A-League Round 19 Preview

After a routine kick around down in Wellington last week, Auckland FC are back in business in front of home fans on Saturday. AFC are still four points behind Newcastle at the top, but they host Melbourne City, who sit 10 points below them in 8^th.

The Black Knights haven’t had it all their own way against City. A draw away, a win at home and a loss away earlier in January this year. In fact, that’s the last game in the A-League Melbourne City won.

I think at even money, the smart play here is to back Auckland FC at home to get the job done.

But you could take a look at Auckland FC winning 2-0, 2-1 or 3-0 in the correct score combo markets. It offers a bit of value at $3.75 for what looks like a likely result.

It’s a new era down in the Capital after Auckland FC embarrassed the Nix yet again in the derby. A 5-0 loss at home in a derby is not good enough, and their head coach, Chiefy, decided to see himself out.

That means a new interim head coach, Chris Greenacre, will step in, and he’ll go about his business in the newly named Hnry Stadium (formerly Sky Stadium).

All eyes will be on Greenacre and if and how he can turn this side around.

This is actually a fixture that the Nix have done well in over the past few games. They’re undefeated in their last four meetings, with two wins and two draws.

Are we brave enough to back them in the win or draw market, considering their recent form? I think so. We see it in the EPL when teams get a manager bounce. A renewed energy (hopefully) in Hnry Stadium this Sunday.