Season 20 of the A-League kicks off with the two sides that competed in last season’s Grand Final at Industree Group Stadium. It was the Mariners sealing the title in extra time that night but we are only going to see 90 minutes of action this Friday night. Quite a lot has changed for the reigning champions with a whole new midfield set to take to the pitch among other changes but they still have the bones of a strong squad, lead by striker Ryan Edmiston. The Victory will push however their Australia Cup run flattered to deceive and that might be a bit of a red herring heading into the new season. Both teams should score, that looks like the best bet in this market but the value is backing Central Coast to start their season with a high scoring win.
Tips
BEST: Both Teams to Score $1.75
VALUE: Central Coast to Win and Over 3.5 Goals $6.50
A new era kicks off in Auckland at Mt Smart Stadium as the league’s newest club Auckland FC plays its first competitive match. Under the ownership of Bill Foley, they have amassed a strong squad on paper and the only question is how quickly the players will be able to gel. Working in their favour is the fact they are taking on a Brisbane side that is going to be fielding a new central defensive pairing that will need some time to find its feet as well. It is a big surprise to see the newbies as ever so slight outsiders in the market but there is value to be had backing them to win and win big.
Tips
BEST: Auckland FC to Win $2.60
VALUE: Auckland to Win -1 Goal $5.00
Speaking of new eras, the Newcastle Jets welcomed in new owners this offseason and they will be able to enjoy some stability on that front for the first time in several years. It might not necessarily be a happy homecoming for the new bosses however with a tough first up assignment in the form of Melbourne City. The visitors are coming off a disappointing season by their standards having endured a trophy-less campaign for the first time in half a decade and they look primed to bounce back. This might be the big arm wrestle of the weekend and City should have the edge, even if the match is decided by one goal.
Tips
BEST: Melbourne City to Win $2.20
VALUE: Under 1.5 Goals $5.00
After engaging in some star studded recruitment this offseason, this Sydney Derby should have plenty of fireworks as both sides look to begin their season on a winning note. Both are expected to compete for silverware and laying down an early marker. However that means we could see these sides cancel one another out the under is the best bet for this market. Fans might have to wait at least another week to really see Juan Mata and Douglas Costa in full flight as the defenders look set to dominate this game.
Tips
BEST: Under 2.5 Goals $2.50
VALUE: Draw & Under 2.5 Goals $5.25
This game has underrated classic potential with both teams possessing a decent amount of firepower in their playing stocks. Naturally the best bet is taking the Nix to win this one with the side going into this season relatively underrated after their exploits last season. However they are going to need to score a fair few goals with Western United bringing in Hiroshi Ibusuki to lead the line and John Aloisi desperate to improve on last year’s 11th place finish.
Tips
BEST: Wellington to Win $1.90
VALUE: Wellington to Win and Over 3.5 Goals $4.20
No A-League team this season has more boom or bust potential than Perth Glory, with this side able to offer plenty of dynamism on their day but also capable of falling in a heap when things don’t go right. Meanwhile, Macarthur put a bad offseason behind them to win the Australia Cup, however that is not always the best indicator of success in the coming A-League season. It is quite tough to separate these sides at the moment and maybe 90 minutes of evidence might help push the needle one way or another.
Tips
BEST: Draw $3.90
VALUE: Draw and Under 2.5 Goals $6.00