A League Week 2, Tips and Previews
Brisbane Roar vs. Melbourne City
October 14th
It was a convincing start to the season by City with a 2-1 win over Western United from 19 shots on goal to signal their intentions to win the title this season. Jamie Maclaren showed why he is one of the most dangerous players in the competition, but they have some injury concerns early in the season, and their depth is set to be tested.
Brisbane had a frustrating season opener against Macarthur, but the 0-0 result probably matched expectations. They wasted plenty of chances in front of goal and need more from Japanese star Rik Danzaki who was underwhelming last week.
The Roar have had a turbulent time in recent months, while City seems to be one of the best-prepared teams in the competition and should win this one.
SUGGESTED BET:
Melbourne City to win at $1.91
Newcastle United vs. Perth Glory
October 15th
Newcastle is still a relative unknown this season after their game against Central Coast was postponed due to weather conditions last week. They will unveil star signing Brandon O’Neill, who takes to the pitch against his former team with a point to prove. There was a hint of controversy at O’Neill’s exit, and it’s safe to say he won’t be getting a warm welcome from the Glory.
But Perth has more concerns than just O’Neill. A scoreless loss against Western Sydney showed they still have a long way to go to improve on last year’s bottom-of-the-table finish. They’ve made some changes to their squad, but no acquisitions seem to be making a tangible difference just yet, and Perth looks set for more heartache this season, with the Jets to add to their woes this week.
SUGGESTED BET:
Newcastle United win into Beka Mikeltadze to score at $2.50
Melbourne Victory vs. Western Sydney Wanderers
October 15th
The Wanderers did everything asked of them to open their 2022-23 campaign with a win last week, putting away the Glory with solid contributions from its new-look team.
Calem Nieuwenhof was impressive in his first game for his new team, while Romain Amalfitano, Brandon Borrello, Lawrence Thomas and Oliver Bozanic also look set to be a major part of the Wanderers season.
The Victory were compelling in their win over rivals Sydney FC last week, hitting the back of the net three times on the way to a thumping win.
Former Manchester Utd star Luis Nani wasn’t at his absolute best but showed glimpses of his brilliance, while Chris Ikonomidis showed he is a chance to take his game to a new level this season.
The Victory seem to be title contenders this season and should continue their winning ways here.
SUGGESTED BET:
Melbourne Victory win into more than 2.5 goals scored at $2.50
Wellington Phoenix vs. Central Coast Mariners
October 16th
Wellington’s first game under normal circumstances in a couple of years finished in a disappointing 1-1 draw and a red card to Yan Sasse to boot. But there were positives to come out of the game against Adelaide, and they should build on that performance.
Central Coast is yet to open its season after last week’s postponement. They will have their eyes set on another finals campaign, as shown by the off-season signing of keeper Danny Vukovic and defender Brian Kaltak. It should be a solid defensive outfit representing the Mariners in 2022-23, but they will have to compensate for some major departures. Jason Cummings is a key for the Mariners after booting ten goals last season. If he can back up with a similar season, there could be many more wins on the way for Central Coast, starting here.
SUGGESTED BET:
Central Coast win at $2.50
Macarthur vs Adelaide Utd
October 16th
It’s hard to get too much of a read on either of these teams after both played in draws last season.
Its recent Australia Cup win should have buoyed Macarthur, but with no goals from just seven shots last week, they need to carry that form into the A-League.
Winger Daniel Arzani was a surprise substitution in the second half this week, singled out by coach Dwight Yorke for his lack of defensive pressure. Expect him to bounce back this week and be a factor.
Adelaide United were lucky to eke out a draw against Wellington last week. A late strike from Ben Halloran in stoppage time saved the day, but they can’t count on a bail-out like that every week and won’t get many opportunities like that against Macarthur.
SUGGESTED BET:
Macarthur win at $2.25
Western United vs. Sydney FC
October 16th
This looks set to be the game of the round between two teams evenly poised for a tilt at this year’s title.
Neither team had the ideal start to the season, with both losing to the highly-fancied Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, but it would be premature to read too much into that. Western United did not hit the scoreboard until stoppage time.
Leo Lacroix’s own goal early set the tone for that game, and there will be increased accountability for the reigning champions this week.
Sydney FC had its chances and looked threatening against the Victory and should be better this week, but an injury to captain Alex Wilkinson will dampen their expectations. United to clinch this one.
