Competence: League A
Market: Clayton Taylor more than 0.5 shots on goal
Odd: 4/7 @BetUS
Looking to make another statement and extend their lead at the top of the A-League standings, Newcastle travel to Perth on Friday morning.
Starting with the hosts, despite enjoying what was a stellar run of three consecutive wins either side of the start of December, Perth have once again drastically struggled to find any sort of stability of late. Finally forced to settle for a thrilling 2-2 draw at Macarthur last time out, Adam Griffiths’ side have recorded just one win in any of their four previous A-League appearances and essentially find themselves sitting in national limbo. However, despite facing what will undoubtedly be a tough test on Friday morning, Glory will find some solace in their tough success at home. After springing a surprise by closing out January with a 2-1 victory against reigning A-League champions Auckland, Perth have won three of their last four meetings at HBF Park. Also of note, Griffiths’ men recorded a shock 2-1 victory when they traveled to McDonald Jones Stadium for their A-League reverse clash on 23 November.
As for visitors, breaking a number of records and suddenly at the heart of what has become an iconic fairy tale, Newcastle has firmly cemented its place as Australia’s biggest surprise this season. Noticeably leading the chase at the top of the A-League standings and with the atmosphere in Mark Milligan’s camp at an all-time high, Friday’s guests have rightly received a number of plaudits and will simply look to extend their lead over the chasing group here. Newcastle, last seen with a thrilling 3-2 win in Adelaide, have surprisingly won their previous six consecutive appearances in the A-League. Closing out January with back-to-back 4-1 wins against Wellington and Brisbane, the Jets have also earned a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. Opening the New Year with a 3-1 win in Auckland, Newcastle have scored 37 goals in their 16 A-League meetings so far this season and comfortably boast the best attacking tally among Australia’s elite.
Bet: Clayton Taylor over 0.5 shots on target against Perth Glory 4/7 for Friday’s A-League clash @ BetUS
