Aust. A-League
2015-04-12 - Melbourne City FC vs Wellington Phoenix
A Sports Betting Pick by Downunder
Football : Australia : A-League 6th Roundl
Date: Sunday, 12 April 2015
Kick-Off: 5:00 PM (Local and AEDT) 9:00am GMT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Head to Head
A-League 2014/2015
14 Feb 2015…Wellington Phoenix…0-0…Melbourne City FC
30 Nov 2014…Wellington Phoenix…5-1…Melbourne City FC
A-League 2013/2014
16 Mar 2014…Melbourne City FC…2-2…Wellington Phoenix
16 Feb 2014…Wellington Phoenix…0-5…Melbourne City FC
27 Dec 2013…Melbourne City FC…0-1…Wellington Phoenix
Last 5 Games
Melbourne City : DWWWL
Wellington Phoenix: LLWWW
Melbourne City (6th)
Melbourne City have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four A-League games, conceding just one goal in the other match during this run. its these results that seen them climb up the table and cement 6th spot.
Coach John van't Schip is staring to see results from Damien Duff's injury replacement player, Martinique international Harry Novillo. His solo effort goal last week earned the team a draw against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Another success story for the coach is the new found maturity of central midfielder Aaron Mooy, he has been outstanding since his return from international duty lately but also has created a league-high 70 goal-scoring chances in the A-League this season. He was snapped up by City on a free after being released by Western Sydney Wanderers at the end of last season.
Veteran Josh Kennedy will lead the charge up front and at 1.94 metres, should cause problems for the Phoenix defense that is missing Ben Sigmund.
Connor Chapman returns from suspension and is likely to start in his favoured position of central defender.
Wellington Phoenix (5th)
The Phoenix have been savaged in their last 2 games, and it is due to the fact that the Phoenix squad is paper thin, there is a real drop from the first team regulars and the bench. Injuries and the international call up last month hurt the Phoenix starting line up, the defense look confused, and the midfield was absent. The only player to take his chance was the Costa Rican, Kenny Cunningham, who played the destroyer in the midfield and chased down the opposition.
Veteran striker Joel Griffiths looks like his season might be over with a knee injury sustained during the loss to Victory last weekend. Defender Ben Sigmund has a quad strain that will mean he is out for one more week at least, but on a positive note Albert Riera returns from suspension and will slot straight back into the midfield along side a fit again Vince Lia.
The strengthening of the midfield will be essential if the Phoenix are going to get anything out of this game. With Micheal Mclinchy and Roly Bonevacia being given a free role, expect Nathan Burns to get more goal mouth action and improve on his tally of 13 goals
The Betting Verdict
if you are prepared to take a punt, there is good money to be had backing the Phoenix to bounce back after two poor results that saw them ship six unanswered goals.
Where a win for Melbourne only restores distance between 6th and 7th place for them, full points for the Phoenix will see them back into home semi-final contention.
Melbourne City have won just one of their last 10 A-League games against Wellington Phoenix. The win bet for the Phoenix is mouth-watering, and a real possibility if Wellington can get their midfield sorted.
The Pick :
Melbourne City FC 0 - 1 Wellington Phoenix
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Shrimp on the Barbie (main bet)Take Phoenix Double Chance: Win/Draw @ $1.95 at Bet365
and if you after a small salad with that (small bet) ...
Take Wellington Phoenix to Win @ $ 4.00 at Bet365
