MEDIA RELEASE
September 21, 2012
Phoenix need results on the road to be champions

Winning on the road will again be key to the Wellington Phoenix’s hopes of winning their first-ever Hyundai A-League football championship title, says the TAB.

The Phoenix have been listed an $11 shot by the TAB to win the 2013 championship, with 2011 and 2012 champions Brisbane Roar the $4.50 favourites to make it a three-peat of A-League titles.

The Phoenix kick off their campaign at home to Sydney FC on October 6 – the visitors set to unveil superstar striker Alessandro Del Piero at Westpac Stadium.

However, despite the outstanding credentials of the former Juventus ace and Italian World Cup winner, the TAB has picked the Phoenix ($2.30) to shade the Sky Blues ($2.80) in their opening clash.

TAB bookie Mark Stafford said the Phoenix would need to pick up points away from home to be genuine title contenders.

“Their form at the Ring of Fire is undeniable. Westpac Stadium’s a fortress and that’s why we think the Bling will likely go away empty-handed in the opener – even with Del Piero leading their line.

“But it’s getting points on the road that has always proven the problem for the Nix when it comes to pressing for the title. We’re confident they’ll make the playoffs again this season but going all the way will come down to how well they can get things going across the ditch.

“Still, this could be their time. They’ve recruited well by adding some quality overseas and young local talent to complement what’s an impressive and established core group.”

The TAB has Melbourne Victory second-favourites for the title and Sydney FC third. Shane Smeltz’s Perth Glory – the team that ended the Phoenix’s charge for the grand final last season – are $8 shots alongside perennial contenders the Central Coast Mariners.

New boys the Western Sydney Wanderers – reportedly close to signing German ace Michael Ballack – are tipped to take the wooden spoon in their debut season.

The TAB has also opened a special book in recognition of the influence Del Piero could well have in the October 6 opener at Westpac Stadium.

“Should he play – and fingers crossed he does because it’ll be an amazing occasion – we’ve got him at $2.70 to score at least one goal,” said Stafford.

“Del Piero’s the biggest name to hit the A-League and he really could rip it up. We’ve got him at $30 to nail a hat-trick against the Phoenix and, given his pedigree, that’s a decent chance.

“So that means Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante and Manny Muscat will be out to make sure the Nix give him a typically ‘friendly’ welcome to Wellington.”

TAB – Hyundai A-League outright winner
Brisbane Roar $4.50
Melbourne Victory $5.50
Sydney FC $6
Central Coast Mariners $8
Perth Glory $8
Adelaide United $11
Wellington Phoenix $11
Newcastle Jets $15
Melbourne Heart $17
Western Sydney Wanderers $25

ENDS

© Scoop Media