What a week it has been in the Hyundai A-League, you would be forgiven for not knowing that there is actually a pretty important match on this weekend. With the entry of the new Western Sydney A-League club, and the battle between HSG and the FFA over the Newcastle Jets this has taken the gloss away from what should be the most important weekend so far this season.

The Mariners and Glory battle it out for a place in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final against the already qualified Brisbane Roar.

Last weekend the Mariners went down 3-2 in the second leg of the Grand Final qualifier, and 5-2 on aggregate. They performed much better in attack in the second leg but that left them exposed at the back and the Roar duly obliged.

Perth Glory were involved in a cracker of a match against the Phoenix which went to extra time after a 2-2 scoreline at the 90 minute mark. They’ll take confidence from this match and will also go into the match knowing that the last time these two sides met they got the points in a 1-0 win.

The Mariners have not been at their best for the best part of 3 months and this is largely due to the losses of Matt Simon and Rostyn Griffiths to the K-League and Chinese Super League respectively. They were massive losses and have contributed to the Mariners decline in form. They did well to hang on for the Premier’s Plate in the end but did it tough considering they had a 10 point lead late in January.

Perth will be aiming for their first Grand Final in the Hyundai A-League era, once powerhouses in the NSL, it has taken them a good 9 years to get back to the pinnacle of the game. Striker Shane Smeltz has much to do with that, 16 goals in 21 matches and an amazing 4 goal haul a few weeks back against the Victory. He is now the all time leading goal scorer in the Hyundai A-League with 65 goals and would love to add to that tally and take the Glory to the Grand Final.

This should be a cracking match if recent A-League matches are anything to go by. The goals are flying in and I think the game needs an exciting match to try and take some of the focus away from the off-field dramas.

I think the Glory might just cause a bit of an upset in this one, the Mariners have had the wood over them this season with 2 wins in their 3 matches. However, I think the Glory are at the top of their game, have the most lethal striker and will have confidence from the last match against the Mariners which they won.

A Roar v Glory Grand Final is my tip for the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season.

Best Bets – Hyundai A-League – Mariners v Glory

• Perth +0.5 @ $1.68
• Total game score over +2.5 @ $1.91
• Shane Smeltz – Anytime goalscorer – @ TBA

With the regular season done and dusted, we turn our focus to the Hyundai A-League Finals Series. A 4 week long process to determine who will be the Hyundai A-League champion for the 2011/12 season.

The Mariners finished on top of the pile and claimed the Premier’s plate last weekend thanks to a narrow 2-1 victory over the Phoenix. That left the Roar to play Gold Coast United in what was virtually a nothing match as they could no longer finish above the Mariners. The FFA really need to look at staging final week matches concurrently like they do in the English Premier League as this will create a bit more excitement on the final match day.

We preview all 3 matches of the Hyundai A-League Finals Series below, and we’ve also concocted a special 3 leg multibet for this weeks matches. Check it out below!

Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC – Hyundai A-League Finals Series
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, Friday 30 March, 6.00pm (EDST)

What a cracking match we have to kick off the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League Finals Series. Wellington have been one of the better sides this year in terms of both consistency and style of play. They don’t have an aversion to scoring goals and Sydney FC have been on the wrong end of a thumping from them earlier in the season.

Wellington will head into this one as favourites after Sydney just managed to scrape their way into the top 6 with a last round win over the Jets. In saying that though, Sydney could cause problems for Wellington. They are one of the form teams of the competition and much of that is down to the introduction of Chianese into the attack. I can’t remember the last time Sydney FC had a player up front that can get in behind opposition defences. He has speed and isn’t afraid to shoot, with Emerton and Nicky Carle providing, is there any wonder he has been a revelation.

The Phoenix will need Paul Ifil to terrorise the Sydney defence once again or they may be on their way out of the competition after just 1 week.

I fancy Sydney FC to cause an upset here and prolong Vitislav Lavicka’s stay for at least one more week.

Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners – Hyundai A-League Finals Series
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 31 March, 5.30pm (EDST)

This is the one we’ve all been waiting for after last seasons epic Grand Final. The Mariners v the Roar in a finals match once again. This is the first of 2 legs spread over 2 weeks, and both of them should be beauties! Everything is on the line here as the clubs battle it out for direct entry through to the Hyundai A-League Grand Final. The loser will battle it out with the winner of the Minor Semi Final, which is played next week, for a shot at the grand final.

This season has been up and down for both clubs, with the Roar at one point looking like they could go the season unbeaten before losing 6 straight. The Mariners held a 10 point lead with just 6 matches remaining and looked shoo ins for the Premier’s Plate. They ended up coming first by just 2 points.

In matches between these two this season, the Roar lead 2-1 with the Mariners only win coming in Round week 11. That match was at Suncorp and they completely dominated, the Roar were going through their rough patch at this stage though so how much you can read into this is anyone’s guess. This first match could be a cagey affair with a second leg to come next week, but I think the Roar will be going all out with this being their home match.

I think the first leg will end up in a draw to be honest, neither side will want to go into the second leg with a disadvantage.

Perth Glory v Melbourne Heart – Hyundai A-League Finals Series
nib Stadium, Perth, Sunday 1 April, 7.00pm (EST)

This match should be a cracker, Perth head into this one on the back of a 4-2 mauling of Melbourne Victory in the last round. Melbourne Heart could only manage a 1-1 draw with lowly Adelaide United and will feel that they could be in Sydney’s position had they won that match. Then again, would you rather travel to Wellington or Perth, either way you’re going to be up against it.

The last time these sides met was way back in January and it is one that the Heart players will want to forget. They were absolutely smashed 4-1 in that match and this is the reason they ended up so low on the ladder. At one point in January they were looking at top 3, before falling away and almost missing the finals altogether.

Perth needed to put the loss to the Gold Coast a couple of weeks ago out of their minds and they did that with a big win over the Hearts neighbours, Melbourne Victory. They’ll be confident heading into this one and with Shane Smeltz on fire, there could be plenty of goals on offer. I fancy Perth to take this one and knock the Heart out of the Hyundai A-League for 2011/12.

Banter’s Best Bets – Hyundai A-League Finals Series

Wellington v Sydney FC – Total Game Score Over +2.5 @ $2.00
Brisbane v Central Coast – HT/FT Double - Mariners/Draw @ $8.00
Perth v Melbourne Heart – HT/FT Double - Perth/Perth @ $3.40

Multibet Odds – $54.40

We’ve finally arrived at the final week of the Hyundai A-League regular season and what a weekend this promises to be. Every position inside the top 6 is yet to be decided, from the Premier’s plate right down to the battle for 6th place.

Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners have been playing leapfrog all season at the top of the table. Is there time for one more change? They’ll be playing for a return leg at home in their 2 leg qualifying final, a big advantage if you ask me.

The Glory and Phoenix are battling it out for 3rd and 4th place, is there any advantage to finishing 3rd rather than 4th? 4th will more than likely play Melbourne Heart whereas the side who finishes 3rd will more than likely play either the Newcastle Jets or Sydney FC. Two sides who have struggled most of the season and will only just scrape into the top 6. I know who I’d rather play, but this season has been so unpredictable you just don’t know which team is going to turn up any given week.

There are still more twists and turns left in this season I feel, and it’s a testament to the closeness of the competition that we’ve come down to the final weekend with so many questions left unanswered.

Who will finish on top, will Sydney FC squeeze their way into the top 6 and give outgoing coach Vitislav Lavicka a chance to go out on a high? All will be revealed this weekend, check out our preview of all the Hyundai A-League action below, including our tips and best bets. Last weeks Multi went out by one last minute goal to the Victory, let’s go one better this week!

Adelaide United v Melbourne Heart – Hyundai A-League Preview
Hindmarsh Stadium, Friday 23 March, 7.30pm

Adelaide United are coming off a confidence boosting 2-0 win over Gamba Osaka overnight in the ACL. They return to Hindmarsh just a few days later and will be looking to end the season on a high. There is still a chance that Adelaide could finish with the wooden spoon on goal difference should they lose and Gold Coast United win. After last week, who could say that isn’t possible?

Melbourne Heart are assured of a finals spot but could still finish in 6th place should they not win this one, and one of Sydney or Newcastle win their match against each other. Finishing in 5th or 6th will see a long trek regardless of the final position, with the Glory and Phoenix assured of finishing 3rd and 4th on the ladder. The Heart don’t have the luxury of knowing who will finish in what order so they just need to go all out to win and hope that the better side finishes in 3rd and they avoid them.

With Adelaide on a high and looking to avoid the wooden spoon, and the Heart assured of a finals spot, I think Adelaide will be hungrier in this one. I can see it ending in a draw to be honest, this will see Adelaide avoid the dreaded spoon.

Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – Hyundai A-League Preview
nib Stadium, Saturday 24 March, 9.30pm

Perth Glory gave up their shot at 2nd spot with a shock 3-0 loss to Gold Coast United on Sunday night. They can only finish 3rd or 4th on the ladder now but the difference between playing the Heart, Sydney FC or the Jets all depends on which team turns up on the day. They would most likely want to avoid playing the Heart if possible as they have probably been more consistent this season.

Melbourne Victory have left their best until last, unfortunately it’s all too late for them. They smashed Wellington Phoenix 3-0 last week which ended their chances of getting a top 2 spot. They’ve blooded a couple of youngsters which all bodes well for the future, whether Jim Magilton will be the one guiding them is still up for debate. With the squad they have they should have done much better this season and I think a massive cleanout of the squad is on the cards for them.

The Victory are still playing for pride, but Perth will be looking to finish as high up the ladder as possible to ensure they have a crack at the team who scrapes into the top 6. I think they will have enough in them to overcome the Victory here.

Wellington Phoenix v Mariners – Hyundai A-League Preview
Westpac Stadium, Sunday 25 March, 2.00pm

This will be a cracker, with the Premier’s Plate still up for grabs, the Mariners will be going all out for the win here. The Phoenix have a mixed record at home. The last time these two met here the Mariners got the points in a 2-1 win. Their last match in week 20 also went to the Mariners 2-0, so they have the wood over them this year.

Last week the Mariners had a narrow 1-0 win over Adelaide United and they will have an ACL match to contend with tonight. 4 days is plenty of rest for this one though, I just wonder whether the extra game might be too much this late in the season. The Phoenix have no such worries with a home match this week, and a home match confirmed for next week. They had a 3-0 loss against the Victory last week and I wonder whether that would have dented their confidence.

The Mariners will be wary of the Roar pipping them at the post for top spot and I think they will aim up for this one. The Phoenix go into this one on the back of a heavy loss and I think the Mariners will get themselves a point out of this one. It might not be enough as a Roar win would have them drop to second on goal difference.

Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets – Hyundai A-League Preview
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 25 March, 4.00pm

This is the one we’ve been waiting for, the decider! Who will squeeze their way into the Hyundai A-League Final Series? A draw would be enough to see the Jets go through on goal difference and would see Melbourne Heart finish 5th. A Jets or Sydney FC win could see Melbourne Heart fall to 6th, and the loser knocked out of season 2011/12.

This should be a beauty, both sides will go at it and I daresay there will be nothing left in the tanks after this one. Sydney FC are predicting a bumper crowd for this deciding match, and they will need all the support they can get against the side that thumped them 5-2 last time at this very ground.

I can see this one going down to the wire and wouldn’t be surprised if Sydney FC, the comeback kings, get a late goal to win the match and send them through to the finals.

Gold Coast United v Brisbane Roar – Hyundai A-League Preview
Skilled Park, Sunday 25 March, 6.30pm

Could this be the last time we see a side play in the Gold Coast? There are rumours that a Western Sydney team is being fast tracked for Hyundai A-League season 2012/13. The last few weeks, since the announcement of their expulsion, United have given their all, and the fans have been supportive. If only they had been so supportive earlier in the season when the crowds were atrocious and it looked like the Gold Coast didn’t care about the team.

Brisbane still have a chance to take out the Premier’s plate and will be banking on the Mariners not getting a favourable result against the Phoenix earlier in the day. Last week they secured a 2-1 win over the Jets to keep the race alive and what finish we are in for now as a result.

I can see the Roar getting the 3 points here, although this could be Gold Coast’s last hurrah in the Hyundai A-League, I think the Roar will be too strong and Ange will have them pumped.

Hyundai A-League Preview – Sports Banter’s Tips:

Adelaide United v Melbourne Heart – #HALaumh – Draw
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – #HALpgmv – Glory
Wellington Phoenix v Mariners – #HALwpccm – Draw
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets – #HALsydjets – Sydney FC
Gold Coast United v Brisbane Roar – #HALgcubri – Roar

Hyundai A-League Preview – Banter’s Best Bets

Adelaide United v Melbourne Heart – Heart +0.5 @ $1.58
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – Glory @ $2.15
Wellington Phoenix v Mariners – Draw @ $3.40
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets – Sydney FC @ $2.10
Gold Coast United v Brisbane Roar - Roar @ $1.85

Multibet Odds - $44.87

The penultimate week of Hyundai A-League regular season action kicks off this Friday when the Melbourne Victory take on Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.

The make up of the top 6 is yet to be decided with 3 teams battling it out for the final two spots in the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League Final Series. Melbourne Heart and Newcastle Jets are tied on 35 points with Sydney FC just a point further back in seventh place.

What makes these last two weeks even more exciting, is the fact that Sydney FC play both the Heart and Jets in a bid to grab one of those top 6 spots. At the top of the table, the Roar are hot on the heels of the first placed Mariners, just 2 points behind them with two matches remaining.

We’re in for a cracking final two weeks, I think as fans we are in for something special in what has probably been the closest Hyundai A-League competition I can remember.

Be sure to check out our tips and best bets for each match below our match previews, and take note of the Twitter hashtags if you want to get involved in the match banter.

Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix – Hyundai A-League Preview
AAMI Park, Friday 16 March, 8.00pm

Melbourne Victory threw away their last, although improbable, chance at making the top 6 last week in a 1-0 defeat to Sydney FC. As I’ve said many times before, the Victory have been the most disappointing team in the A-League this season. The quality of players at their disposal should have them finishing towards the top of the table but they have just not been able to put any sort of consistency together.

Wellington Phoenix have been solid this season, with talisman Paul Ifil really taking the A-League by storm once again. They currently sit in 4th place on the ladder but they still have an opportunity to realistically finish as high as second should results go their way.

I can’t see the Victory getting themselves up for this one after a massively disappointing end to their season, the Phoenix should get the 3 points here on their way to catching the Roar in second spot.

Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United – Hyundai A-League Preview
Bluetongue Stadium, Saturday 17 March, 5.30pm

The Mariners can just about wrap up top spot with a win this week, that would put them 5 points clear with the Roar yet to play, leaving them with just a draw needed in the final round. They have beaten Adelaide twice already this season, putting 7 goals past them and conceding just 2. With top spot on the line, the Mariners will be up for this one despite a rocky last few weeks.

Adelaide have nothing left to play for but pride. They are still in the Asian Champions League though so they’ll want to ensure they get some form together heading into the next stages of that competition.

I think the Mariners will get the win here, they have had it over Adelaide in recent times and I don’t think this will be any different, especially at Bluetongue.

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar – Hyundai A-League Preview
Hunter Stadium, Saturday 17 March, 5.30pm

At the same time the Mariners do battle with Adelaide, just up the road the Jets will be doing battle with their rivals for the top spot, the Roar. I’m not sure if this was planned but to have the top 2 teams playing at the same time adds a bit of excitement to the round and I for one would love to see the final round played in this manner. All teams playing at the same time much like in the EPL means that sides just have to play their own game, not knowing what their rivals for the top 6, minor premiership are doing.

With Newcastle battling for a top 6 spot with the Heart and Sydney FC, they really didn’t need a match against the Roar this week. Especially with the Roar only managing a 1-1 draw with Adelaide United last week and looking to get top spot on the ladder.

With everything on the line, I think this could be the match of the round. Newcastle are battling for a top 6 spot after their own draw with Gold Coast last week, and the Roar could take top spot should the Mariners not get a favourable result against Adelaide. I can see this one ending in a Brisbane win which will keep the race for the minor premiership open until the last week.

Melbourne Heart v Sydney FC – Hyundai A-League Preview
AAMI Park, Saturday 17 March, 7.45pm

Another belter of a game awaits us here with both clubs battling it out for a spot in this years Final Series. The Heart currently sit in 5th spot on the ladder, just a point ahead of Sydney FC in 7th place. A win for the Heart here will guarantee them a place in the top 6, they had a 1-1 draw last week with the Phoenix. They haven’t been at their best at home in recent weeks but still have managed to go unbeaten in their last 5 home matches. 

Sydney FC have had a good time of it in the last month or so, with 4 wins, 1 loss and a draw in their past six matches. This has got them to within a point of the top 6 and they have their destiny in their own hands with matches against the Heart and Jets in the final two weeks. The players look to have upped their game since the announcement that Vitslav Lavicka will not be around next season.

This should be an exciting game, both clubs have it all to play for and there won’t be any room for holding back with so much on the line. I fancy a high scoring draw in this one as much as I would love to see Sydney FC get the win and a step closer to the finals.

Gold Coast United v Perth Glory – Hyundai A-League Preview
Skilled Park, Sunday 18 March, 5.30pm

Gold Coast have acquitted themselves well since their expulsion from the Hyundai A-League, they suffered a 2-0 loss to the Phoenix but bounced back last week to hold the Jets to a draw. With absolutely nothing to play for, and the players probably not sure what their future holds, its a testament to them that they can still put a performance together like that.

The Glory have already qualified for the Final Series, currently sitting in 3rd spot on the ladder and they still have a very real chance of making the top 2 and getting themselves a playoff for the Grand Final. They will no doubt be going all out to make that possibility a reality so I can’t see them taking their foot off the gas here.

This should be an entertaining match with the Glory looking for a top 2 spot and Gold Coast with nothing to lose. Their players will be looking to put themselves in the spotlight to get their futures sorted for next season. Despite this, I think Perth will be too good and should get the 3 points in this one.

Hyundai A-League Preview – sportsbanter.com.au Tips:

Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix – #HALmvwp – Phoenix
CC Mariners v Adelaide United – #HALccmau – Mariners
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar – #HALjetsbri – Roar
Melbourne Heart v Sydney FC – #HALmhsyd – Draw
Gold Coast United v Perth Glory – #HALgcupg – Perth

Hyundai A-League Preview – Banter’s Best Bets

Victory v Phoenix – Total Game Score Under +2.5 @ $1.85
CC Mariners v Adelaide United – Mariners @ $1.53
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar – Roar @ $2.60
Melbourne Heart v Sydney FC – Draw @ $3.40
Gold Coast v Perth Glory – Total Game Score Over +2.5 @ $1.77

Multibet Total – $44.29

Week 23 of the Hyundai A-League kicks off this Friday night when the Newcastle Jets host a beleaguered Gold Coast United side.

The race for the top 6 is almost done and dusted with just 7 teams really vying for a crack at this years title. Melbourne Victory were in the race up until last weekend but a 3-1 loss at the hands of top 6 rivals Newcastle Jets all but ended that hope.

Sydney FC sit three points behind Newcastle in 7th place and have a match to come against the men from the Hunter in the final round. That may just be the clash that decides the final make-up of the finals for 2011/12 of the Hyundai A-League.

Check out our Hyundai A-League preview below, including tips and best bets for each match.

Newcastle Jets v Gold Coast United – Hyundai A-League Preview
Hunter Stadium, Friday 9 March, 8.00pm

The Jets go into this match in 6th place, three points ahead of Sydney FC in the race for the final spot in the finals. A win for the Jets here would put them 6 points clear and one step closer to that top 6. They play Sydney FC in the final round though so they will know that they just need to keep winning, their destiny is in their own hands.

Gold Coast United have had a couple of weeks they would rather forget, kicked out of the A-League when Clive Palmer’s licence was revoked. The FFA have stepped in to ensure that Gold Coast United continue for the remainder of this season but you have to wonder how the players will get themselves up for this match.

In saying that though, Gold Coast United have wrapped up the wooden spoon and are playing for pride so anything could happen. I just think that with the Jets having so much on the line they will get the three points here.

Melbourne Heart v Wellington Phoenix – Hyundai A-League Preview
AAMI Park, Saturday 10 March, 5.30pm

Melbourne Heart are in the same position as Newcastle, not quite assured of a top 6 spot but a win here could just about seal it for them. They have a match against Sydney FC next week that could also go a long way in determining which sides finish in that all important top 6.

Wellington Phoenix have wrapped up a top 6 spot and will be gunning for a spot in the top 2 next. They sit just two points behind the Roar in 3rd spot and will think they have a chance of avoiding an elimination final. They have three tough matches ahead though so that might be a tall order, with the Victory and Mariners to follow.

This should be a cracking match between two sides that have been up and down all season. Who knows which teams are going to show up for this one but I fancy both sides will cancel each other out, opening up the door for Newcastle & Sydney FC.

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory – Hyundai A-League Preview
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 10 March, 7.45pm

What a match we have in store for us here. Sydney FC still have a chance of making the finals this season and will be going all out for a win. They have had their fair share of controversey this season with coach Lavicka not returning next season, and just yesterday their CEO was shown the door. They will need to put the off-field stuff behind them and concentrate on the field where it matters.

Melbourne Victory bombed out of the finals race with a 3-1 loss to the Jets last weekend. They have been the biggest disappointment of the Hyundai A-League season, promising so much but failing to deliver. They have the calibre of players that any side in the A-League would dream of, but just couldn’t put it together on the pitch.

This will be an interesting game, Sydney will be fighting for that top 6, while the Victory would love nothing more than to end their biggest rivals 2011/12 campaign. I’m going to stick my neck out and go for a Sydney FC win, keeping the finals race alive for another week.

Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United – Hyundai A-League Preview
Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 11 March, 5.00pm

Both of these clubs just played Asian Champions League (ACL) matches with differing results. You would expect it to have been Brisbane on the winners list but it was in fact Adelaide that got themselves a 2-1 win away from home. The Roar lost their match at home 2-0 so it will be interesting to see how much they have left in the tank going into this match.

With the Roar playing their match at home, you would expect them to head into this match the fresher of the two sides. The Roar have been pretty good at Suncorp this season but their last two home results don’t make good reading. A 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart in the A-League and a 2-0 loss to FC Tokyo in the ACL.

Adelaide will fancy an upset in this one, on a high after their ACL win after being drafted back into the competition. However, with the Roar at home, chasing top spot on the ladder, and fresher due to no travelling, I can’t go past a Roar win here.

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners – Hyundai A-League Preview
nib Stadium, Sunday 11 March, 7.30pm

The Glory have cemented a spot in the top 6 you would think, currently sitting 4th and six points clear of Sydney FC in 7th. They had a solid 2-0 win away from home against Adelaide United last week to keep alive their hope of a home final in the first week.

The Mariners still hold on to top spot in the Hyundai A-League but by just three points with three matches left to play. The Roar are breathing down their neck at the moment and results have not been going their way over the last month or so. Just one win in their last four matches has seen them squander a 10 point lead at the top of the table.

This should be a beauty! Perth have been on fire at home in the last couple of months, bar the Roar match, and will have confidence going into this one. The Mariners are struggling and I feel that the Glory will get a result here, pushing the race for top spot into the final couple of weeks.

Hyundai A-League Preview – sportsbanter.com.au Tips:

Newcastle Jets v Gold Coast United – #HALjetsgcu – Jets
Melbourne Heart v Wellington Phoenix – #HALmhwp – Draw
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory – #HALsydmv – Sydney FC
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United – #HALbriau – Roar
Perth Glory v CC Mariners – #HALpgccm – Glory

Hyundai A-League Preview – Banter’s Best Bets

Newcastle Jets v Gold Coast United – Jets @ $1.38
Melbourne Heart v Wellington Phoenix – Phoenix +0.5 @ $1.60
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory – Sydney +0.5 @ $1.36
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United – Brisbane @ $1.32
Perth Glory v CC Mariners - Draw No Bet – Glory @ $1.60

Week 22 of the A-League kicks off tonight and what a week this has been. Yesterday was probably one of the darkest days the A-League has seen with the announcement that Gold Coast United have had their licence revoked. Frank Lowy had enough of fellow billionaire and Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer. Palmer had made no attempt to promote the A-League and his club was suffering as a result. The FFA stated that Palmer had his licence cancelled due to “material breaches of the Club Participation Agreement”.

What this means for week 22 of the Hyundai A-League, and the rest of the season for that matter, only Lowy knows. We now have the possibility of just four matches this week unless the FFA can work something out with the Gold Coast United players to take the field on Sunday. Wellington Phoenix owner, Rob Morrison, wants the match to go ahead.

This is the problem as I see it, what happens if Gold Coast United do not play out the remainder of the season? Will each side that was supposed to play them in the final four rounds get all 3 points? What about the sides that dropped points against Gold Coast United throughout the season when they actually showed up to play? The battle for the top 6 is close enough without throwing this into the mix.

Anyway, on to this weeks slightly shortened preview, we’ll look at all four guaranteed matches. Starting with tonight’s match between Adelaide United and Perth Glory. Check out our Hyundai A-League tips and best bets at the end of this preview too!

Adelaide United v Perth Glory – Hyundai A-League Preview
Hindmarsh Stadium, Thursday 1 March, 7.30pm

First up tonight we have the Glory travelling east to take on Adelaide United. Adelaide are virtually no hope of making the top 6 now and will just be playing for pride. With Gold Coast stripped of its licence the wooden spoon may fall to Adelaide and they’ll want to avoid that at all costs.

Perth Glory are well entrenched in the top 6 for the time being. However a couple of bad results can change things pretty quickly in the Hyundai A-League. They’ll be looking to bounce back after their 3-0 hammering at the hands of the Roar last weekend. It’s possible that a win could take them into third place after this weekend is over, depending on what happens with Wellington’s game against Gold Coast United.

With Perth in the hunt this season and looking to bounce back after last week, I think they’ll get the 3 points here.

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart – Hyundai A-League Preview
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 2 March, 8.00pm (EDT)

The Roar have a chance to get back top spot this week should they get the points against the Heart. They are currently 3 points behind the Mariners but are ahead on goal difference. What a turn around that would be! Just over a month ago the Mariners held a 10 point lead at the top of the table and the minor premiership was all but wrapped up.

Melbourne Heart are fighting for their place in the top 6 this week. They currently sit in 5th place just two points ahead of Newcastle and three ahead of Sydney FC in 7th place. Last week the Heart battled to a 1-0 win over the league leaders which should give them confidence going into this one.

With the Roar back to the form that saw them go 36 unbeaten, I can’t see anything other than a home win here. Melbourne Heart should put up a good fight but they just don’t have the class of the Roar to get the win.

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets – Hyundai A-League Preview
AAMI Park, Saturday 3 March, 5.30pm

This is basically Melbourne Victory’s last chance to make that all important top 6. Last week they laboured to a 1-1 draw with Gold Coast United which left them five points adrift of the top 6. A win for either Newcastle here would leave them 8 points outside the finals with just three games to play.

A win for Newcastle here virtually knocks the Victory out of the finals race and leaves them with just Sydney FC to battle for that final spot. The Jets had a narrow 1-0 victory over Adelaide United last week and have a won four of their last five to push themselves into the finals positions.

I have a feeling the Victory will be up for this one. Being their last chance at finals football, they won’t hold back. Think this will be an exciting , high scoring game where the Victory will come out on top by a goal.

Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC – Hyundai A-League Preview
Bluetongue Stadium, Saturday 3 March, 7.45pm

The Mariners have hit a rough patch over the last couple of months. They’ve gone from clear leaders of the competition by 10 points to possibly dropping to second spot at the conclusion of this weeks matches. They had a narrow loss again last week and it seems as if they have forgotten what it takes to win matches.

Sydney FC head into this match with their season in the balance. Four matches to go and they sit just 1 point outside of the top 6 at the moment but whenever they do get themselves up there they tend to throw it away the next week. There will be massive changes at the club in the offseason but they still have a chance of salvaging something from this one.

I have a feeling this will end up in a draw, Central Coast will still hold on to top spot and Sydney FC will only have three matches to get themselves back into the top 6.

Wellintgon Phoenix v Gold Coast United – Hyundai A-League Preview
Westpac Stadium, Sunday 4 March, 2.30pm

If this match does actually go ahead, I can’t see anything other than a Phoenix win to be honest. How would the Gold Coast players be able to get themselves up for this match after all that has happened this week? They are basically playing for nothing as it is and then you add this into the mix!

It will be interesting to see whether the FFA come up with a solution to this problem which will allow Gold Coast to finish the regular season!

Hyundai A-League Preview – sportsbanter.com.au Tips:

Adelaide United v Perth Glory – Glory
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart – Roar
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets - Victory
CC Mariners v Sydney FC – Draw
Wellington Phoenix v GCU – Phoenix

Hyundai A-League Preview - Banter’s Best Bets

Adelaide United v Perth Glory – Glory +0.5 @ $1.52
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart – Roar @ $1.65
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets – Draw No Bet – Victory @ $1.35
CC Mariners v Sydney FC – Mariners +0.5 @ $1.25
Wellington Phoenix v GCU – N/A at this stage