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A-League expert tips and predictions – Round 8

Sydney FC open their season at home against Melbourne City. (Photo: Peter McAlpine)
27th November, 2014
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The tipsters have settled into a rhythm, and once again we bring you tips and predictions from the best* in the business for Round 8 of the A-League.

It should be a cracking round, with Victory and Adelaide coming up against each other in what should be a titanic struggle.

There is also a replay of the 2013 grand final, with Roar taking on a rampant Perth, and just a little thing called the Sydney Derby happening at Wanderland.

While the F3 derby isn’t as inspiring a clash as previous, let’s hope those two sides can kick-start their season this weekend.

So without further delay, let’s get into the tips!

Friday 28 November

Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United @ AAMI Park – 7:40PM

Janek Speight says: Adelaide. What a game this should be. Refuse to sit on the fence and so sticking with the Gombau love, but will be an interesting clash.

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Dom Trimboli says: A huge game to kick off a huge round. Neither side will want to lose further ground on Perth, but I’ll back the Victory to grab the 3 points and leapfrog Adelaide on the table.

Mitch Grima says: Victory – Neither side needs motivation to get up for this one, but expect Victory to thrive on the occasion.

Tony Tannous says: So good, the rivalry & the fact both are flying, but I have to go Melbourne at home, 2-1.

Saturday 29 November

Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory @ Suncorp Stadium – 5:00PM

Janek Speight says: Draw. Brisbane’s revival won’t start yet if Perth have anything to say. Fence sitting firmly for this match.

Dom Trimboli says: Not the kind of game Brisbane would’ve liked coming off a tumultuous week. Perth will be hoping to add insult to injury, but I feel the Roar will be able to hold firm for a draw.

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Mitch Grima says: Roar – A tumultuous week gets harder for Roar as they welcome the league leaders. The ingredients have been there this season and if they can put them together, this could be a turning point for their season.

Tony Tannous says: Complete unknown this Thijssen, but he won’t have an 11 if he sacks everyone who losses the ball. It’s the A-League buddy, not the European Champions League. Not convinced the players will react so quick. For once I’ll go Glory in Brisbane, 1-0.

Western Sydney vs Sydney FC @ Pirtek Stadium – 7:30PM

Janek Speight says: WSW. Form doesn’t count when it comes to derbies, though have a feeling Sydney will be too strong. I’ve tipped against FC too many times but I can’t go past a Wanderland victory against the odds. Romance over brain.

Dom Trimboli says: The boys from the West are due for a win. And I’ll back them in front of what’s sure to be a rockin’ Pirtek stadium.

Mitch Grima says: Western Sydney – It all depends on Wanderers clicking in the final third. They have the quality up top and if the likes of Rukavytsya, Castelen, Saba and Juric click, they will go a long way to claiming their first win of the season.

Tony Tannous says: Bit of pressure on the hosts. No Dimitrijevic helps Popovic but right now he needs his own midfield to step up. I’ll go 2-2 & hope for a great game and a great night at Wanderland.

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Sunday 30 November

Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City @ Westpac Stadium – 3:00PM

Janek Speight says: City. Wellington are coming off a gruelling journey around Oz. Can City take advantage? Probably not, but tipping the unlikely anyway.

Dom Trimboli says: Both sides (somehow) sit in semi final spots. Both sides coming off 2-1 losses. Both sides to snag a point here.

Mitch Grima says: Phoenix – They’ve been slowly going about their business and will see this as a very winnable game.

Tony Tannous says: At home I’ll go the Nix, 2-1.

Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast @ Hunter Stadium – 5:00PM

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Janek Speight says: Jets. Both side have been woeful but feel the Jets will nab this one if they play their best starting 11.

Dom Trimboli says: The Jets showed some good patches against the Wanderers last week, though still find themselves without a win in seven. Think they might break the duck here.

Mitch Grima says: Draw – Hopefully the F3 derby gets reignited this weekend. These are two sides who are yet to hit their stride.

Tony Tannous says: Which Jets will turn up, the Roar or Wanderers one? Which CCM will turn up, the Wanderers or Adelaide one? Inclined to back the hosts but with neither yet to convince, I’ll sit on the fence here, 1-1.

  Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Total
Tony Tannous 2  0  3 4 3 0 2 14
Dom Trimboli 2  0  2 3 1 0 2 10
Janek Speight 2  2  2 2 2 0 2 12
Mitch Grima 4  1  2 3 2 0 1 11
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