My punting guide to Opening Weekend
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne Heart
Friday 19:30 AEST
Traditionally derbies are very hard to bet on, the rule of thumb is to back the draw and be done with it. Not this week I’m afraid for Heart fans. Victory have recruited well over the long off season, whilst Heart have lost many young stars to overseas clubs. I see even money as great value for Victory, particularly as Heart are without midfielder Jonatan Germano through injury. If you fancy a flutter first goal scorer Archie Thompson may prove some value as he has found the back of the net in his last Socceroos appearance.
Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC
Saturday 16:30 AEST
It has been touted as one of the biggest sporting signings in Australian history, so where else would Alessandro Del Piero be making his debut than windy Wellington. The game is even being beamed into Italian homes, such is the mans pulling power. Somewhat about the match itself, Wellington have recruited well in the off season picking up Jeremy Brockie for the loss of Chris Greenacre, but have lost some experience in the midfield thru the retirement of Tim Brown. Sydney will take time to learn to adapt under new coach Ian Crook and I see the draw as the most likely outcome for this match. Punters don’t be sucked into the Del Piero novelty markets, even the great man himself doesn’t know what to expect of himself on Saturday.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 19:45 AEST
To those of an AFL background this Western Sydney team won’t be a walkover like its namesake in that code. I expect them to be very competitive and surprise a number of teams throughout the year. Having said that let’s not forget you have a team that has started from scratch playing against a team that finished top of the table last season. Graham Arnold will have his men primed for the season opener and ready to give the Wanderers a frosty welcome into the competition. If this was any other code you would expect very short odds so take the juicy 1.80 odds available in some markets.
Newcastle v Adelaide
Sunday 15:00 AEST
Possibly the hardest game of the round to tip the result of. Newcastle have recruited former England international Emile Heskey over the past week, but one doubts his match fitness levels as he has only been in the country for a week. A cameo appearance off the bench could be the most one could ask for at this early stage in the season. As for Adelaide they fly back from their Asian cup quarter final in Uzbekistan Thursday morning Australia time, hardly the ideal perpetration. Given this, and being the first round of the season I am leaning towards Newcastle to get the three points on offer.
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar
Sunday 17:00 AEST
the game myself, and thousands of football fans have been looking forward to all winter. We all remember the controversial circumstances of how last years grand final finished in, now it’s Perth’s chance to gain some revenge. Brisbane are without championship manager Ange Postecoglu and will take time to adjust to a new way of playing, whilst Perth have bolstered their defence with through the signing of former Gold Coast defender Michael Thwaite. Both teams are at similar odds, a d normally I would be backing the draw, but given home ground advantage and the revenge factor I think Perth will get the narrow victory.
