A-League Tips Round 22

Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory – (Fri 7:50pm)It’s derby time in Melbourne as 3rd hosts 4th. The Victory ended a three game league losing streak with a win over Adelaide last week but will need to be at their best if they are to make it back it back wins over their noisy neighbours. City on the other hand are looking to get back in the winner’s circle following back to back defeats. There have been 3 or more goals in 9 of the last 10 Melbourne derbies so we are in store for a real thriller. City will be without Schenkeveld after he was sent off last week and The Wolf says that is is a void they will not be able to fill. The Victory proved Wolfy wrong last week by having the stamina and endurance to deal with the travel to and from Shanghai. They have won 3 of the last 4 meetings between the two sides and have a clear edge in terms of attacking ability. It is hard to look past the trio of Berisha, Barbarouses and George in what is set to be a goal-a-thon.
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.66)
Value Bet: Over 2.5 & Melbourne Vic WIN ($3.75)

Newcastle v Sydney FC – (Sat 5:35pm)
The Sky Blues have past every test and could virtually end the chase for the Premier’s Plate by getting a result in the top of the table clash. They were supposed to struggle following a midweek ACL encounter in Shanghai and after going down by a goal early on in the Sydney Derby, a response was required. They did more than just respond – they put on a clinic! Mierzejewski and Ninkovic were outstanding but special mention has to be given to the midfield duo of Brilliante and O’Neill. They hold the keys to the castle in this one as the Jets are extremely dangerous on the counter-attack. Nabbout and Petratos were standout performers when the two sides last met in a 2-2 draw at Allianz. If Sydney can put the shackles on them there can only be one result. The Jets remain the only side to have scored in every game this season but it is hard to look past Sydney’s 15 game unbeaten run against them (12 wins, 3 draws). Take Sydney in what will be the match of the round!
Best Bet: Sydney FC WIN ($2.15)
Value Bet: Over 3.5 goals ($3.00)

Brisbane v Adelaide – (Sat 7:50pm)The Roar continue to set a new record every week and it is not one to be proud of. They are the oldest team in A-League history with an average age of over 33 years! Adding Henrique only made them older and at some point coach John Aloisi will have to turn to youth. They have now conceded in the final half hour in their last 6 matches meaning fatigue is definitely an issue. They are 4 points adrift of 6th placed Wanderers making the 3 points on offer here absolutely crucial. Adelaide did themselves no favours yet again with a second sending off in as many weeks. Consequently they will be without Gulum and Cavusevic which will hurt them in both attack and defence. Surely Absalonsen makes his return after being listed on the bench last week. The Wolf believes he would have made a appearance but there was no point with his side down to 10 men and losing by multiple goals. We have seen late drama in their recent clashes with 3 send offs and 4 goals after the 85th minute in the last 4 encounters. Look for this one to open up in the second half.
Best Bet: 2nd Half Over 1.5 goals ($2.05)
Value Bet: 2nd Half Both Teams To Score – YES ($3.25)

Western Sydney v Perth – (Sun 5:00pm)Perth took full advantage against a 10 man Melbourne City outfit, with two goals in the final 5 minutes to claim all 3 points. The Wanderers on the other hand continue to struggle in the second stanza. They have now lost the second half in 5 of their last 7 – a concerning statistic for a side with finals aspirations. The Glory could close within a point of the Wanderers but The Wolf is finding it very difficult to look past their abysmal road record. They have lost their last 5 away games and have conceded multiple goals in each of them. With 16 goals conceding in those 5 games it would take more than just bravery to back them. To score in 4 straight away games and not collect a point says a lot about your defence. Both teams will score but 3 or 4 goals from the Wanderers will ensure that they collect a valuable 3 points.
Best Bet: Western Sydney WIN ($1.95)
Value Bet: Western Sydney Over 3.5 goals ($7.00)

Best Bets Round 22

Best Bet: Sydney FC WIN ($2.15)
Best Value Bet: Western Sydney Over 3.5 goals ($7.00)