Sportsbet Blog

The 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season is really beginning to heat up now as we move in to round 3. So far we have seen Gold Coast United and Sydney FC win both of their opening games and both teams are looking quite confident and playing some great football.

Personally, I am most interested in Friday nights’ soccer game between Adelaide United and Gold Coast United. Can the in-form Gold Coast United defeat the 2008/09 runners-up is the question that I would like to see answered.

So far, Perth Glory and North Queensland have not taken home any points from the first two games and will be looking to do so this round. The last thing that they want to do is fall behind so early in the season.

Shane Smeltz of Gold Coast United has been named as Player of the Week for round 2 after scoring 4 goals in the Gold Coast’s 5-0 thrashing of North Queensland. Smeltz is also leading the goal scoring by 3 goals with second place currently being held by four players with 2 goals.

Adama Traore is being touted as the player to watch as the left sided full back played stunningly in his debut for Gold Coast United last week. Electrifying is the term being used to describe the Ivorian full back.

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My tips for round three are as follows.

Friday 21^st August @ 7.30pm

Adelaide United FC vs. Gold Coast United

Friday night will see Adelaide United FC host Gold Coast United at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide. Set to be a close match between the in-form side and the 2008/09 aleague runners up. If this game sees a winner then I would pick Gold Coast, however with such closely matched sides I can only see a draw.

My Prediction – Draw with odds of $2.45 at CentreBet.com.au. Final Score 1-1

Saturday 22^nd August @ 3pm

Central Coast Mariners FC vs. Sydney FC

Saturday afternoon is bound to show us a close match between the Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC. The match will kick off at 3pm local time at the Bluetongue Stadium on the Central Coast.

My Tip – Draw ($2.65 @ CentreBet.com.au). Final Score 2-2.

Saturday 22^nd August @ 5pm

North Queensland Fury vs. Melbourne Victory FC

The Melbourne Victory will be the more likely winner in this match-up, but even though they are the better side, I believe a draw is on the cards. The match will be played at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

My Tip – Draw ($1.83 @ CentreBet.com.au). Final Score 1-1.

Sunday 23^rd August @ 3pm

Brisbane Roar FC vs. Wellington Phoenix FC

Brisbane is the obvious pick for me here. They are a much higher quality outfit in comparison to Wellington Phoenix and should take an easy win at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

My Tip – Brisbane Roar ($1.73 @ CentreBet.com.au) by 3 goals. Score 4-1.

Sunday 23^rd August @ 3pm

Perth Glory FC vs. Newcastle Jets FC

The final match of round three will see Perth Glory take on the Newcastle Jets at the Members Equity Stadium in Perth. Starting at 3pm on Sunday, it is my belief that the Perth Glory will take the win.

My Tip – Perth Glory ($2.05 @ CentreBet.com.au) by 1 goal. Final Score 2-1.

See the round 20 2010 tips here

Round 20′s tips are tough this round with many very important games that will impact who is in the top 8 this year. None more so than the Port V Carlton clash which could see the loser miss a spot in the finals for 2009.

The AFL must have gotten through to some of the bottom of the ladder teams about the whole “tanking” issue with both West Coast and Freo having classy wins last weekend which has mixed things up for this round and the final games of the season.

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Hawthorn V Adelaide Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Hawthorn

The Hawks keep disappointing with  three losses in as many weeks but other results have gone their way and they still have a sniff for a chance to defend their Premiership in the finals this year. This is their final chance. They must beat the Crows this weekend and I think they will come out firing at the MCG and take the win. The bookies don’t think they can and Sportsbet have priced the Hawks at $2.07 to the Crows $1.76.

Alot will depend on the inclusions for the Crows. Brett Burton rates himself a 50-50 chance to play and both Patrick Danger Field and David Mackay will be tested later in the week.

Bet of the match: Hawks to win between 1-19 points with odds of $4.50

Richmond V Collingwood Saturday at the MCG

Tip: Collingwood

Collingwood have proven that they are the 3rd best team going around with a win over the Crows at AAMI stadium last week. The Pies are playing some good football at the right time of the season and I can’t see Richmond getting in the road. Collingwood will be out to lock-in the 3rd spot on the ladder to avoid St Kilda in the first week of the finals. With a couple of tougher games ahead they need to have a comfortable win this weekend

Bet of the match: Collingwood 1-39 points paying $2.50

West Coast V North Melbourne Saturday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: West Coast

Well, who would have thought West Coast would have had any chance last week against the Dogs. The Eagles youth looked much more classy than their opposition and have now demanded the respect from the teams above them. Andrew Embley had his best game of the season and a probable 3 Brownlow votes and should do well again in front of his home crowd.

Daniel Wells is a chance to return to the senior list for the Roos with a good effort in the seconds last weekend which will make it an interesting game in the midfield. This is where the game will be won and my prediction is West Coast to win by 24 points.

Bet of the match: West Coast half time-Full time double at $1.60

Brisbane V Western Bulldogs Saturday Night at the Gabba

Tip: Brisbane

This is one of the biggest matches in round twenty that will shape the finals series. The winner will move into 4th position and a double chance in the finals with just two games to go. The Bulldogs have had a horror run recently with only 2 wins out of their last 5 games. To continue their woes important midfielder Daniel Cross is out that will see the Dogs slide down the ladder even more.

The Bulldogs lack key players at both ends of the ground with only Brian Lake standing true to his defensive position. This is where it will come undone, Brisbane have to many targets up forward that will see them kick a winning score.

Bet of the match: Brisbane for the straight win with odds of $1.78

Sydney V Geelong Saturday Night at ANZ Stadium

Tip: Geelong

An important game for both clubs with Sydney clinging onto finals hopes and Geelong needing to get into form before the finals with some unexpected losses recently. In the end the Cats should get the points at ANZ stadium but not without a fight.

Geelong’s injury worries continue into this game with Mathew Stokes (quad) and Max Rooke (knee) likely to miss.

Harry Taylor and Steve Johnson should be okay to play this weekend and the inclusion of Matthew Scarlett in the backline should see Geelong home.

Bet of the match: Geelong between 1-39 points paying $2.25

Melbourne V Fremantle Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Fremantle

The battle of the cellar dwellers. Demons will be trying many different things this weekend to keep the prospects of a priority draft pick as they sit on the bottom with 3 wins. Freo are now two games clear of the dreaded bottom of the ladder with 5 wins will be looking to show the footy world what their youth is capable of after a big win over Port last week. Players like Chris Mayne, Greg Broughton and Garrick Ibbotson are all shining lights for the Dockers and should continue their good form into this game.

Melbourne will be without star Cameron Bruce for the game after a season ending wrist injury last week.

Bet of the match: Fremantle to win paying $1.74

Port Adelaide V Carlton Sunday at AAMI Stadium

Tip: Port Adelaide

This weeks game of the round will change the outlook of both teams. A win here will all but insure a finals spot making for a very high pressure game. Power will need to bounce back after a shocking 42 point loss to Freo last week that continued their seventh consecutive loss on the road.

Port play AAMI stadium pretty well and should put it up to the Blues who are coming off a high after comfortable beating Geelong last week. Warren Tredrea is the key to the match for Port. He is showing fair form at the moment and if he can fire Port should win. I’m tipping Port to win by around 24 points.

Bet of the match: Go with Port to win under 39 points with odds of $2.65

Essendon V St Kilda Sunday Afternoon at Etihad Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

When will the unbeaten run end for St Kilda? Not this weekend. The Saints will get back alot of their top players and will be a dominate force. St Kilda broke two records last weekend that would scare any team. They made the most tackles in a game (115) and are the first team to win in every Australian state in one year.

St Kilda are playing for another record this weekend and if they win they will equal the longest winning streak in the AFL. Funnily enough Essendon currently holds the record with their famous run in the year 2000 with 20 wins in a row. The Saints are unstoppable at Etihad Stadium and have plenty of depth in their list, a near perfect combination.

Essendon will gain Andrew Welsh and Andrew Lovett back in the team but again will be without captain Matthew Lloyd and midfielder Jason Winderlich. It will be a very tough day at the office for the Dons.

My prediction is Saints by 30 points.

Bet of the match: Saints to be first team to score paying $1.63

Update: See Our Round 19 2010 tips here

Round 19 bring along a few tricky footy tips that could go either way.

The hardest game to pick is the Richmond V Sydney game at the MCG, both teams are coming off good form which makes for great footy. Another great football game will be Adelaide V Collingwood. Can the Pies win on the road or will the Crows bounce back with a win at home.

Carlton V Geelong Friday Night at the MCG

Tip: Geelong

The Cats have looked a little out of touch in the past few weeks but have had enough class to get over the line against top sides. They shouldn’t have a problem in round nineteen although Mark Thompson has said that Matthew Scarlett, Harry Taylor and Tom Lonergan aren’t certainties to return to the side as they recover from slight injuries. Paul Chapman will be sidelined with a hamstring problem continuing the Cats injury woes.

Nick Stevens will be one to watch and has proven his spot in the team after a stint on the sidelines. He should continue to do well for the Blues.

Take Geelong between 1-39. 2.25 at Sportsbet

Western Bulldogs V West Coast Saturday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: Western Bulldogs

Sportsbet expect the Doggies ($1.05) to win against the Eagles ($10.00) and get some breathing space from the growing pack below with the Pies, Lions and Crows all in striking distance of their 3rd spot. They are playing great team footy at the moment need a big percentage booster this weekend with some very tough matches for their final three games of the season in the Cats, Lions and Pies.

40+ would be a good bet here with the odds of 1.50 with Sportsbet

Hawthorn V St Kilda at Aurora Stadium

Tip: St Kilda

This could turn out to be an interesting game in Tazzie. The Saints were lucky to get over the line last week in a 1 point thriller keeping they unbeaten record intact. They will be looking to get back the dominance they held for much of the first half of the season but with all the outs it may be a big ask. Riewoldt, Hayes, Goddard, Montagna and Baker all not taking the field on Sunday.

Its D-day for the Hawks, if they lose this weekend it will make it very tough for them to make the finals this year. They were disappointing last week and I can’t see them overcoming the St Kilda mid field but with all the St Kilda outs they are a very good chance.

I like the Saints between 1-39. The weather can play havoc in Tazzie and may be a low scoring game.

Essendon V Brisbane Saturday Night at the MCG

Tip: Brisbane

Essendon who are now out of the top 8 desperately need a win to get their season back on track. They expect live wire Alwyn Davey and Mark McVeigh to return to the Essendon side giving them some much needed options around the ground.

With Matthew Lloyd and midfielder Jason Winderlich are likely to be out with injuries. It will make life much easier for Brisbane and my prediction is they should get home comfortably.

Take Brisbane for a straight out win here at around 1.65

Adelaide V Collingwood Saturday Night at AAMI Stadium
Tip: Collingwood

This should be a stellar game with both teams showing recent good form and fighting over the 4th spot on the ladder. Adelaide showed great fight in Geelong last week that just saw them miss out on a win, if they can replicate that effort it will see them lead alot of the game. Although Sportsbet have the Crows as $1.77 favourite I think the Pies have what it takes to get a win here. All the Collingwood big names are firing including Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Alan Didak and Leon Davis which should see them get over the line.

There’s good value for the Pies by under 19. Its paying 4.35 and worth a few dollars.

North Melbourne V Melbourne Sunday at Etihad Stadium

Tip: North Melbourne

With Melbourne still with the priority draft pick window open you cant go past the Roos. Melbourne continue to experiment with players in different positions around the ground causing errors and opposition goals. Not a recipe for a winning team.

My prediction is the Kangaroos by 30 points and will pay 4.35 for between 20-39 points.

Richmond V Sydney, Sunday at the MCG

Tip: Sydney

This will be a huge day for the Swans as a club with Michael O’Loughlin becoming the first Sydney Swans player to play 300 games. Sydney had one of their games of the season with a gallant effort against the league leaders St Kilda last weekend that just saw them fall short by 1 point.

The whole O’Loughlin factor on Saturday will see his side get him the win. Jesse White continues to show promise with 3 goals last weekend and will be another one to watch.

Surprisingly the bookies have Richmond as Favourite so there plenty of value for the Swans. I’m taking Sydney in the Half time-Full Time Double paying 2.75 at Sportsbet.

Fremantle V Port Adelaide Sunday at Subiaco Oval

Tip: Port Adelaide

With Port now in the coveted 8th spot they have Essendon and the Hawks chewing at their ankles for their position. Both teams have a higher percentage than Port so they have everything to play for as they get a hit at a bottom side.

They shouldn’t have much trouble. Freo lack the confidence to take the risks needed with the ball that wins games and will struggle to find the space to move the ball freely. 32 gamer Robert Gray is having a good year up forward with 4 goals last weekend increasing his goals to 26 this year.

I see Port Adelaide by under 19 points as the best be here paying 4.24

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