The Roar has once again assembled its motley crew of experts for the 2014/15 season, with a blend of old and new contributing in what should be another cracking season.
You should also expect some bigger names to drop their opinion bombs from time to time during the season, so stay tuned!
But for our expert tips, we’re sticking with the tried and tested gang that’s going to do the hard yards, week in, week out, give full credit to the opposition and take a workmanlike approach to their tips. Apply 4-4-2 to tipping, and you’ve got this crew.
We’ll also be inviting guest tipsters to have a crack during the season, so if you’re a regular commenter or writer on The Roar, you might be hearing from us.
So let’s get into the first week of games, which promises some mouthwatering encounters.
MORE A-LEAGUE:
» Full 2014/15 A-League Draw
» Johnny Davidson’s Week 1 talking points
» Who will top the A-League’s scoring chart?
» Tony Tannous: Can the old guard catch the Roar, Wanderers and Mariners?
Friday 10 Oct – Etihad Stadium @ 7:30PM* on SBS2
Tony Tannous says: Playing at home, on the wide expanses at Docklands, with a few Wanderers out, I’m tipping the Victory to stretch them vertically and get it done.
Mitch Grima says: Victory. Western Sydney’s defence has again proved formidable in the pre-season, with the likes of Golec and Hamill stepping up the task. But Besart Berisha has settled into the Victory attack seamlessly and thrives on what will be a big occasion in his first home outing.
Vince Rugari says: Home ground advantage gets Victory over the line, but this’ll be an absolute belter of a game. Expect antics from Berisha. MV
Janek Speight says: Victory. With Tomi Juric likely missing due to injury and Besart Berisha exhibiting fine preseason form, I can see the Victory getting off to a good start in front of a big crowd.
Dom Trimboli says: Besart Berisha will feast on a ACL-lagged Wanderers.
Saturday 11 Oct – Central Coast Stadium @ 5:30PM on FOXTEL
Tony Tannous says: Neither side has been particularly great pre-season, but at home I’ll take the Mariners. They’re a little more settled, plus have a good record in the derby.
Mitch Grima says: Mariners. Marcos Flores added fire to the F3 derby (thankfully!) by criticising the Mariners’ treatment of his injuries this week. Mariners have looked solid in recent months, without dazzling, and will take advantage of a Jets squad that needs time to settle into the new season.
Vince Rugari says: Early preview of the wooden spoon battle? Maybe. Hard to separate them, so I’ll take the lazy option and not bother trying. Draw.
Janek Speight says: Draw. Both teams aren’t tipped to contend this season and so I’m predicting a stalemate here. The Jets need time to gel, and while Phil Moss will have his side well drilled they’re lacking the firepower.
Dom Trimboli says: I’m not expecting too much from the Jets here. Mariners to claim the first derby of the season.
Saturday 11 Oct – Allianz Stadium @ 7:30PM on FOXTEL
Tony Tannous says: They have a few out, but given their depth, pre-season form & being at home, Sydney to win.
Mitch Grima says: Draw. The quality on both sides of the pitch is impressive and we’re likely to see a tighter affair than when these two clashed in the FFA Cup. Although, I’d happily be proved wrong for a late David Villa winner.
Vince Rugari says: City will take a little while to come together. Sydney, though, look awesome and will start the season with a proper bang. SFC.
Janek Speight says: Sydney FC. David Villa’s first game (even if it’s off the bench) and the excitement of an A-League debut for City won’t be enough. Graham Arnold has a very fine Sydney side on his hands, even without the services of marquee man Marc Janko.
Dom Trimboli says: Villa or no Villa, Sydney FC to overpower a depleted City defence.
Sunday 12 Oct – Westpac Stadium @ 5:00PM on FOXTEL
Tony Tannous says: Huge away trip to start for Glory, but I think they can get a draw.
Mitch Grima says: Glory . Glory completed perhaps the second best off-season recruitment drive in the competition. Although they may not be the most glamorous names on paper, Kenny Lowe has his lads playing in unison.
Vince Rugari says: I actually don’t think Perth will be that bad, but first up they’ve got the worst away trip of them all, and there’s big wraps on the Phoenix. WPX.
Janek Speight says: Draw. Wellington hosting Perth should always result in a home victory, but going for the draw here. Perth look a better side than people are giving credit and they have a very strong midfield.
Dom Trimboli says: I fancy the underrated Perth, but feel Wellington will have enough for a point.
Sunday 12 Oct – Suncorp Stadium @ 6:00PM onFOXTEL
Tony Tannous says: This is a fascinating first round clash. I’m expecting plenty of quality, but at home it’s hard to go past the Roar.
Mitch Grima says: Draw. Adelaide were undoubtedly dominant as they dispatched of Roar 2-0 in the FFA Cup, but it was very much an off day for the defending champions. This will be an intense battle, too difficult to see a clear winner emerging.
Vince Rugari says: Roarcelona versus Catalaide. I feel like the Roar might slide a little this season and the Reds will climb, so a stalemate makes sense to me. Draw.
Janek Speight says: Adelaide. It’s hard to go past Mike Mulvey’s Brisbane, but it’s time for a new dynasty (please). Looking forward to Josep Gombau’s tactics this season, and hopefully Adelaide can get off to a stronger start than last year.
Dom Trimboli says: Won’t be surprised if Adelaide steal all 3 points, but a draw seems more likely.
All times AEDT
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