- Modbury Jets are 3rd in South Australia State League 1 on 23 points from 12 games.
- The Cove FC are seventh on 20 points from 13 matches.
State League 1 clash is a clash of styles
South Australia's State League 1 provides the setting for a fascinating tactical battle this Saturday as two teams who are in poor form meet.
Modbury Jets sit third on 23 points from 12 after three consecutive defeats across all competitions, including a 0-2 home loss to Fulham United FC. The Jets' manager Maurice Natale has instilled an energetic, high-tempo philosophy in this squad, which demands intense pressing from the players and rapid transitions in attack.
They are favourites here at 2.01, although The Cove FC are as good as twice the price at 3.09 with a draw priced at 3.7. Over 2.5 goals looks like the best value bet in this match at 1.33.
The Cove have a different philosophy
The Cove FC are fresh from a pair of consecutive defeats to Adelaide Blue Eagles and Eastern United, having won just one and drawn one of their last five matches. They have the opposite philosophy to Modbury, preferring a more controlled rhythm and playing a more possession-based, patient build-up style.
The Cove FC's success is built on midfield dominance and technical superiority, although their home form has dipped of late with no wins in their last two at home. In their favour is the fact that Modbury have lost their previous three in all competitions, while the 3.7 draw looks too tempting a price given both teams' current plight.
An open game is on the cards
Modbury thrashed The Cove FC 5-0 at home just two months ago in the league, so they have the firepower and the know-how to take the game to their hosts. The Cove have played a similar amount of league games and are only three points behind in the table, so we're going to give the edge to Modbury in what could be an open contest between two different sides on a different day.
This clash represents a local rivalry as well as a battle of different footballing identities and the way that these two teams approach their matches in the State League 1.
