Aust. A-League
2013-01-12 - Melbourne Victory vs Central Coast Mariners
A Sports Betting Pick by DownUnder
Football : Australia : A-League
Aurora Stadium TASMANIA
Saturday, 12th January 2013
Kick-off 5:00pm (local) 6:30am GMT
Form:
Season Record So Far :
Central Coast 15 10W 3D 2L Points 33 --- AWAY 4W 3D 2L 10: 6
Previous Encounters:
Melbourne Victory won 12
Draws 8
Central Coast Mariners won 13
Melbourne Victory (3rd)
The Victory has taken this game to Tasmania, its not going to be a home game, but after they announced that proceeds from the game will go towards the bush fire relief project, expect the home crowd to be sympathetic to Melbourne Victory.
Last weeks second half display against the Wellington Phoenix has left nobody in doubt of potential this team has. Ange Postecoglou has done wonders with this team, and must be favourite for coach of the season.
The Victory have managed to score in their last 13 outings (10 in the last 6 games)
What worries me about the Melbourne Victory is they are a fragile at the back, and though the teaming up of Flores, Rojas and Thompson is paying dividends, they are a small team in stature.
I see these two teams making the semi-finals, even the final, but if one of the two teams was to fail, I would say it was the Victory, and that would only be down to injuries to key players.
The Victory had a successful Xmas/New Year campaign winning three of four matches in 15 days.
Central Coast Mariners FC (1ST)
The Mariners were in fine form containing and ultimately beating the Wanderers last game out.
Sure, the 2nd goal came in the 6th minute of extra time, but what impressed me was how the Mariners defence didn’t take a step backwards when Western Sydney started laying on the pressure (both legal and otherwise), this is a strong side that will not be bullied off the park, and probably explains why they have won 9 of their last 12 matches.
Striker McBreen netted twice in his comeback game last time out, the 2nd goal was a bit farcical (but well executed) while the finish for the first goal was sublime. That now has him as leading A-league goal scorer, and don’t expect this 35year old to stop now.
Graham Arnold must be holding a lucky rabbits foot because Ryan, last season's Hyundai A-League goalkeeper of the year, confirmed the trial with Glasgow Ranges had been postponed and Tom Rogic supposedly turned down transfer offers from abroad.
Both players will start in this game.
The Betting Verdict :
Both teams have scored a similar amount of goals and the chances of the Mariners winning this fixture have increased with the game not being played in Melbourne, so at ~$2.30 to win that’s a fair price.
There is no “Shrimp on the Barbie” this time, with too many unknowns, but look for both teams to entertain on a neutral venue.
The Pick :
Melbourne Victory 1-2 Central Coast Mariners
BEST BETTING TIP :
I’m going for Both teams to score @ $1.67 at Bet365It’s a bit of a rump steak type bet, but at least it can be BBQ’d in a variety of ways
If you’re another option (small bet) then consider :
Over 2.5 goals in the match @ 1.89 at Pinnacle
