A-League Week 11 Preview

A-League Week 11 Preview

The 2017/18 A-League title already appears to be Sydney FC’s to lose after another glittering display in Week 10 pushed them 5 points clear atop overall standings.

We’re set for plenty more exciting A-League action in Week 11, including fixtures between first and third, as well as second and fourth.

This week’s Neds A-League best bet is the Melbourne Victory to beat Brisbane Roar on Sunday evening, currently available at $2.55!

Sydney FC vs Melbourne City

Sydney FC stamped their dominance with a 5-0 demolition of crosstown rivals the Wanderers last weekend and they now sit 5 points clear of the second-placed Newcastle Jets in overall standings.

It took less-than 15 minutes for Adrian to find the back of the net for the Sky Blues last weekend and what is potentially the most worrying for every other team in the league, they managed only 42% possession. Should they be able to hold onto the ball more effectively this weekend, Melbourne City stands little chance of stemming Sydney’s strong run of form.

While only managing the sneak one goal past Mariners No. 1 Ben Kennedy, City also walked away with all three points last weekend and only managed 42% possession. That simply will not be good enough against Sydney FC and they will need to improve tenfold if any chance, away from home.

Sydney FC look good to continue their winning run of form here and there is value for them to cover a -0.75 handicap at $1.85.

Tip: Back Sydney FC to cover to line (-0.75) @ $1.85

Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide United

The Jets continue to experience a glittering campaign after rallying late to shock the Glory in Perth last Saturday.

It looked as though the Glory were on their way to three value competition points after Joe Knowles’ 20th minute strike remained unanswered into the 88th minute, but the Jets produced 5 glittering minutes to football to strike twice and steal the win for themselves.

The Jets really did look like a team that would fall away following a few good early-season results, but the young squad has shown a hunger like no other club this campaign and realistically, could make the decider if they continue on this trajectory.

Adelaide United held on to secure a 2-1 win over the Melbourne Victory last weekend, made even more impressive by the fact they suffered two red cards. They lacked possession, but managed to covert the shots that they did have on target at a good rate and will be a real threat, with a little more polish in key areas.

Without the services of Daniel Adlung and Ben Garrucio, Adelaide won’t be at full strength, but they showed plenty of fight and ability at key moments last weekend and can mustered a draw in Newcastle.

Tip: Back the draw @ $3.60

Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers

Neither the Mariners nor Wanderers were able to take competition points last weekend and this match subsequently offers both teams a good opportunity to return to winning form and regain some confidence.

For the Mariners, it was a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Melbourne City, who appear to be returning to some pretty consistent form themselves. The Mariners did really begin to build into the match after conceding in the 59th minute, but they simply ran out of time. They also could have gone to the break three goals down, but some brilliance between the posts by shot-stopper Ben Kennedy meant that his side were always in the hunt.

The Wanderers were simply blown off the park by Sydney FC last weekend, to the tune of 5-0. It will simply be a case of forgetting about that performance and result and starting fresh when the take to the pitch on Saturday evening.

This is a very winnable game for the Mariners, who remain in touch with the top four despite last week’s result. If they are a chance of finals football, they simply need to win games like this one and they represent terrific value at current odds to beat the Wanderers.

Tip: Back the Mariners to win @ $2.75

Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix

The Perth Glory should have taken all three points from their match with the Jets last weekend, but after suffering a 2-1 defeat in incredible scenes, will be hungry for the win when they host Wellington on Saturday night.

Joe Knowles’ 20th minute effort looked to have fired his team back into winning form, but Perth’s defence was simply not able to hold out the Jets’ desperate advances late in the picture and that ultimately led to the disappointing result.

It’s difficult to make any arguments for the Phoenix’s chances after their witnessing their start to this season, but they did do enough to hold Brisbane to a 0-0 draw on the Gold Coast last weekend.

There isn’t a whole lot to say about this match other than Perth should respond to last week’s result with a low-scoring win.

Tip: Back the Glory to win @ $1.90

Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory

The final match in Week 11 of the A-League will see the Roar and Victory square off in Brisbane on Sunday evening.

Week 10 was not a particularly prosperous one for either team; the Roar failing to beat the bottom-placed Phoenix, while the Victory failed to capitalise on two Adelaide United red cards and slumping to a 2-1 defeat.

To make things a little harder for the Brisbane club leading into Christmas, French winger Eric Bautheac has been added to their ever-growing list of injuries after suffering a hamstring strain against the Phoenix.

This is a real opportunity for the Victory to take three valuable competition points and when considering the strength of both teams respectively, they really should.

Tip: Back the Victory to win @ $2.55