TFT Issue 531!
FreeHowdy guys and girls!
Featured game
Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets – under 2.5 goals at 5/6.
Today’s featured game is the Australian A-League game between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.
Sydney FC captured the attention of the whole A-League with the signature of veteran Italian striker Alessandro Del Piero and rightfully so; he’s the most talented player to have ever been registered with an A-League squad, for my money. Looking at the odds for Sydney to win today’s games, however, you do get the impression that people are backing them purely because they can name one of their players. The truth is that as superb as Del Piero still unquestionably is, he’s not playing with a lot of support right now due to Sydney selling a number of important players pre-season. Out went Bridge, Bruno Cazarine, Karol Kisel, Makela, Carle, Grant, and Beauchamp, the majority of which were regular starters. They’ve not replaced many of them, either, which is a pretty big problem. Barring the departure of Beauchamp, their defence has remained entact and that’s one positive note for Crook as Sydney’s defence was the primary reason behind them getting any points last season. However, this side looks very ordinary when it comes to making things happen and that was very evident against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand last weekend. Del Piero is capable of winning any game for the hosts but the reality is that at the present time, Sydney FC are not helping him out enough.
Visitors Newcastle Jets are in a similar position to their hosts but with less able players. Captain and leader Wheelhouse has pleaded with the club’s fans for patience following a depressing 0-2 defeat against Adelaide United, in which the hosts offered very little to encourage their fans. Newcastle Jets are notorious for being a defensive side – and a good one too – albeit more evident when they’re playing at home. They do possess some good players but they’re short in number due to them almost going out of business pre-season. Their marquee signing was big Emile Heskey, who has already made his make on the A-League by flattening Adelaide United goalkeeper Galekovic in a very strong challenge. Heskey will be a good addition for the Jets when it comes to winning balls in the air and holding the ball up but much like Del Piero on the opposing side, Heskey simply doesn’t have enough support. He’s not a natural finisher so sending him through one-on-one will often see him fail. However, pump the ball into the box from set pieces and crosses and you’ll see precisely what he can give. Still, they’re adapting to his ways so not all is rosy in the camp right now. The absence of goalkeeper Birighitti and defender Bosschaart don’t make today’s game any easier although the somewhat predictable nature of their hosts does improve the chances of the Jets getting something from this game quite substantially.
I would almost always oppose Newcastle Jets away from home, especially this season. However, Sydney FC really haven’t convinced me yet and the Jets do know how to defend, if nothing else. Therefore, I have to consider odds of 5/6 on this one going under 2.5 goals as a good value bet.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 5/6.
Team news
Australian A-League:
Sydney FC – Sherlock and Bosschaart are absent. Antonis is a doubt.
Newcastle Jets – Birighitti is absent.
Brisbane Roar – Meyer is absent.
Melbourne Victory – Rojas, Milligan, and Thompson are absent.