Aust. A-League
2016-01-26 - Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC
A Sports Betting Pick by Downunder
Football : Australia : A-League round 16
Date: Tuesday, 26 January 2016
Kick-off: 7:30 PM (Local) (7:30 PM (AEDT) 10:30AM (GMT)
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Head to Head
A-League 2015/2016
14 Nov 2015..Sydney FC..2-4..Melbourne Victory
A-League 2014/2015
17 May 2015..Melbourne Victory..3-0..Sydney FC
04 Feb 2015..Sydney FC..3-3..Melbourne Victory
13 Dec 2014..Melbourne Victory..3-3..Sydney FC
15 Nov 2014..Sydney FC..0-0..Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory (5th) LDWDW
The Victory have got their mojo back after a horror stagnant patch that saw them lose 4 games on the trot, and with only one win in the last seven games, they dealt to league leaders Brisbane Roar 4-0 last weekend.
Coach Muscat will want the team to replicate that high tempo game, and start well against Sydney in this on, as last time these teams met, Victory needed to come from behind twice to triumph 4-2 over Sydney FC.
The veteran Archie Thompson might get a run in the second half if needed , as he has scored 14 of his 90 A-League goals against Sydney - his best record against any team in the A-League.
Whilst the impressive fire power up front for Melbourne remains the same; Kosta Barbarouses, Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Besart Berisha, the key difference from last week will be in defense, where Daniel Georgievski returns from suspension.
The young Stefan Nigro had a stand out game last week at right-back, and should benefit playing aside the experienced Georgievski tonight.
Sydney FC (4th) DWDWW
Coach Arnold will be pleased with Sydney’s progress to date, they seem to be getting the results whilst staying under the radar, but it will be a big test for them tonight. It was the Victory that beat them in last season’s grand final.
Shane Smeltz got the deciding goal last week in the Sydney derby in the dying minutes of the game, but he needs to do more, as that was only the strikers 2nd goal this season.
Marque signing a Slovakian Filip Hološko has only got 4 goals, so if Sydney are to get anything out of this game, one if not both have to fire tonight.
The central midfield will be without 32year old Alex Brosque as has pulled a hamstring, but Graham Arnold has opted for youth and has recalled from under 23 duties for Australia, Alex Gerbach, Andrew Hoole, and Brandon O’Neill.
The Betting Verdict
Melbourne Victory have an exceptional record against Sydney, its two years to the day (and seven games) since the Victory lost to Sydney (3-4-0).
Sydney have lost once in their travels this season (3-3-1), but that team was Adelaide, and they play a similar style as Victory, fast and attacking football.
I’m picking both teams to score, in a high tempo game. The only worry for me is the referee for this match is a bit of an enigma. Strebre Delovski seems to have a knack for controversy, he almost always has an influence on the game, It would not surprise me if Besart Berisha wins a penalty claim!
Melbourne Victory can leapfrog Sydney if they win by more than 2 goals tonight.
The Pick :
Melbourne Victory 3 - 1 Sydney FC
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take Melbourne Victory to WIN @ $2.05 at BetVictor
