Week 3 of the A-League is rapidly approaching but if you ask me, I reckon we should rebrand it to the NZ-League.
The Kiwis are flying at the moment, both sides sit on top on the ladder and all football fans will be tuning in for the inaugural Kiwi Classico this Saturday!
I’ve run my eyes over each game this weekend.
Here is my preview of week 3 of the A-League!
Friday night footy is a State of Origin clash this week.
Both these sides are legally required to call Auckland FC Daddy at the moment, they are the only two teams in history to ever lose to the side and this week they will do battle in what the bookies think will be a fairly one sided affair.
The Roar at home for the first time this season are $3.30 underdogs and here’s a little stat for you, the underdog has won four of Brisbane’s last five games at Suncorp Stadium.
I’m gonna do it this week but everyone who’s read this blog for a while know that the Roar love to burn me regardless of the outcome I land on for their games.
It’s finally happening, the first ever Kiwi Classico!
The ‘Nix will host their newest (and undefeated) rivals for the first time ever and this is genuinely a hard one to split.
My favourite A-League betting stat is blindly following Wellington, but Auckland are yet to drop points and knocked off Sydney FC last week.
It’s like picking your favourite kid here and the betting stats reflect a responsible parent when they’re asked that question. Three of Wellington’s last four games have resulted in a draw.
I really want to back the Phoenix at $2.45 but I’m thinking the draw is where could be on.
If only there was a market that I could have both those outcomes in…
It’s Cenny Coast’s turn to beat up on the Glory this week.
Perth already have a -7 goal difference already this year and are a massive $5.80 for an upset on Saturday.
If you’re feeling frisky, Perth has won each of its last eight Week 3 games, but that’s a hell of a coincidence if you ask me though.
I’ve seen nothing from Perth that gets me excited but I’ve also seen nothing from CCM that gets me hyped too.
They’ve got one goal both for and against this year.
This might be the tune up game they need. CCM to win.
Two winless teams will do battle on Saturday night, will either of these sides secure their first three points of the year?
The bookies are struggling to split them. WSW are ever so slightly favourites at $2.20 and Adelaide do look a little value just quietly at $2.90.
I’ve found another ridiculous stretch of a gambling stat, Western Sydney has lost each of its last four night games as a favourite.
Are the Wanderers scared of the dark? It is spooky season after all.
I’ll take a draw in this one, I cannot split these too sides and not for positive reasons.
Third placed Melbourne Victory host fourth placed Macarthur on Sunday in a matchup that only seems close if you’re reading the ladder.
The Vics are a jaw dropping $1.60 to Macarthur’s $4.80 despite being ladder neighbours.
Are Melbourne that much better?
Five of their last six games have resulted in a draw so a play on the draw could be smart if you enjoy following the trends.
This seems like a smart game to follow the bookies in however, mayhaps it’s one to multi up with a couple other legs.
Vics for 3 points here.
Lastly, we wrap up the week with Western United hosting City.
City are the $2.02 favourites in this one despite not really playing to the level we expect from them of late.
On the other hand, it’s also hard to make a case for United, they’ve done nothing but share points so far this season, can they get a $3.30 upset here?
I think we’re wrapping up this preview with the biggest betting stat stretch of them all: Western United FC has lost each of its last six night games following a draw.
Is there any legitimacy to that or is it one big coincidence?
I’ll be the sacrificial lamb and take City H2H and find out.