The Hyundai A-League is becoming incredibly competitive now that we move into round 9. What originally appeared as though it could be a blow-out 2009 A-league season now has three teams tied for first spot on the ladder.
Gold Coast United took their second loss in a row and third for the season last weekend while Perth Glory won and is now level on points with the top ranked side. Sydney FC, now ranked third, also took a loss.
The remaining 2 games saw Adelaide United take a much needed win while Wellington Phoenix and the Central Coast Mariners had a 0-0 stalemate.
Gold Coast United V Wellington Phoenix
8:00pm Friday Night at Skilled Park
Gold Coast United is in need of a win after losing their last two matches and I believe that they will get it this week. Wellington Phoenix is far from being the strongest outfit in the A-league and that will show on Friday night.
Tip: Gold Coast United – Odds of $1.41
Perth Glory V North Queensland Fury
3:30pm Saturday at ME Bank Stadium
This is a similar story to Friday night’s match. The Perth Glory is far too strong for North Queensland and I would expect them to unleash the fury on the Fury. In fact, I would be very surprised if the Perth side slots in less than 3 goals.
Tip: Perth Glory – Odds of $1.03
Melbourne Victory V Brisbane Roar
7:30pm Saturday at Etihad Stadium
This round 9 match-up will surely be quite competitive. The two teams are ranked equally only one point away from the A-league leaders. I wouldn’t expect a result better than a draw for either side here, but it should be a great game to watch.
Tip: Draw – Odds of $3.10
Sydney FC V Central Coast Mariners
3:00pm Sunday Afternoon at Sydney Football Stadium
Sydney FC has been near the top of the ladder all season so far and a loss here could very well see them fall a fair way down. The Central Coast Mariners have the perfect opportunity on Sunday to take at least a top 3 place and I would expect them to do so after Sydney FC’s recent form.
Tip: Central Coast Mariners – Odds of $3.05
Adelaide United V Newcastle Jets
4:30pm Sunday Afternoon at Hindmarsh Stadium
This should be another competitive game with both teams floating around the bottom of the ladder. Newcastle has lost their last 3 games and I would think that this will become number 4. Adelaide had a much needed win last week and they should easily do it again.
Tip: Adelaide United – Odds of $1.85
