Round 11 of the A-League Men’s season is a hodgepodge of matches from all around the calendar as Covid and other postponements continue to result in a fluid fixture list.
Over the next seven days we will see matches from Rounds 7, 8, 11, 22 and 23 which will conclude with a Big Blue that was brought forward 24 hours to help with the preparations for the Socceroos World Cup Qualifier in Melbourne.
There is still value to be found in our A-League markets so read on and check out our A-League Men’s Tips below!
For the first time since December 8, Perth Glory’s A-League Men’s side will take to the pitch as they begin a long process of catching up on missed matches.
Originally scheduled for Saturday December 18, the Glory will take on the Roar to mark their return to action.
As has been the case with just about every team in not just the A-Leagues, but world football, there is bound to be some rust as a team returns after a long layoff.
Brisbane has only just begun play itself, and will be facing its third fixture in seven days after a Cup tie and league match against Sydney FC.
Having those 180 minutes in their legs will likely be a huge advantage for the Roar, especially in the second half.
Their squad is getting back to full strength and they should be able to take care of business against the Glory.
This game will be won by whichever side can get itself into the game first as they return from lengthy breaks.
Western United last played on Boxing Day in a 3-1 loss to Melbourne Victory however based on John Aloisi’s comments, most of this regular first team will be available for this match.
Wellington will be coming off a 16 day break after a depleted squad stunned Melbourne City on penalties in the FFA Cup.
Historically this has been a match that has favoured the “home” side with Wellington winning five of the last six matches between the two including a 1-0 win in Geelong on December 7.
With both clubs likely to be a bit rusty out of the gates, I’m going to back an arm wrestle, especially if Western United can dictate the tempo of the game.
After having an initial chance at shaking off the rust in Brisbane on Wednesday night, Perth’s return to action continues in Sydney on Saturday night.
They acquitted themselves well in Brisbane, making the Roar work, but their six week gap in matches showed through as the players were out on their feet by the end of the game.
Sydney will have had over a week to stew on their FFA Cup exit and the calls for a Corica shake up to the playing squad continue.
At full flight, Perth can put a scare into any team but this is looking like another glorified preseason match for them as they try and get their conditioning up to where it should be six games into a new season.
For that reason, I’ll take Sydney however the Sky Blues defence has been far from solid, so I’ll pair it with both teams to score in a SGM.
The Mariners are off to the FFA Cup Final and now they can turn their attention to kick starting an A-League Men’s season that got off to a promising start before it was interrupted.
They have won their last four on the trot, with the third and fourth games separated by four weeks due to a Covid outbreak and a number of postponements.
It sets up well for a clash with a Melbourne City side that has acquired former Arsenal player Carl Jenkinson on loan to try and shore up a defence that is still battling to find form in 2022.
They have conceded five goals in two draws against Western Sydney and Adelaide which has cancelled out some impressive attacking play, especially from Andrew Nabbout.
Until they can get their backline sorted, its tough to see City being able to close out games, especially the ones brimming with confidence like the Mariners are.
The only match originally scheduled for this weekend when the fixture list was released to still go ahead will take place on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
After finally breaking through for their first win of the A-League Men’s season on Wednesday night, the Roar will be hoping to build their first winning streak since May here.
However the Reds have plenty of confidence and seem to have the nous to come away with a win when visiting Brisbane at either Suncorp or Moreton Daily Stadium.
When they faced Adelaide in early December it was a defensive battle that finished scoreless, however with Adelaide starting to find multiple ways to goal and the Roar scoring in consecutive league games for the first time since May, we should see some goals this time.
It might not be many, so a draw looks like the way to go in this market.
It might not be on the date we are used to, but there should be plenty to enjoy about this Big Blue on the night before the public holiday.
This rivalry has had a sky blue tinge to it for the last three years with Melbourne Victory’s last win in this fixture coming on January 26, 2019.
Since then, Sydney has won eight in a row, including four of the last five to nil, however anyone who has watched the Victory this year will tell you how this is a different team.
Both teams have a real case about their chances to win this game and a draw certainly looks to be on the cards however I’ll play it a bit safe and back both teams to score.
Perth will still be buzzing after their 2-1 win in Sydney on the weekend and now they prepare for their third match in seven days.
Meanwhile the Bulls will be returning to action for the first time since Boxing Day, an absence of a full month.
That enforced break will at least allow them to welcome back some key players who were battling injury in the lead up to Christmas.
Combine that with the Glory’s own very strong group of attackers and you have the recipe for a high scoring game.