sword on a weekly basis. They will continue to climb the ladder in the weeks to come.
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.72)
Value Bet: Over 2.5 goals & Melbourne Vic WIN ($3.75)

Adelaide v Central Coast – (Tue 7:50pm)Adelaide were livid with the penalty decision that went against them but there have been some very good signs over the last month. The held their own in multiple games against Sydney FC, beat the Wanderers and Victory and should have taken a point in the meeting with the Jets. Meanwhile the Mariners have lost their last two having failed to score in both matches. To add insult to injury they will be without both Brama and McGing who were both sent last week. Brama has been their leader and the man responsible for holding things together. Without him they lose the link between defence and attack plus he is their primary ball winner. The Wolf says the Mariners will struggle without him and cannot see them containing the Reds in his absence. Adelaide have won 6 of the last 8 meetings, scoring 19 goals in that stretch. There is also the matter of travel for the Mariners who are likely to make the trip on game day (Boxing Day). All 3 points will go to the hosts.
Best Bet: Adelaide WIN ($1.95)
Value Bet: Teams To Score – Adelaide Only ($3.40)

Best Bets Round 12

Best Bet: Melbourne Derby – Over 2.5 goals ($1.72)
Best Value Bet: Teams To Score – Adelaide Only ($3.40)