A League / Vin Lowe / 11 September 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Adelaide Utd host the Central Coast Mariners on Friday evening in a match that looks too close to call. Despite Adelaide's disappointing start to the season the Reds are due a good result and United will welcome back skipper Travis Dodd for this fixture to partner Lloyd Owusu up front who has an "80/20" chance of playing according to coach Aurelio Vidmar, writes Nick Parkhouse.

In contrast, the Mariners have settled down quickly this season and boast a mean defensive record with just three goals conceded. Lawrie McKinna does have a selection headache for this match however as talented midfielder Michael McGlinchey will miss the tie after representing New Zealand in their 3-1 friendly win over Jordan on Thursday morning.
It may well be a tight game but I can see Adelaide nicking this one in front of their passionate home support.

Gold Coast sits proudly atop the table after five matches although United face a tricky away fixture this weekend against an inconsistent Perth Glory side. Perth coach Dave Mitchell has injury concerns over Dutch winger Viktor Sikora and former captains Jamie Coyne and Jamie Harnwell but hopes all three will be fit to face the league leaders.

United has also endured a difficult week, losing key midfielder Joel Porter to a calf injury that will see him miss the next three matches. The Brazilian Milson should fill that role but much will depend on the condition of Shane Smeltz who is being flown back from New Zealand's friendly by private jet in order to make the game. United might well be satisfied with a point in this one.

The Jets host the Roar and Newcastle will be looking to continue their surprising early season form. Brisbane lost talented forward Robbie Kruse to Melbourne this week and with Charlie Miler and Danny Tiatto struggling to complete ninety minutes the season has been uninspiring so far for the Queenslanders.

The Jets however have been a revelation after last season's dreadful run and coach Branko Culina believes his side can get even better. With only two draws in thirteen league meetings this tie generally throws up a result, and the Jets can continue to improve with another hard-earned win.

It has been a story of 'close but no cigar' for North Queensland Fury in their debut A-League season. Ian Ferguson's side could easily have taken six points from their last two matches were it not for two late equalisers against Adelaide and Brisbane but the consensus is that they have steadily improved over their five games so far.

Sydney have shown signs of being able to sustain a challenge for the title this season although they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Gold Coast United last time out. Saying that, Sydney have yet to concede a goal at home and in front of their own fans I expect them to leave the Fury rooted at the foot of the table.

Melbourne might have played some delightful football in recent weeks but with only five points in the bag it is time for the Victory to start registering some much-needed points. They welcome Kevin Muscat back from injury and despite losing striker Danny Allsopp to the riches of the Middle East they have brought in Brisbane talents Robbie Kruse and Mate Dugandzic.

Wellington have been comfortable beaten at the Etihad stadium in recent visits and I can't foresee anything but the same fate for the Phoenix this weekend.