After a brief hiatus of the summer, The Roar’s experts are back to their tipping ways for the return of the A-League.
It was a packed schedule over the Christmas and New Year, with the best staying on top and the worst still languishing down the bottom.
The Wanderers and Roar will be hoping that the two weeks off will give them the boost they need to jump right back into things, while the Glory and Wellinton will want absolutely nothing to change.
Here are our expert tips for Round 15 of the A-League.
Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets @ Coopers Stadium – 4:30PM on FOXTEL
Mitch Grima says: Adelaide – The title charge begins now for Josep Gombau’s men. They’ll be eager to assert their dominance early on against a fickle Jets side.
Janek Speight: Adelaide. With the Jets in limbo, Adelaide should easily grab a win.
Domenic Trimboli: After a barnstorming start to the season, Adelaide endured some patchy form towards the back end of last year, and they now find themselves in 4th spot. But I very much expect them to do the job over the Jets.
Tony Tannous says: After the break, anyone’s guess this round but I’ll go Adelaide at home as Jets look to have a few issues.
Central Coast v Sydney FC @ Central Coast Stadium – 7:30PM on FOXTEL
Mitch Grima says: Sydney – The advertising mind games won’t fire the Sky Blues up, but they’ll get the job done.
Janek Speight: Draw. Can see a stalemate here, Sydney still searching for injury replacements
Domenic Trimboli: Following some cheeky advertising, Arnie’s been kicking up a stink in the lead up to this one and would love to put one over his former employer. Think he might have to settle for a draw though.
Tony Tannous says: CCM at home. They’ll be right up for playing Arnold and won’t fear Sydney.
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory @ NIB Stadium – 5:00PM on FOXTEL
Mitch Grima says: Draw – Grand final preview anyone? One of these sides will definitely be in the decider. Very little to separate them at this stage, one chance could turn it either way.
Janek Speight: Perth. Home advantage wins out for this one, but should be a cracker.
Domenic Trimboli: Will Perth carry on from where they left off? And how will the Victory cope without Milligan? Who knows. But I’m tipping Perth.
Tony Tannous says: Victory. I rate ’em high.
Melbourne City v Western Sydney @ AAMI Park – 5:00PM on FOXTEL
Mitch Grima says: Wanderers – Not confident in this one, Western Sydney could take some time to adapt with a number of new additions.
Domenic Trimboli: Without Juric and Spiranovic, I think it’s going to be tough going for the Wanderers in Melbourne. City win.
Tony Tannous says: Draw. Tight game, can’t split ’em
Janek Speight: WSW. Robbie Koren’s back to full fitness, but defence is still an issue for City. Wanderers to grab their first win.
Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix @ Suncorp Stadium – 8:00PM on FOXTEL
Mitch Grima says: Phoenix – Wellington are definitely worthy of a finals spot and they can prove that with a consistent February to set themselves up nicely.
Domenic Trimboli: Strange to think that Wellington are only four points from the top, but it’s a position they’ve fully deserved. Brisbane will be hankering for a good run of form to catapult them into the top six, but on a bumpy Suncorp pitch I’m going for the draw.
Tony Tannous says: The Roar at home, after a break, with fresh additions, should be stronger defensively.
Janek Speight: Brisbane. The Roar philosophy has still been missing despite Mike Mulvey’s departure, maybe they found it during the Asian Cup break?
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Jamie Maclaren may have played his last game in Australia after the outgoing Melbourne City captain was not included in the A-League Men All…
Did Stefan Ortega save the title for Man City?
Ange was not happy after Spurs' 2-0 loss to Manchester City. He questioned the club's 'foundations' post-match.
Rodrigo Bentancur was unimpressed after being subbed off in the 55th minute of Tottenham's 2-0 loss to Manchester City.
Ange Postecoglou was fuming after his team lost 2-0 to Manchester City to put the defending champions on the cusp of a record fourth-straight…
It will be a bumper occasion, there will not be a spare seat in the house and of course, Sydney FC could well produce a miracle with their backs against the wall.
