Preview of A-League round 2 (all times AEDT).
FRIDAY
ADELAIDE UNITED V MELBOURNE VICTORY at Hindmarsh Stadium, 8pm
Head-to-head: Adelaide 17, Victory 17, Drawn 6
Last meeting: Adelaide United 2 bt Melbourne Victory 1 at Adelaide Oval, Feb 2011.
TAB Sportsbet: Adelaide $2.55, Draw $3.30, Victory $2.55
Not only does Melbourne Victory boast arguably the biggest A-League signing in Harry Kewell, but flashy Costa Rican import Carlos Hernandez is a surprise inclusion in this week’s squad after returning early from national duty. The Victory, who were held to a scoreless draw in their opening clash against Sydney last weekend, will be looking for their fist three points. But don’t expect Adelaide to shy away from the challenge when they host the star-riddled Victory. Rini Coolen’s men will be desperate to rebound strongly from last week’s 1-0 loss to Perth Glory and will be boosted by the return of Socceroo and former Bundesliga striker Dario Vidosic who missed the Glory clash coming off an injury-interrupted pre-season.
Key: Vidosic. The Socceroo striker has been sidelined with a knee injury since joining Adelaide – will he be able to overcome a lack of match fitness to make an impact?
Tip: Adelaide
SATURDAY
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS V GOLD COAST UNITED at Bluetongue Stadium, 5:30pm
Head-to-head: Central Coast 4, Gold Coast 4, Drawn 5
Last meeting: Central Coast 1 bt Gold Coast 0 at Bluetongue Stadium, March 2011
TAB Sportsbet: Mariners $1.75, Draw $3.50, Gold Coast $4.35
Gold Coast United were once the A-League’s glamour club – now they are wooden spoon favourites. Anyone who witnessed their first round 1-1 draw with Wellington would find it hard to talk up United as a championship threat. In their season-opening draw, James Brown saved blushes at United with his stunning 88th minute strike. Curiously the man Brown replaced – Dutch import Maceo Rigters – looks set to be cleared this round after a visa wrangle. It remains to be seen if United can reclaim their high profile status with a squad featuring exciting youth like Brown and experience recruited from Europe. A timely test will be travelling to Gosford to meet a Mariners side still smarting from a loss to the Roar – again. Central Coast lost the grand final re-match 1-0 despite the heroics of teenage `keeper Mathew Ryan.
Key: Can United combat a Mariners side certain to receive a hero’s welcome in their first home game since vying for last season’s title.
Tip: Central Coast
SYDNEY FC V BRISBANE ROAR at Sydney Football Stadium, 7:45 pm
Head-to-head: Sydney FC 14, Brisbane Roar 7, Drawn 12
Last meeting: Brisbane Roar 1 bt Sydney FC 0 at SFS, Dec 2010
TAB Sportsbet: Sydney FC $2.40, Draw $3.30, Roar $2.75
Sydney FC star recruit Brett Emerton has called on the home crowd masses to turn out in force as the Sky Blues look to end defending champion Brisbane’s record 29-game unbeaten streak. With the former Blackburn Rover sure to pull a crowd, Sydney will also be boosted by the return of Slovakian import Karol Kisel from injury. Sydney will be without the suspended Mark Bridge, with Brazilian Bruno Cazarine a likely replacement. And while there were encouraging signs from Sydney’s scoreless draw with Melbourne Victory in their blockbuster season opener, Brisbane are coming off a win in last weekend’s grand final replay against the Central Coast. The Roar’s fine display also suggests that losing a few big names – including former captain Matt McKay – has done little to affect the team.
Key: Kisel. The Slovakian is champing at the bit to get back on the park, he’ll be key in leading the midfield.
Tip: Sydney FC
SUNDAY
WELLINGTON PHOENIX V NEWCASTLE JETS at Westpac Stadium, 2:30pm
Head-to-head: Wellington 8, Newcastle 4, Drawn 2
Last meeting: Wellington 1 bt Newcastle 0 at Westpac Stadium, Jan 2011
TAB Sportsbet: Phoenix $1.90, Draw $3.35, Jets $3.80
Newcastle have had a less than ideal build-up this year with marquee man Jason Culina ruled out for the entire season before it even began – followed by his father and Jets’ coach Branko’s dramatic departure soon after. But they proved last weekend they were able to put that behind them, kicking off their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Melbourne Heart. Wellington have also endured a tough pre-season with financial woes culminating in a change of ownership. They posted a draw in their opening clash in the Gold Coast, but if last season is anything to go by, they are near-unbeatable in what has become their fortress – Westpac Stadium. The Phoenix’s Chris Greenacre will be looking to continue multi-tasking after the English striker, and newly-appointed assistant coach, netted the first goal by a coach in A-League history last weekend.
Key: Westpac Stadium. Will the Phoenix be able to continue their amazing home form?
Tip: Draw
MELBOURNE HEART V PERTH GLORY at AAMI Park, 5pm
Head-to-head: Melbourne Heart 0, Perth 0, Drawn 3
Last meeting: Perth 1 draw Melbourne Heart 1 at NIB stadium, Jan 2011
TAB Sportsbet: Heart $2.15, Draw $3.35, Glory $3.10
The thought of being in the sights of a Perth Glory side armed with twin guns Shane Smeltz and Billy Mehmet would be enough to make any ‘keeper shake in his boots – let alone the back-up glovesman. Especially after letting three goals in the previous week. No.2 goalkeeper Nik Roganovic – along with the Heart defence – must find a way to stop the Glory arsenal still buzzing from their 1-0 win over Adelaide United. The jury was out on how the Glory would gel after welcoming so many new faces. But there were few complaints after their victory. All the new faces – notably Andrezhinho – impressed while their midfield looked balanced. But Glory know how quickly things can go pear-shaped after their promising last season start turned into a woeful 10th-place finish. And the Heart are due for some luck after their 3-2 loss at Newcastle was decided by a wicked deflection deep in stoppage time. They know they can score goals – well, Mate Dugandzic certainly can after his first round double, while captain Fred was also impressive.
Key: The Glory notched a first up win but they missed many golden scoring chances and won’t be able to repeat that against a fired-up Heart in front of a home crowd.
Tip: Draw
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