Who's Playing Who?

…aaaand welcome to the first of our A-League previews! This week we take a look at Week 18, with our Match of the Round being the 2nd ever Melbourne Derby, as covered in the podcast. These are just our tips… Don’t hate us if we get them wrong!

Adelaide United vs North Queensland Fury

Matt’s Tip – Adelaide. They should be too good at home against a Fury side who struggle away from home, but have been on a good roll of late.

Adrian’s Tip – Adelaide. They might be 7 points behind the Roar, but they’ve got two games in hand. Always good at home, and a strong performance here should put them in good stead for a crack at the #1 spot.

Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne Heart (Podcast Match of the Round)

Matt’s Tip – Victory. The Heart have struggled to score goals in recent weeks, and the mid-week game against Newcastle showed this. An Archie Thompson inspired Victory should get them home in front of a massive derby crowd.

Adrian’s Tip – Victory. A very average performance mid-week from the Heart against a 10-man Newcastle side really doesn’t fill you with much confidence. Couple this with the Victory desperately wanting to get one back on the Heart after they won the first Melbourne Derby, and I’d say your money is safe if you backed the two-time A-League champions.

Gold Coast United vs Wellington Phoenix

Matt’s Tip – Gold Coast. Jason Culina has been in top form of late, and I’m betting this will continue at home this week. Wellington came back well after going behind against Adelaide, but the long trip to Robina won’t help.

Adrian’s Tip – Gold Coast. Should be a close game, but I can see the GC getting the win at home. I still don’t have much confidence in Wellington to win away, despite their position on the ladder.

Sydney FC vs Brisbane Roar

Matt’s Tip – Brisbane. Sydney were woeful to say the least last weekend, and although Brisbane got out of jail against the Victory, they would be smarting from this, and should take the points away from home against the Sky Blues.

Adrian’s Tip – Brisbane. Ange Postecoglou and his side will be licking their chops after seeing the defensive effort from Sydney last week. Unless the men at the back for Sydney can get themselves together, this could turn out to be embarrassing, especially considering the lovely attacking style Brisbane like to play.

Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners

Matt’s Tip – Draw. Perth have shown some signs of improvement, but the Mariners will be very confident after thrashing Sydney last weekend.

Adrian’s Tip- Perth. Initially, I was thinking that this would turn out as a draw as well, but on second thought, I’m going to back Perth. Not with a whole heap of confidence, I might add. While their finals chances are all but gone, I think Perth still have a very good side capable of winning against quality opposition. Why their season fell to pieces, I don’t think any of us know. In a bit of an upset, I’m thinking the home side can get a win here and give their fans a bit of hope.

That’s what we’re thinking for this round of the A-League- feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below!