A-League preview - Round 20

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A-League preview - Round 20

Thursday, February 7, 2013

	ADELAIDE UNITED v VICTORY
Hindmarsh Stadium, Friday 8.00pm AEDT
The promotion of former assistant Michael Valkanis to head coach failed to snap Adelaide out of their A-League freefall last week. The Reds suffered their third straight loss against Western Sydney to leave them in danger of dropping back to the pack after seemingly having a top-four spot stitched up. If any fixture is likely to inspire them out of their funk, though, surely it's this one. Matches between these arch rivals are almost always competitive and the Reds prevailed 4-2 when they last met in December. Still, Adelaide will need much more than adrenaline against a Victory side which is flying under Ange Postecoglou and eyeing off top spot. Key: Adelaide's defence has been horrible of late, conceding 11 goals in four games. That could spell disaster against the likes of Marco Rojas, Archie Thompson and Marcos Flores. Tip: Victory
Last clash: Adelaide 4 bt Melbourne Victory 2 at Hindmarsh Stadium, Dec 2012	Head to head: Adelaide 9, drawn 5, Melbourne Victory 15
$2.75	Draw: $3.45	$2.30

	HEART v GLORY
AAMI Park, Saturday 5.30pm AEDT
It's hard to believe Perth Glory were grand finalists only last season after a dismal run of form which has seen them plunge to the bottom of the ladder. Ian Ferguson's men are not getting blown away by any measure, with 1-0 losses in their past three games, but Glory are drawing serious blanks in attack. The return of star striker Shane Smeltz should help their cause. The Heart will see this match as a huge opportunity to boost their finals hopes and they tend to produce their best football at home. Injuries remain a problem for John Aloisi's side with striker Josip Tadic (toe) the latest casualty. Key: In Perth's Smeltz and Heart's Eli Babalj both sides have potential game breakers and you get a sense one moment of magic could decide this one. Tip: Heart
Last clash: Melbourne Heart 1 bt Perth Glory 0 at AAMI Park, Dec 2012	Head to head: Melbourne Heart 2, drawn 3, Perth 4
$2.30	Draw: $3.45	$2.85

	WANDERERS v JETS
Campbelltown Stadium, Saturday 7.45pm AEDT
The Wanderers' remarkable season shows no sign of slowing down and this shapes up as yet another winnable match for Tony Popovic's side. The Jets have been up and down for much of the season while Western Sydney are a picture of consistency recently with a club-record four-match winning streak. Newcastle are one of only two sides the A-League rookies are yet to beat and they'll be keen to add another notch on their belt. Both sides made key re-signings during the week with Wanderers excitement machine Youssouf Hersi and Newcastle captain Ruben Zadkovich inking new deals. Both will be full of confidence and out to make an impact. Key: Will the decision to switch the game to Campbelltown backfire for the Wanderers, who have built a formidable home record and atmosphere at Parramatta Stadium? Tip: Wanderers
Last clash: Newcastle 2 bt Western Sydney 1 at Parramatta Stadium, Oct 2012	Head to head: Western Sydney 0, drawn 0, Newcastle 1
$1.70	Draw: $3.60	$4.50

	SYDNEY FC v ROAR
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 5.00pm AEDT
Neither side has had too much to cheer about in 2012/13 but both still have plenty to play for. Mixed bags of results have left both sides sitting on the fringe of the top six, knowing that crucial games in the coming weeks could determine their seasons. The reigning champions Roar have shown glimpses of returning to form in recent weeks and new signings Jade North and Dutchman Stef Nijland are sure to have benefited from a first run out in last week's draw with Central Coast. An understrength Sydney showed their grit in drawing with Newcastle last week, though their their discipline remains a concern with Joel Griffiths and Terry McFlynn suspended for this one. The Sky Blues do get back Fabio and Tiago Calvano from one-match bans while Jason Culina and Brett Emerton could both return from injury. Key: Alessandro Del Piero's contribution of 10 goals is the reason Sydney's finals hopes are still alive. His presence ensures anything is possible for the Sky Blues. Tip: Draw
Last clash: Brisbane Roar 4 bt Sydney FC 2 at Suncorp Stadium, Nov 2012	Head to head: Sydney FC 6, drawn 10, Brisbane 10
$2.80	Draw: $3.40	$2.30