With round 1 of the new 2009 season about to kick off, things are really beginning to heat up for all involved in the A-League. According to Ben Buckley, the Football Federation Australia CEO, “The Hyundai A-League is bigger and better than ever.”
The start of the new season also sees an expansion in the A-League with the inclusion of 2 new teams, Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury. With the inclusion of these 2 new teams the A-League has grown to become a 10 team competition in only its fifth year.
The Hyundai A-League round one kicks off with the 2009 Grand Final winners, Melbourne Victory taking on the Central Coast Mariners at Eithiad Stadium on Thursday. Then on Friday, last year’s second place finishers, Adelaide United will face a revamped Perth Glory side.
This great opening to the season will be backed up by soccer matches on Saturday between new side North Queensland Fury and Sydney FC and then later that night we have Brisbane Roar up against the second new team Gold Coast United. Sunday will see the final match of the first round played between the Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix.
Compared to last season, there will be six more rounds of football in the home and away season. This comes to a total of 142 matches including a Top 6 Finals Series.
The season will end on the 14th of February 2010 and will be topped off with the Hyundai A-League Grand Final on Saturday the 20th March 2010.
My thoughts and tips for the first round are as follows.
Thursday 6th August @ 8pm
Melbourne Victory FC vs. Central Coast Mariners FC
This is set to be a possible blowout with reigning premiers Melbourne Victory taking on the Central Coast Mariners at Eithiad Stadium, Melbourne. The Melbourne Victory are $1.58 favourites and I would not bet against them in this opening round. A draw is paying $3.60 @ IASBet.com.au.
My Tip – Melbourne Victory ($1.58 @ IASBet) by 3 goals. Final Score 4-1.
Friday 7th August @ 7.30pm
Adelaide United FC vs. Perth Glory FC
The match up here between 2009 runner-ups Adelaide United and Perth Glory could turn into a thriller at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. Adelaide United are the favourites to win, but not by much paying $2.15 @ IASBet. Meanwhile, Perth Glory are paying the same as a draw. $3.25 @ IASBet.
My Tip – Adelaide United by 1 goal. Final Score 1-0.
Saturday 8th August @ 5.30pm
North Queensland Fury vs. Sydney FC
This could possibly be another close game as newcomers North Queensland ($3.25 @ IASBet.com.au) take on Sydney FC at Dairy Farmers Stadium. Sydney FC are the clear favourites with odds of $2.15 @ IASBet.com.au. However, the newcomers may very well have what it takes to win and they will be pushing to get there A-League season off to a good start.
My Tip – Draw ($3.25 @ IASBet.com.au). Final Score 2-2.
Saturday 8th August @ 7.30pm
Brisbane Roar FC vs. Gold Coast United
The second football game to be played on Saturday night is Brisbane Roar ($2.50 @ IASBet.com.au) vs. Gold Coast United ($2.60 @ IASBet.com.au) at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Looking at being a very close game, newcomers Gold Coast United will be striving to get on the board early and produce win.
My Tip – Draw ($3.25 @ IASBet.com.au). Final Score 1-1.
Sunday 9th August @ 3pm
Newcastle Jets FC vs. Wellington Phoenix FC
The final game for the round to be played Energy Australia Stadium, Newcastle. My prediction here, I cannot see anything here but a win for the Newcastle Jets ($1.90 @ IASBet.com.au). Wellington Phoenix ($3.80 @ IASBet.com.au) will be lucky if they even have a chance of winning after half time.
My Tip – Newcastle Jets by 3 goals. Final Score 3-0.
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