The 15th season of the Hyundai A-League kicked off last week, with the opening round again providing 5 exciting games that have set the platform for another stellar season of top-flight Australian Football. Across the 5 games, 15 goals were scored in some incredibly open contests and saw just two winners in Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC.
Week Two of the 2016/17 season will see two massive clashes headline the weekend, with the Western Sydney Wanderers attempting to claim revenge after their heartbreaking Grand Final defeat to Adelaide United FC, whilst the Melbourne Derby will be the cornerstone of the fixtures with Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City going head to head at Etihad Stadium.
Adelaide United vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Coopers Stadium)
Friday 14 October 7:50pm AEDT
Everyone loves a grand final rematch, no matter the occasion or the form of each respective teams. Despite a 4-0 loss last week to Sydney FC, the Wanderers will be looking to make amends and what better way to do so against the team that broke their hearts in the Grand Final last year. In their defeat last week, they conceded 4 second half goals whilst also finishing the game with 10 men - the coach conceding that it was a terrible opening display and not up to their usual high standards.
Adelaide are coming off a 1 all draw against the Newcastle Jets; a hard fought match that saw Adelaide debut 4 new players whilst also missing another 5 from their Grand Final outfit last year. Despite a goal to Jesse Makarounas, they failed to capitalise on a host of opportunities whilst also having to make three injury related substitutions throughout the game.
With both teams looking for their first victory, the Wanderers will again fall short despite an improved performance from last week.
Tip: Adelaide 2 Wanderers 1
Did you know? Western Sydney Wanderers have lost back-to-back matches but have not lost three games in succession in the Hyundai A-League since March 2015.
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners (Allianz Stadium)
Saturday 15 October 5:35pm AEDT
What a start to the season for Sydney FC, a 4-0 victory against arch rivals Western Sydney in a derby that drew a record crowd (61,880) at ANZ stadium last Saturday night. With the scores level at the break , they ran riot in the second half with 4 unanswered goals whilst also keeping a clean sheet thanks to some remarkable efforts from goal keeper Danny Vukovic, who saved two one-on-ones either side of half time.
Last years wooden spooners will definitely be looking to get off to a better start in their second match of the season, after they let in three early goals in the opening half an hour last week against Perth Glory. They managed to fight back admirably with a brace to Roy Donovan and another goal to Blake Powell, managing to snake a 3 all draw despite the early fall back. They will also be looking to break their drought against Sydney this weekend, as they have failed to record a victory in their six fixtures against them.
After their amazing result last week, Graham Arnold quickly brought Sydney down to earth to re-focus on the task ahead this year, and they should be too hard to beat once again.
Tip: Sydney 2 Mariners 0
Did you know? The Mariners have not kept a clean sheet in their last 13 Saturday night games; conceding an average of 2.7 goals per game across those fixtures
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City (Etihad Stadium)
Saturday 15 October 7:50pm AEDT
The second match on Saturday headlines week 2 of the new A-League season, with both Melbourne power houses clashing horns at Etihad Stadium in the highly anticipated match of the round.
Melbourne Victory were left heartbroken last week after they were leading for most of the contest against Brisbane Roar, only to concede a goal in 95th minute to give the Roar a share of the points despite their dominant performance. Heading into this week, Victory have lost only one of their past 5 outings against City, whilst also still unbeaten in their last 5 games at home in the derby.
On the other side of the pitch, Melbourne City will be looking to make it 2 from 2 after their win last week against Wellington Phoenix saw them claim a hard fought victory away from home. It was the perfect start for last years semi-finalists, who also welcome new signing Tim Cahill to their star-studded line up, where the Socceroo superstar will make his A-League debut for the new club.
It will be another blockbuster and live up to expectations but Melbourne City should be too strong. Don't be surprise if Cahill manages to get himself on the scoresheet.
Tip: Melbourne Victory 0 Melbourne City 1
Did you know? The last seven goals conceded by Melbourne City on the road in the Hyundai A-League have all come in the second half.
Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar (Hunter Stadium)
Sunday 16 October 5:00pm AEDT
Both teams will be looking for their first win of the season after they both settled for draws last week, but it's safe to say that there are promising signs for the Newcastle outfit who begun their campaign under new coach Mark Jones, who has welcomed a dynamic brand of football into the Jets play. A goal to Wayne Brown in his club debut was a highlight of the match, whilst they also had a late chance to win the match through Andrew Hoole.
Similar to Newcastle, Brisbane Roar are coming off a dramatic draw last week against Melbourne Victory; a game where they found themselves with 10 men but somehow managing to find a late equalizer through Luke DeVere. They will be looking to put in a more consistent performance this week, however have gone five games on the road without recording a victory.
The Jets looked a much improved outfit from the one that finished in 8th place last year, but Brisbane can also take a lot out of their gutsy performance last week.
Tip: Jets 2 Roar 2
Did you know? The Jets have only managed one win in their last seven Hyundai A League matches, whilst also failing to keep clean sheets in 16 of their last 17 fixtures.
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix (nib Stadium)
Sunday 16 October 7:00pm AEDT
Despite an early three goal lead by half time, Perth Glory will be kicking themselves after they let a well deserved victory slip through their fingers, conceding three second half goals to share the points against the Mariners last weekend. A flurry of three unanswered goals including a brace to Andrew Taggart looked all but enough to claim the victory, however failed to continue the onslaught as Central Coast managed two late goals to level the scores. They will be looking to get their defensive patterns right in this encounter and attempt to keep a clean sheet for the first time in six matches.
Wellington Phoenix will be looking for their first win of the year, coming off a heartbreaking loss to Melbourne City at home last weekend. They managed to create a host of attacking opportunities last week with 9 shots on goal, but only managed to have 1 on target and will be looking to take further advantage of their chances this week.
With their lack of focus in the second half last week, Perth Glory will be looking to put in a consistent 90 minute performance against a struggling Phoenix outfit who will be travelling across the ditch for this encounter.
Tip: Glory 3 Phoenix 1
Did you know? The Phoenix have lost five games in a row; and if they lose this here, it will be the longest losing streak in their history.
Blue Bet Words: Andre Cupido
