Week 16 of the Hyundai A-League kicks off tomorrow night, our A-League preview takes you through all of the action. In week 15 we saw the Central Coast Mariners extend their unbeaten run to 14 games. We also saw Brisbane Roar score two injury time goals to defeat Sydney FC in a thriller. If week 16 provides the same level of drama we’re in for a great weekend.

Hyundai A-League – Week 16 – Weekend Matches

Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix – Hyundai A-League Preview
AusGrid Stadium, Friday 20 January, 8.00pm

Friday night sees Newcastle Jets host the Phoenix at AusGrid Stadium in Newcastle. Last weekend, the Jets managed to hold the Mariners to a draw on the weekend and will head into this one in 2nd last place. They’re four points clear of last placed Gold Coast United. Wellington had a hard fought 1-0 win over Gold Coast and have moved up to 4th on the ladder.

This week, the Jets will be hoping that AusGrid Stadium continues to bear fruit. So far this season they have secured 16 of their 18 points at home. That is a remarkable record and if they could get their act together away from home they would push for a top 6 spot.

Wellington don’t tend to travel too well and for that reason I think the Jets will get all 3 points in this one. Newcastle will move into the top 6 with a win, which shows just how close the Hyundai A-League is this year.

Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United – Hyundai A-League Preview
BlueTongue Stadium, Saturday 21 January, 5.30pm

Next up in our A-League preview and after playing a mid-week game, the Mariners host Adelaide United. The Mariners have stretched their unbeaten streak to now with a 1-1 draw against the Jets on the weekend. A win against Melbourne Heart away from home extending that run to 14 games.

Adelaide are the most improved team in the competition, it seems a new coach has done wonders for them. John Kosmina only took over a month ago and he has instilled passion in the players that was missing under Rini Coolen. They’ll fancy an upset in this one.

I don’t have the same amount of confidence, I think the Mariners will be far too good in this one. The only thing that could mess them up us some tired legs from the mid-week game but Arnold will no doubt have that covered.

Melbourne Heart v Brisbane Roar – Hyundai A-League Preview
AAMI Park, Saturday 21 January, 7.45pm

Our A-League preview continues with the Brisbane Roar travelling down to Melbourne to tackle the Heart. Melbourne Heart are coming off a late 1-0 loss to the Mariners overnight and a 2-1 loss to Perth on the weekend. Brisbane Roar came from a goa down in injury time to defeat Sydney FC 2-1 at Suncorp on Saturday night.

The form of both teams seems to have switched again with the Roar moving back up to second place. Melbourne Heart have had 2 losses and a draw in their last 3 while the Roar have had 2 wins and a draw. Just a month ago the Roar had lost 6 in a row and the Heart were the form team in the competition.

This should be a beauty, both teams like to attack so we should have plenty of entertainment. I think both sides will have to settle for a point though, AAMI Park should be the leveller here.

Sydney FC v Gold Coast United – Hyundai A-League Preview
SFS, Sunday 22 January, 5.00pm

On Sunday our A-League preview takes us to the SFS as Sydney FC host Gold Coast United. Sydney FC are still without a win since mid December, including 4 losses in a row in this terrible run. Gold Coast aren’t faring much better despite their improvement as they sit dead last on the ladder by 4 points.

Sydney FC could have had 2 wins in the space of 4 days that would have moved the up to 3rd on the ladder. However despite leading 1-0 in both games with just minutes to go, they came out with just a solitary point. Vitislav Lavicka’s days at the helm must surely now be numbered. The question is, who do you replace him with at this stage of the season?

I think Sydney FC will bounce back here against Gold Coast. Their away form is atrocious and Sydney are due for a win.

Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – Hyundai A-League Preview
nib Stadium, Sunday 22 January, 7.30pm

The last of our weekend matches for this Hyundai A-League preview sees Melbourne travel to Perth to take on the Glory. Last weekend the Victory could only manage a point from the match in what was considered to be Harry Kewell’s best performance to date. Adelaide turned up ready for a fight and earned a valuable point. Perth managed a last gasp 1-1 draw with Sydney FC overnight. They also had a 2-1 win over the other half of Melbourne, both were away matches.

At home, Perth have been shaky of late. They haven’t won a match at home since the start of December. On the other side, the Victory haven’t won an away match since the end of October and have been this season’s draw specialists.

For this reason, I’m tipping a draw for this one. There shouldn’t be too many goals so I’ll go for 1-1.

Week 16 Mid-Week Fixture

Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets – Hyundai A-League Preview
Carrington Park, Wednesday 25 January, 8.00pm

On Wednesday night week 16 continues from Carrington Park in Bathurst with Adelaide United giving up a home match. This season the A-League has incorporated regional venues into the mid-week matches and they’ve been received well so far. This bottom of the table clash should provide us with plenty of entertainment.

With Adelaide more than likely staying in NSW following their trip to the Central Coast on Saturday, travel shouldn’t be an issue. Playing 2 games in 4 days might though. The Jets have the advantage of an extra days rest for this one and as this is technically a home game for them, I think they can take at least a point.

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

Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix – #HALjetswp – Jets
CC Mariners v Adelaide United – #HALccmau – Mariners
Melbourne Heart v Brisbane Roar – #HALmhbri – Draw
Sydney FC v Gold Coast United – #HALsydgcu – Sydney FC
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – #HALpgmv – Draw
Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets – #HALaujets – Draw

A-League Preview – Banter’s Best Bets – Hyundai A-League:

Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix – Jets +0.5 @ $1.29
CC Mariners v Adelaide United – Mariners @ $1.80
Melbourne Heart v Brisbane Roar – Total Game Score Over +2.5 @ $1.72
Sydney FC v Gold Coast United – Sydney FC @ $1.85
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory – Victory +0.5 @ $1.55

Welcome to our A-League preview for week 15 of the Hyundai A-League. This week we have 7 games to get through with additional midweek games scheduled between the league leading Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Heart who currently sit in third place. Also scheduled is the match from week 9 between Sydney FC and Perth Glory. This should be a cracking round of action with some exciting match-ups, and the possible return of Thomas Broich for the Brisbane Roar, who has been out for well over a month now.

Brisbane have been well below par over the period Broich has been out, and suggestions that they are a one man team can no longer be thought of as wide of the mark.

The future of Vitislav Lavicka is also in question after a run of poor performances by his Sydney FC side. How much longer will the Sydney FC management be willing to back their under fire coach. All of this and more in our A-League preview for week 15 below.

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United – Hyundai A-League Preview
AAMI Park, Friday, January 13, 8.00pm 

First up in our Hyundai A-League preview is the match between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United from AAMI Park. Adelaide United have probably been the most improved team in the A-League over the last month or so. They’ve moved themselves off the bottom of the ladder and a win would see them move into 5th place, although temporarily. Melbourne Victory have been up and down all season, they currently sit in 6th place on the table and have a new coach on board following the sacking of Mehmet Durakovic.

Jim Magilton is the man recruited from Northern Ireland to take the Victory to another level, something definitely required this season with the Victory nowhere near their best. Durakovic rarely got the best out of his players and it seemed he did not know where to play Harry Kewell in a strike force that rivals any in the Hyundai A-League. A new coach will be a boost to the Victory and I think they will go from strength to strength with 11 weeks still remaining in the season, and top 6 spots open for the taking.

Adelaide will be one of those teams fighting for a top 6 spot come the end of the season, after a miserable start they’ve finally got their season back on track. They’ll be looking to build on their impressive form over the last month. They did receive a blow during the week though with Jon McKain expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks with a knee injury.

Melbourne Victory with a new coach should be up for this one, and I think they will take all 3 points at home.

Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets – Hyundai A-League Preview
Bluetongue Stadium, Saturday, 14 January, 5.30pm

Next up in our Hyundai A-League preview is the top of the table Mariners hosting the Jets at Bluetongue Stadium. The Mariners are on fire at the moment and have an 8 point lead over the second place Roar. The frightening thing is the Mariners also have a game in hand which could mean they come out of week 15 with a 14 point lead.

The Jets’ season has gone from bad to worse, they succumbed to a 2-1 loss against the Victory on the weekend. They sit in second last place on the table and have only won 1 of their last 6 matches. Things won’t get any easier as they take on the Mariners in this F3 derby. The last time these two sides met, the Mariners scored a comfortable 2-0 victory at this same ground.

To be honest I can’t see this result turning out any differently, if anything the scoreline could get embarrassing if both sides form is taken into account. Mariners by a few goals for mine.

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC – Hyundai A-League Preview
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday, 14 January, 7.45pm 

The third game in our Hyundai A-League preview sees Sydney FC travel north to take on Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium. The last two times these two sides met, Sydney FC ended the Roar’s 36 game unbeaten streak with a 2-0 win at WIN Stadium. The Roar will have that in the back of their minds as they now sit 8 points behind the Mariners and have only won 1 of their last seven since that defeat. 

Sydney FC have had a festive period they would rather forget to be honest. They haven’t won a game since their 2-1 win over Newcastle in mid December, almost a month now. Vitislav Lavicka is under some serious pressure and with the sacking of Mehmet Durakovic at the Victory, Sydney FC bosses will feel justified if they let him go. In the second half against the Mariners last week, Sydney FC looked much more dangerous and could have snatched a draw on a number of occasions.

This will be a cracking match, the scene is set with Thomas Broich set to make his long awaited return for the Roar. Sydney FC also have Nick Carle back to full fitness after he played with the handbrake on against the Mariners. I think this match will provide plenty of entertainment and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple of goals in the back of the net for each side. I’m going to tip a 2-2 draw for this one.

Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory – Hyundai A-League Preview
AAMI Park, Sunday, 15 January, 4.00pm

Next up in our Hyundai A-League preview, Perth Glory travel to AAMI Park to take on Melbourne Heart. The Heart have gone from one of the form teams in the competition to having a loss and a draw against what were the league’s bottom clubs in Adelaide and Gold Coast United. They now sit 3rd on the table, level on points but behind on goal difference with the Roar. 

Perth Glory have had 2 draws and a win in their last 3 games to sit 7th on the table going into this week. Last time out they had a 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix away from home, no mean feat, and they’ll head into this one with a bit of confidence. The last time these two sides met, Perth scored a 2-1 victory at AAMI Park so Melbourne Heart cannot take this one lightly.

Both of these sides also have midweek fixtures to look forward to, with the Heart taking on the league leading Mariners at home. Perth Glory take on Sydney FC in the rescheduled match at Campbelltown Stadium that the Glory were unable to make due to bad weather. We’ll have updated team news for these matches closer to match time.

With Melbourne Heart’s form dipping, and Perth starting to get some semblance of form back, I think the Glory could get themselves at least a point here. 

Gold Coast United v Wellington Phoenix – Hyundai A-League Preview
Skilled Park, Sunday, 15 January, 6.30pm 

The last match for the weekend’s week 15 action is the match-up between Gold Coast United and Wellington Phoenix from Skilled Park on the Gold Coast. Last weekend, Gold Coast United managed to take a point off Melbourne Heart at home, whereas the Phoenix went down 1-0 to the Glory at home.

Wellington Phoenix still sit 4th on the table despite their 1-0 loss courtesy of a festive season that saw them win 2 and lose 2 of their 4 games. They’re 4 points off the 3rd placed Melbourne Heart, and only 2 points in front of 5th placed Sydney FC. A loss here could see them drop to as low as 7th on the table depending on other results.

Gold Coast, despite their improved form over the last month, remain rooted to the bottom of the table. This shows just how close the competition is and that the sides at the bottom of the table are still capable of making that all important top 6. Away from home, Wellington have been less than impressive this season, and with Gold Coast’s improved form I think they can get all 3 points at home in this one.

Week 9 & 15 Midweek Fixtures – Hyundai A-League Preview
Wednesday, 18 January

Week 9 of the A-League finally sees it’s postponed match go ahead after the Glory were unable to make a flight to Sydney in early December. Bad weather in Perth meant the match was abandoned, both sides felt the effects too with neither side able to post a win the following weekend.

Week 15 of the Hyundai A-League continues with a top of the table clash between Melbourne Heart and the Central Coast Mariners from AAMI Park. It will be interesting to see whether any players are rested in their respective weekend matches in preparation for this one. With the Mariners 8 points clear at the top, and possible 11 going into this one, they don’t really have to worry too much about this one. This may be the perfect opportunity for Graham Arnold to rest some key players heading into the back end of the season.

We’ll have more team news and analysis after the weekend’s matches.

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

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United – #HALmvau – Victory
CC Mariners v Newcastle Jets – #HALccmjets – Mariners
Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC – #HALbrisyd – Draw
Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory – #HALmhpg – Draw
Gold Coast v Wellington Phoenix – #HALgcuwp – Gold Coast

Hyundai A-League Preview Banter’s Best Bets – Multibet 

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United – Victory @ $1.95
CC Mariners v Newcastle Jets – Central Coast @ $1.50
Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC – Sydney FC +0.5 @ $2.28
Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory – Glory @ $1.98
Gold Coast v Wellington Phoenix – Total Game Score Under 2.5 @ $1.80

Multibet Odds – $23.77

Week 14 of the A-League kicks off tomorrow night and this A-League preview endeavours to give you all the info you need heading into a weekend of tips and bets.

Big Wednesday was a massive hit, in the end there were 23 goals scored over the 5 matches. Plenty of entertainment and some interesting results along the way. Our A-League preview for Big Wednesday fell short in the tipping department with just 1 correct tip out of the 5 matches. Our Multi fared a little better with 3 correct and if you took each leg individually you would have made a small profit.

We’ll continue to include a multibet in all of our Hyundai A-League previews for the remainder of the season. With the season being so inconsistent hopefully this A-League preview helps out somewhat with your tipping and betting alike.

Our Hyundai A-League preview kicks off with Adelaide United taking on the Brisbane Roar at Hindmarsh Stadium. Kick off for this match is at 5pm and this one should be a beauty now that Adelaide have finally started looking like the team that finished 3rd last season. They’ve had a draw and two wins from their last three, culminating in a 3-1 win over Melbourne Heart on Big Wednesday.

The Roar only have themselves to blame for their 3-3 draw with Perth on Big Wednesday. The Roar were down 2-0 at one point before fighting back to lead 3-2, they conceded a late penalty to drop 2 vital points. Coach Ange Postecoglou was less than impressed and he’ll be expecting more of his players tomorrow night.

Despite Adelaide’s recent resurgence, I think the Roar will get the points in this one. They have more depth and should be able to cope with the flurry of matches better than the Reds.

Next up in our Hyundai A-League preview we have the Victory hosting Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park. This match has entertainment written all over it and is made even more interesting by the news that Melbourne coach Meh,et Durakovic has been sacked. The announcement was made this morning and it leaves the Victory without a head coach, Kevin Muscat thing over temporarily until a permanent one is appointed.

The Victory were less than convincing against Central Coast Mariners during the week, to be honest they’ve been less than impressive most f the season. Newcastle Jets got their season back on track with a 3-2 win over Gold Coast United at AusGrid Stadium on Big Wednesday and they will look to expose the Victory’s vulnerability in this one.

New coaches usually instill a new attitude into a team and Kevin Muscat is known for his outspoken nature. The players will know where they stand and I think they’ll perform better under him. I expect Victory to take all 3 points but not without any controversey as most of their home games have shown us this season.

On Sunday our Hyundai A-League preview covers three matches with the first kicking off at 2pm EDT at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The Phoenix host Perth Glory in this one and are coming off the back of a remarkable 4-2 win over Sydney FC. The game had everything and we’ll be lucky if we get that sort of entertainment again in this one.

Perth Glory almost let a 2 goal lead slip against the Roar on Big Wednesday as the went behind 3-2. Their blushes were saved when they earned a late penalty to get them back on level terms. Away from home Perth haven’t been to good with just the one away win coming in week 2. On the other side, Wellington have been on fire at home of late, winning their last 4 at Westpac Stadium.

That stat alone is enough for me to declare Wellington specials for this match, expect plenty of goals too with 15 goals scored in the last three at Westpac Stadium.

Next up in our Hyundai A-League preview sees a struggling Sydney FC side host the league leading Mariners at the SFS. Sydney have lost their last 2 matches and are winless since mid December. The Mariners are undefeated since week three of the Hyundai A-League competition with 9 wins and 2 draws during that period.

This may be Lavicka’s last chance to show he has not completely lost the reigns of this Sydney FC team. Management will have seen Durakovic getting the boot from Melbourne Victory during the week and this may make their decision easier. He has promised changes for this match and with Karol Kisel returning we should see a different Sydney performance here. Nick Carle has not been named but don’t be surprised if he is a late inclusion for Sunday’s match.

I have a feeling Sydney FC will put in a much better effort. They won’t end another undefeated run here though, the Mariners will extend it to 12 but will need to settle for a draw.

The last match we cover in our Hyundai A-League preview is Gold Coast United v Melbourne Heart from Skilled Park. Melbourne Heart suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Adelaide United on Big Wednesday and they’ll be itching to get back out on the pitch and make amends for that poor performance. Gold Coast suffered another defeat, this time at the hands of the Jets, going down 3-2 at AusGrid Stadium.

Gold Coast United sit at the bottom of the Hyundai A-League ladder despite 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 games. This shows just how close the A-League competition is and that any side can win on their day. Melbourne Heart were starting to look good before they went down to Adelaide, climbing from the bottom half of the table to be outright second. 

I can see Melbourne Heart bouncing back in this one. Gold Coast were on a good run up until their defeat against Newcastle but Heart aren’t second on the ladder for nothing.

So there you have it, our Hyundai A-League preview for week 14. Check out the information below relating to team news, our tips, and a Hyundai A-League multibet and let us know if you agree or disagree. If you have any special bets for the weekend, be sure to let us know these in the comments section too.

sportsbanter.com.au Tips – Hyundai A-League Preview Week 14

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar – #HALadubri – Roar
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets – #HALmvjets – Victory
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory – #HALwppg – Phoenix
Sydney FC v CC Mariners – #HALsydccm – Draw
Gold Coast v Melbourne Heart – #HALgcumh – Heart

Hyundai A-League Preview – Multibet

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar – Total Game Score Over 2.5 @ $1.85
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets – Victory @ $1.72
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory – Phoenix @ $1.65
Sydney FC v CC Mariners – Sydney FC +0.5 @ $1.60
Gold Coast v Melbourne Heart – Total Game Score Over 2.5 @ $1.75

Our Hyundai A-League preview of part 2 of week 13 takes you through all the lead up to “Big Wednesday”. For the first time ever, the Hyundai A-League have scheduled all 5 matches one after the other in a 12 hour marathon of football.  

We take you through the team line-ups, our tips for each match as well as what we consider to be the best bets of the round which tie together into a 5 leg Multi. What more could you want from a Hyundai A-League preview!

Last weekend saw the Roar bounce back with a superb victory over the Victory, the Heart kept up the form that got them to second spot with a thumping 4-0 win over Sydney. Gold Coast United grabbed a vital point away to the league-leaders, the Mariners and the Jets and Glory fought out a draw in Newcastle. Also, Adelaide downed Wellington 2-0 to move off the bottom of the table, leapfrogging Gold Coast.

The first match in our Hyundai A-League preview is Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC from the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Both sides are coming off defeats from Adelaide United and Melbourne Heart respectively and will want to bounce back with a win here. The last time these two sides met Wellington got the points in a 2-1 victory, it was a match that Sydney FC were never really in to be honest.

Courtesy of backofthenet.com

Sydney have dropped to fourth on the ladder and could drop to fifth with a loss here. Despite this being away from home I think they can bounce back and get a win in this one.

The next of the Big Wednesday matches we cover in our Hyundai A-League Preview is Melbourne Heart v Adelaide United from AAMI Park. Both sides are coming off convincing wins over the new year period and will want to continue that here for different reasons. Melbourne to consolidate a top 2 spot, and Adelaide to try and move out of the bottom 2.

With the form that Melbourne Heart are in at the moment, I really can’t see Adelaide getting out of this one.

Next up in our Hyundai A-League preview we have Gold Coast United travelling to AusGrid Stadium to take on the Newcastle Jets. Both sides fought out draws on the weekend and will be hungry for more points in this one, Newcastle could drop to the bottom of the ladder for the first time and it’s also a place Gold Coast won’t want to return. 

Newcastle have earned most of their points at home this season, in fact 13 out of their 14 points have come at AusGrid Stadium. For this reason alone I’ll go with a Jets win in this one.

our Hyundai A-League preview then travels to the Central Coast for possibly the match of the round, and Big Wednesday, which sees the Mariners lock horns with Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium. Melbourne allowed the Roar to return to winning ways with a below par performance over the new year period. While the Mariners allowed the Roar and Melbourne Heart to make up ground at the top of the table with a 0-0 draw at home to Gold Coast United.

The Victory will be up for this one, they were embarrassed against an out of form Roar side and will want to make amends. Central Coast though, will also be smarting from their inability to put Gold Coast United away and will be looking for all 3 points too. I think this one could end up in a draw, but expect plenty of entertainment, my money is on a 2-2 draw.

Last but not least, our Hyundai A-League preview takes us to Perth for the clash between Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar from nib Stadium. The last time these two sides met the Roar handed Perth Glory a 4-0 flogging, and It could have been worse had the Roar not switched off at halftime. Perth will no doubt have this game in the back of their minds and will want revenge at home in front of their fans. The Roar got back to winning ways over the weekend but it’s still unclear whether they have returned to form, this match should tell us. 

Courtesy of Perth Now

I don’t think the Roar have hit form yet, but they should have just enough to deal with the Glory in Perth, i don’t think they’ll put 4 past them this time though.

That’s it for our Hyundai A-League preview, below is the team news for all 5 matches, our tips, and the multi we promised earlier. Let us know in the comments section if you have any tips or bets of your own for the days action!

Hyundai A-League Preview Team News

Hyundai A-League Team News – Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC, Westpac Stadium, Wednesday 1pm (EDT) 

Wellington Phoenix: 1. Mark Paston (GK), 2. Manny Muscat, 3. Tony Lochhead, 6. Tim Brown, 7. Leo Bertos, 8. Paul Ifill, 9. Chris Greenacre, 11. Daniel, 14. Mirjan Pavlovic, 17. Vince Lia, 18. Ben Sigmund, 20, Tony Warner (GK), 21. Dani Sanchez, 22. Andrew Durante (C), 24. Alex Smith 

In: 8. Paul Ifill (returns from injury), 24. Alex Smith (promoted) 
Out: Nicky Ward (omitted), Jimmy Downey (omitted) 
Unavailable: Lucas Pantelis (knee injury – indefinite) 

Sydney FC: 1. Liam Reddy, 2. Sebastian Ryall, 3. Jamie Coyne, 4. Pascal Bosschaart, 5. Michael Beauchamp, 7. Brett Emerton, 9. Bruno Cazarine, 11. Dimi Petratos, 12. Shannon Cole, 15. Terry McFlynn (c), 17. Terry Antonis, 18. Juho Makela, 19. Mark Bridge, 20. Ivan Necevski, 21. Scott Jamieson, 23. Rhyan Grant, 24. Mitchell Mallia (two to be omitted)

In: 15. Terry McFlynn (returns from suspension), 2. Sebastian Ryall (promoted), 24. Mitchell Mallia (promoted)
Out: 8. Karol Kisel (suspended – 1 match)
Injured: Nick Carle (hamstring – 2 weeks)

Hyundai A-League Team News – Melbourne Heart v Adelaide United, AAMI Park, Wednesday 3pm (EDT)

Melbourne Heart: 1. Clint Bolton (GK), 2. Michael Marrone, 3. Brendan Hamill, 4. Simon Colosimo, 6. Matt Thompson, 7. Rutger Worm, 9. Maycon, 11. Alex Terra, 15. David Williams, 16. Aziz Behich, 17. Jason Hoffman, 18. Curtis Good, 19. Eli Babalj, 23. Mate Dugandzic, 25. Adrian Madaschi, 30. Sebastian Mattei (GK) (one to be omitted) 

In: 9. Maycon, 15. David Williams (both promoted)
Out: Fred (groin 1-2 weeks)
Unavailable: Jonatan Germano (hamstring – 1 week), Nick Kalmar (back – 4 weeks), Kliment Taseski (foot – indefinite), Wayne Srhoj (quad – 1 week)

Adelaide United: 1. Eugene Galekovic (gk) (c), 2. Osama Malik, 3. Nigel Boogaard, 5. Daniel Mullen, 7. Zenon Caravella, 9. Sergio van Dijk, 10. Dario Vidosic, 11. Bruce Djite, 12. Antony Golec, 14. Cameron Watson, 17. Iain Ramsay, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 20. Mark Birighitti (gk), 21. Francisco Usucar

In: 17. Iain Ramsay (returns from suspension), Jacob Melling (promoted)
Out: Spase Dilevski (groin – 1 week)
Unavailable: Cassio (ankle), Evgeniy Levchenko (groin), 4.Jon McKain (knee soreness)

Hyundai A-League Team News – Newcastle Jets v Gold Coast United, Ausgrid Stadium, 5.30pm (EDT)

Newcastle Jets: 1. Ben Kennedy (gk), 2. Taylor Regan, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5. Tiago Calvano (c), 6. Ben Kantarovski, 7. Kasey Wehrman, 8. Jeremy Brockie, 9. Michael Bridges 10. Ruben Zadkovich, 11. Tarek Elrich, 13. Sung-Hwan Byun, 14. Labinot Haliti, 19. Matthew Nash, 22. Ali Abbas, 23. Ryan Griffiths, 25. Jacob Pepper (one to be omitted)

In: 22. Ali Abbas, 25. Jacob Pepper (all promoted)
Out: 24. Francis Jeffers (ankle)
Unavailable: 12. Jobe Wheelhouse (virus), Sam Gallaway (knee)

Gold Coast United: 20. Jerrad Tyson (gk), 3. Michael Thwaite (c), 5. Kristian Rees, 6. Paul Beekmans, 7. Golgol Mebrahtu, 13. Ante Rozic, 14. Ben Halloran, 15. Adama Traore, 16. Maceo Rigters, 17. Chris Harold, 18. James Brown, 21. Daniel Severino, 22. Peter Jungschlager, 23. Dylan McGowan, 24. Jonas Salley, 28. Daniel Bowles, 29. Mitch Bevan, 31. Daniel Bragg, 40. Chris O’Connor (gk) (four to be omitted)

In: 5. Kristian Rees (return from hand injury), 6. Paul Beekmans (return from suspension), 21. Daniel Severino (promoted) 29. Mitch Bevan (promoted), 31. Daniel Bragg (promoted)
Out: 4. Zac Anderson (thigh injury)
Unavailable: 1. Glen Moss (groin injury–7 weeks), 9. Joel Porter (calf–4 weeks), 12. Dylan Macallister (hamstring injury–1 week), 19. Chris Broadfoot (ankle injury–6 weeks)

Hyundai A-League Team News – Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory, Bluetongue Stadium, 7.45pm (EDT)

Central Coast Mariners: 1. Mathew Ryan (Gk), 2. Daniel Mcbreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Brad Porter, 7. John Hutchinson, 8. Rostyn Griffiths, 9. Bernie Ibini, 11. Oliver Bozanic, 12. Troy Hearfield, 14. Michael Mcglinchey, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 18. Alex Wilkinson (C), 19. Matt Simon, 20. Justin Pasfield, 22. Mustafa Amini (one to be omitted)

In: 5. Brad Porter (promoted), 8. Rostyn Griffiths (returns From Injury)
Out: 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk (suspended – 1 match)
Unavailable: Nil

Melbourne Victory: 2. Matthew Foschini, 3. Fabio, 4. Petar Franjic, 6. Leigh Broxham, 7. Matthew Kemp, 8. Grant Brebner, 9. Jean Carlos Solorzano, 10. Archie Thompson, 11. Marco Rojas, 12. Rodrigo Vargas, 13. Diogo Ferreira, 14. Billy Celeski, 15. Tom Pondeljak, 16. Carlos Hernandez, 17. Jimmy Jeggo, 18. Danny Allsopp, 19. Isaka Cernak , 20. Lawrence Thomas (GK), 21. Ante Covic (GK), 22. Harry Kewell, 23. Adrian Leijer (c) (six to be omitted)

In: 9. Jean Carlos Solorzano, 11. Marco Rojas, 17. Jimmy Jeggo, 15. Tom Pondeljak, 7. Matthew Kemp (promoted), 23. Adrian Leijer (returns from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 1. Tando Velaphi (stress fracture)

Hyundai A-League Team News – Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar, nib Stadium, 10pm (EDT)

Perth Glory: 1. Danny Vukovic (Gk), 2. Josh Mitchell, 3. Bas Van Den Brink, 4. Billy Mehmet, 5. Steve Pantelidis, 7. Jacob Burns (C) 8. Adam Hughes, 10. Liam Miller, 13. Travis Dodd, 14. Steven Mcgarry, 15. Tommy Amphlett, 16. Evan Berger, 17. Todd Howarth, 18. Jesse Makarounas, 19. Josh Risdon, 21. Mile Sterjovski, 22. Adam Taggart, 25. Trent Mcclenahan, 30. Lewis Italiano (Gk) (three to be omitted)

In: 2. Josh Mitchell (returns from suspension), 15. Tommy Amphlett (promoted), 18. Jesse Makarounas (promoted), 25. Trent Mcclenahan (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 6. Chris Coyne (Achilles), 9. Shane Smeltz (Groin–1 Week), 11. Victor Sikora (Hip), 12. Scott Neville (Knee), 20. Neil Young (Abdominal), 27. Andrezinho (Hamstring-2 Weeks)

Brisbane Roar: 1. Michael Theoklitos (GK), 2. Matt Smith, 3. Shane Stefanutto (Capt.), 4. Matt Jurman , 5. Ivan Franjic, 6. Erik Paartalu, 7. Besart Berisha, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 9. Kofi Danning, 11. Issey Nakajima-Farran, 14. Rocky Visconte, 16. Mohamed Adnan, 17. Mitch Nichols, 18. Luke Brattan, 19. Jack Hingert, 20. Andrew Redmayne (GK) (one to be omitted)

In: 9. Kofi Danning (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 21. James Meyer (adductor injury–1 week), 22. Thomas Broich (heel injury-1 week), Henrique (knee injury-1 week)

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

Week 13 Hyundai A-League Preview Twitter Hashtag – #bigwednesday 

Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC – Sydney FC
Melbourne Heart v Adelaide United – Heart
Newcastle United v Gold Coast United – Jets
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory – Draw
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar – Roar

Hyundai A-League Preview – Banter’s Bet Bets 

Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC – Total Game Score Over +2.5 @ $1.90
Melbourne Heart v Adelaide United – Heart @ $1.80
Newcastle United v Gold Coast United – Jets @ $2.30
CC Mariners v Melbourne Victory – Victory +0.5 @ $2.05
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar – Roar @ $1.95

Total Multi Odds: $31.44

Not a bad return for a $1 investment, the A-League tends to throw up some good value but is a tad inconsistent, we’ll endeavour to incorporate a Multi into all of our future A-League previews.

That’s it for this round’s A-League preview, hit us up in the comments section or create a forum post if you have anything to add here, thanks for reading this week’s A-League preview!

Week 12 of the A-League gets started early due to Christmas this weekend with Sydney FC hosting Adelaide United at the Sydney Football Stadium tomorrow night. We preview all of the matches for this week and stay tuned at the end for our tips and best bets for week 12.

So first up we have Sydney FC looking to make it 2 in a row after their 2-1 victory over the Jets on Saturday night, while Adelaide were absolutely smashed against Gold Coast at home on Friday night. Adelaide United are really having a shocker this year, especially at home, and it really makes a mockery of the system that determines which teams qualify for the Asian Champions League.

Adelaide have conceded 7 goals in their last 2 home games and are lucky that Gold Coast United have been equally poor this year, saving them from bottom spot on the ladder. Sydney had goals from Bruno Cazarine and Juho Makela to thank for the win, cancelling out Jeremy Brockie’s volley from the first half.

Much has been written this week about Sydney’s ability to come from behind and win games and it’s been revealed that Sydney FC have been using GPS technology to get a jump on their competitors. This explains their ability to keep peak fitness late in games and no doubt other teams will start looking at employing this sort of analysis if they aren’t already.

I think Sydney will have far too much for an Adelaide United side clearly out of form, there shouldn’t be any need to come from behind for Sydney in this one.

Friday night sees 3 matches for the first time I can remember, with no matches planned for Saturday and Sunday due to wanting to give the players a chance to be with family etc. over the Christmas period, this left a bit of a hole in the scheduling with Friday night seen as the best option.

With Wellington and Perth in the competition the opportunity to stagger the match times was present so we’ll see a triple header on Fox Sports from 5.30pm.

Wellington Phoenix are first up at 7.30pm local time, 5.30pm our time, as they host Newcastle from Westpac Stadium. Last week they went down 3-1 to the Victory at AAMI Park. Another drama filled day in Melbourne saw the Victory skip out to a 3-0 lead within 25 minutes and they continued to look threatening for the rest of the match. There was the customary send-off and the Phoenix got a late consolation goal but they were thoroughly outplayed for the entire match.

Newcastle Jets took the lead against Sydney FC but couldn’t hold on eventually going down 2-1 and dropping to 7th on the table in the process. They will want to bounce back against Wellington this week but their away form hasn’t been great and they’ll really need to step it up if they want to get anything out of this match. They have a record of 1 draw and 4 losses from 5 games away from home and I can’t see them getting off the mark in this one. Wellington for the 3 points I feel.

Next up on Friday night we see the Melbourne derby between the Heart and the Victory from AAMI Park. I have feeling there will be plenty of entertainment in this one if recent events at AAMI Park are anything to go by. Last time these two sides met they played out a 0-0 draw but it was far from boring, I’m not actually sure how it remained 0-0 to be honest.

Both clubs had good solid wins last week and seem to have finally found their goal scoring boots so I think we’ll see a cracking match here. There have already been over 20,000 tickets sold for this one which shows the strength of the A-League in Melbourne and I can’t wait for this one to kick off.

There’s nothing better than a clash between local rivals, they’re usually fiery and provide plenty of talking points, I can’t see this one being any different. The main worry for the Victory this week is the injury to Archie Thompson, and the fact that they will be without Billy Celeski after he was sent off late last week. I have a feeling that will even out the sides and this will be a high scoring draw, I’m going for 2-2.

Last up on Friday night we have Perth Glory hosting the Central Coast Mariners at nib Stadium in Perth. Both sides were on the opposite side of 2-1 scorelines with the Mariners handing the Roar their 4th straight loss, while the Glory went down to the Heart at home.

Last time these two sides met the Mariners got the points with the same scoreline, 2-1, at Bluetongue Stadium. Perth have lost 6 of their last 8 games and the only reason they aren’t on the bottom of the table is because they started the season in blistering fashion with wins in their first 3 games.

I can’t see anything other than a Mariners victory on Friday night to be honest, their lead will extend to 6 points before the Roar play on Monday.

Speaking of the Roar, the last match of week 12 sees them travel slightly south to the Gold Coast to take on a Gold Coast United side that has been rooted to the bottom of the table for as long as I can remember. Brisbane are on a bad run of form though, losing 3 in a row following their record breaking 36 match unbeaten streak.

The Roar will be as hungry as ever and will want to get back to the top of the table so I can see them going all out for the win here, I feel sorry for the Gold Coast as I think they are going to be subjected to a bit of a hammering from a side that is hurting after their streak was ended and culminated in those 3 defeats. They’ll get their season back on track here despite Thomas Broich looking like he may miss this match with that injury which has seen him miss all of the Roar’s defeats.

sportsbanter.com.au Tips:
Sydney FC v Adelaide United – #HALsydau – Sydney FC
Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets – #HALwpjets – Phoenix
Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory – #HALmhmv – Draw
Perth Glory v CC Mariners – #HALpgccm – Mariners 
Gold Coast United v Brisbane Roar – #HALgcubri – Roar

Banter’s Best Bets:
Sydney FC v Adelaide United – Sydney @ $1.60
Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets – Phoenix +0.5 @ $1.22
Melbourne Heart v Melbourne Victory – Draw @ $3.20
Perth Glory v CC Mariners – Mariners @ $2.15
Gold Coast United v Brisbane Roar – Roar +0.5 @ $1.33

Week 11 of the Hyundai A-League kicks off on Friday night and we head into this round without an outright leader for the first time in the best part of 2 months, with the Brisbane Roar going down again over the weekend and the consistent Central Coast Mariners continuing their good form to join them at the top, we finally have a competition on our hands when at one point it looked as though every other club was playing to finish second.

This week also sees the top 6 sides in the Hyundai A-League playing off against each other, including the Mariners and Roar looking horns in a top of the table battle. The 2 bottom sides also go head to head so we could see a bit of movement on the ladder after this weeks results.

We have the small matter of the final game of week 10 to get through first though with the Roar taking on Wellington Phoenix tomorrow night at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. With the Roar going through a tough period the last thing they would have wanted is to have to play 3 games in the space of 9 days.

This will be a tough test for the Roar as Wellington at home are no pushovers, they showed last week that they can get the job done in grinding fashion when they need to, and I think they will go into this one with the same attitude, Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC the week before them have shown the rest of the league how to play against the Roar, plenty of pressure and interrupting the flow of their game.

I have a feeling that the Roar will bounce back here though, they will be without Thomas Broich again but Mitch Nichols should step up the plate once again in that playmaking role. Someone needs to take the responsibility of getting the ball to Berisha up front where the Roar do most of their damage and I think Nichols will be that man.

Onto Week 11 of the Hyundai A-League, and Friday night sees the battle of the cellar dwellers with Adelaide United hosting Gold Coast United at Hindmarsh Stadium. Gold Coast are coming off an unlucky 0-0 draw against Sydney FC on Sunday where they looked the better team for much of the match but couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net. Adelaide managed to push Melbourne Victory to a 1-1 draw with Barbiero scoring for the Reds with just 8 minutes remaining to give them a share of the points.

I can’t see this game hitting any real heights, Adelaide at home this season have not been very good to say the least, and Gold Coast away from home haven’t been much better. I can see this game ending in a 1-1 draw which would keep both sides at the bottom of the table for another week.

Saturday night, for me, is when the real action begins. First up we have the 5th placed Newcastle Jets hosting 4th placed Sydney FC at AusGrid Stadium in Newcastle, and what a match this one promises to be. Last week Sydney FC played out that 0-0 draw with Gold Coast United and they don’t tend to go too many matches without scoring goals, while Newcastle Jets are coming off a 2-0 loss to local rivals the Mariners so they will also be hungry for goals and a win.

A win for Sydney FC here will take them to within 2 points of the top 2, and with the Roar and Mariners doing battle afterwards Sydney could find themselves just a win off the top of the table at the conclusion of week 11, something that would have been unheard of just a few weeks ago when the Roar were at the peak of their powers. Jets v Sydney FC games are typically fiery encounters too, so we could see some fireworks on Saturday afternoon if we are lucky.

Despite playing away from home I think Sydney FC will secure a narrow win at AusGrid Stadium over the Jets, I’m going to stick my neck out and go for a 3-2 scoreline.

Next up we have the all important top of the table battle which could decide who goes into week 12 with the outright lead should the Roar not get a favourable result tomorrow night against the Phoenix. 2 weeks ago the Roar led by a massive 6 points at the top, but 2 consecutive losses and the Mariners continuing on their winning ways has brought them back to the pack somewhat. It will be interesting to see how the Roar recover from their recent set backs and whether their midweek fixture takes it out of them physically going into such an important game.

Last week the Roar went down 2-1 to a determined Heart outfit while the Mariners continued on their merry ways with a 2-0 win over local rivals the Newcastle Jets. This match sees these two sides going head to head for the second time this season, the first match saw the roar win 1-0 in week 1 in the Grand Final rematch at Suncorp Stadium. We didn’t get a repeat of the thrilling grand final from last season with the Roar getting the solitary goal through Mitch Nichols late in the game.

I think the Roar and Mariners will play out a draw in this one, I think the home ground advantage will help the Roar through their rough patch but I think the midweek game against Wellington across the Tasman will take some of the punch out of them and I can’t see them being at their absolute best, the Mariners would probably settle for a point away from home against the Roar too.

To wrap up Saturday night Hyundai A-League action we have the battle of 3rd placed Melbourne Heart against 6th placed Perth Glory from nib Stadium in Perth, the match played at 7pm local time but we won’t see it on the East Coast until around 10pm.

Last week, the Glory went down to Wellington Phoenix in a dull and lifeless affair 1-0. Neither side really looked like they wanted the win until the Phoenix got a late goal and that’s when the game turned scrappy and a bit malicious. Melbourne Heart, they were outstanding against the Roar on Friday night, they were 2-0 up after 25 minutes and held off the fast finishing Roar to record their 4th win of the season and move up to 3rd on the ladder, equal on points with Sydney FC.

These two sides went head to head in week 2 of the competition with the Glory scoring a 2-1 win away from home on that occasion, Melbourne Heart were on a bad run of form at that time with their first win of the season not coming until week 6. Perth Glory, they started the season with a flourish winning their first 3 games but things started to go downhill from that point on with just 4 points from their next 7 games.

I can see Melbourne Heart continuing their good form but in saying that I think that win over the Roar would have taken it out of them and they may go the same way as Sydney FC and have to settle for a draw away from home following a win over the reigning champions. My prediction for this one is 1-1.

Week 11 of the Hyundai A-League concludes with a match between the 7th placed Melbourne Victory and the 8th placed Wellington Phoenix from AAMI Park in Melbourne. The Victory’s home games have been unbelievable to watch this season, full of goals, red cards, penalties and amazing comebacks. I just hope we are treated to more of the same here on Sunday, the Phoenix went down 2-1 at home the Victory last time these two sides met in Week 4 and they will no doubt like to try and turn the Victory over in front of their home fans.

Against Adelaide last weekend, the Victory could not manage to hold onto their 1-0 lead conceding a late goal to share the points with United. That has been the story of their season so far with 6 draws in their 10 games, the majority of them they held the lead but surrendered it to drop 2 points. Wellington have not had an away win so far this season with 2 draws and 2 losses from their away games so far, this should give Melbourne Victory confidence leading into this one.

I think the Victory will have too much firepower for the Phoenix to contain, and they also have to contend with the midweek fixture against the Roar so there will be plenty of tired legs going into this one. Add to that the fact the Ricky Herbert is already looking at a threadbare squad and I can’t see anything other than a Victory win here by a couple of goals.

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

Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar – #halwpbri – Roar
Adelaide United v Gold Coast United – #halaugcu – Draw
Newcastle Jets – v Sydney FC – #haljetssyd – Sydney FC
Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners – #halbriccm – Draw
Perth Glory v Melbourne Heart – #halpgmh – Draw
Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix – #halmvwp – Victory