A-League Betting Preview: Melbourne City represent Asian Handicap value against Sydney FC
Recommended bet: Asian Handicap – Melbourne City + 0.25 @ 21/20 (2.06) with bet365
It’s an early season top of the table clash at AAMI Park on Friday evening, as Melbourne City look to extend the only remaining 100% record in the A-League against the defending champions, Sydney FC.
Two early goals, the first a penalty, from Ross McCormack secured City a 2-0 win at Adelaide United last time out, even though they had to withstand some serious pressure in playing the final 30-minutes with 10-men, with midfielder Osama Malik was dismissed for two yellow cards against his former club.
Sydney also secured a 2-0 win last week, beating Perth Glory to maintain their own unbeaten start to the season, with both goals coming courtesy of spot-kicks at the end of each half from Bobô (who also missed an earlier penalty) and Adrian Mierzejewski.
McCormack has already bagged three goals this term, but City’s success to date has largely been built upon a solid defensive record that has seen them keep three clean sheets and concede just one goal in four games to date.
The Sky Blues haven’t been quite so tight at the back this season, having conceded four goals. That’s far from disastrous, but they only conceded 12 goals in the regular season last term, so they do appear to be a little more porous.
Sydney had the better of things when the teams faced each other last season, with two wins and a draw. That included a 3-1 win at AAMI Park, in a game in which Bobô scored twice for Sydney and City defender Manny Muscat was dismissed before the break.
The teams have also met once this season in the FFA Cup at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, with the Sky Blues running out 2-0 winners.
Sydney are the favourites with the bookies, but City look capable of taking at least a point from this match. The way to play this could be to back City on the Asian Handicap +0.25. With that bet, if City win then you win your bet at the odds backed. However, if the game finishes all square, you would still get half your stake matched at the winning odds and the other half of your stake refunded.
