Who's Playing Who?

We enter probably the most disheveled round of the A-League in terms of scheduling, the Christmas round, with teams playing all over the place, and at various times. This week also provides some very interesting clashes, with sides either fighting to keep their season alive, or pushing for a home semi final. So lets get on to the games…

Sydney FC vs Melbourne Heart

Matt’s Tip – Draw. Sydney have been atrocious, but the week off, coupled with the possible return of lynchpin Nicky Carle should see them at least grab a point against the Heart, whose spine of Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo and John Aloisi return to the SFS in good form.

Adrian’s Tip – Heart. Any team that can beat Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium is going alright in my books. I loved the second half fight-back by the Heart, and I really like their chances here. It’s a big game for their former Sydney players, and I think they’ll rise to the occasion.

Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United

Matt’s Tip – Central Coast. With their game last week abandoned due to the state of the pitch, the Mariners will be fairly fresh for this clash with Adelaide. The Reds will be wondering how they lost their clash with the Heart at home last week, and this slight form drop should get the home side the three points.

Adrian’s Tip – Central Coast. I don’t know what happened to Adelaide last week, but they faded pretty badly. Away from home, I’m not liking their chances against a Central Coast side which might appreciate the rest they received due to the weather at Robina.

Brisbane Roar vs Gold Coast United (Podcast Match of the Round)

Matt’s Tip – Brisbane. They are just oozing confidence at the moment, and they should continue their unbeaten run at Suncorp in front of what could be a large crowd. Gold Coast will also be fresh after only playing 20 minutes last week, but need to grab as many points as possible before they lose Jason Culina to the Asian Cup in January, although I can’t see them getting any this week.

Adrian’s Tip – Brisbane. New A-League tipping rule- don’t back against Brisbane! I did last week, and look what happened… Back at home, I’m not going against them. They’ve just been too good consistently to lose here.

Melbourne Victory vs Newcastle Jets

Matt’s Tip – Victory. The Victory have become one of the form sides in the league over the past couple of weeks, and even after losing Archie Thompson and Matthew Kemp, they should win against a Newcastle side who lose Francis Jeffers following his 10-game guest stint.

Adrian’s Tip – Victory. Well, haven’t they turned things around! I can see them finishing just behind Brisbane and Adelaide at the end of the Home & Away season, and if anyone is a threat to the dominance of those two sides, it’s the Victory. Newcastle shouldn’t give them too much trouble here.

North Queensland Fury vs Wellington Phoenix

Matt”s Tip – Fury. They may have slipped up at home last week, but that was against a rampant Roar, and their performance mid-week against Sydney before that had good signs coming from it. This is also a very hard ‘road’ trip for the Phoenix, who have struggled to pick up points away from home.

Adrian’s Tip – Fury. 2nd new A-League tipping rule- only back Wellington at home, never away. It’s served me well so far, and I’m putting in action here again. I thought the Fury would get up last week… It wasn’t to be. This week though? Things are looking good.

UPDATED

Adelaide United vs Sydney FC

Matt’s Tip – Adelaide. Sydney’s season is on the line here, but I can’t really see them being successful. Alex Brosque was ruled out for the season this week, and although Adelaide have dropped in form a little, I still think they will prove too much for Sydney.

Adrian’s Tip – Adelaide. Both sides are going to be down on troops, with Travis Dodd and Eugene Galekovic out for the Reds, and Brosque out for the rest of the reason, as Matt reported on a few days ago. When push comes to shove though, Adelaide will want to get things back on track, so a win against the last placed side wouldn’t be too out of the question.