A League Week 1, Tips and Previews
Melbourne City vs. Western United
October 7th
You won’t see many reigning champions start a season opener as heavy underdogs, but that’s the scenario at play here. Melbourne City will be going into this Grand Final rematch keen to atone for a disappointing loss last year, and with Curtis Good leading the way, along with the on-loan Valon Berisha, they are a formidable force.
But the market seems almost disrespectful of Western United after a dream season last year. Their starting side remains intact and now has the extra boost of some young talent.
SUGGESTED BET:
Jamie Maclaren anytime goalscorer at $2.10
Brisbane Roar vs. Macarthur FC
October 8th
It hasn’t been an easy off-season for the Roar, and they will be keen to speak with their actions on the pitch. Charlie Austin’s arrival has been a major coup, and he will have the pressure to perform immediately. He will be supported by Riku Danzaki as they look to open their season with a win.
Daniel Arzani can be unpredictable, but if he’s on, Macarthur could be set.
SUGGESTED BET:
Total goalsover 2.5 at $1.76
Central Coast vs. Newcastle
October 8th
The Mariners come into this one with a pep in their step, having signed veteran keeper Danny Vukovic last week. He brings poise and experience to an exciting young team with plenty resting on the shoulders of young scorer Jason Cummings.
The Jets will unveil Reno Piscopo, who fronts the hopes for a team keen to build on its ninth position last year. The Jets can fire on their day, but the Mariners have this one.
SUGGESTED BET:
Central Coast win or draw at $1.30
Sydney vs. Melbourne Victory
October 8th
One of the strongest rivalries in modern Australian football is set for a new chapter with Steve Corica at the helm of Sydney. The big question is how his charges jell with his style, but it counts for him that he brings a host of international arrivals.
Luis Nani is the latest world-known star to arrive at the Victory, and the Portuguese international will get people through the gates. Still, the question remains how much impact he can have on the scoreboard, especially against Sydney keeper Andrew Redmayne who has become a household name over the off-season.
SUGGESTED BET:
Sydney win at $2.30
Wellington Phoenix vs. Adelaide United
October 9th
Finally, the Phoenix can feel routine after a few years of being a non-Australian team in a domestic competition during a pandemic.
Bozhidar Kraev looms as a fascinating international signing; young, talented, and with experience, he could significantly impact his new team. Wellington has big expectations, but they have no easy task against an Adelaide team keen to build on their semi-final finish last year. They are an attacking team with questions about their defensive pressure; they should challenge, but this one is as close as they come, and a draw looks the most likely result.
SUGGESTED BET:
Draw at $3
Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Perth Glory
October 9th
The Wanderers were one of the competition’s disappointments last year and have undergone a significant overhaul of their team. There is plenty unknown about Western Sydney, but they have a talented squad and the advantage of a home game to kick off their season.
It’s harsh to say Perth is an easy kill here, but the record speaks for itself. Attacking midfielder Ryan Williams is their big off-season signing, but he needs support around him, and at this point, it seems scarce. Coach Ruben Zadkovich has a big task ahead of him in this game and for the season ahead.
