New Zealand Football Championship - 15th December 2012

00:00 Otago United v Waikato FC Hamilton 11/10 13/5 12/5
01:00 Auckland City v Youngheart Manawatu 1/8 10/1 19/1
01:00 Cantebury United v Waitakere United 9/5 11/4 11/8
01:00 Hawkes Bay United v Team Wellington 5/4 14/5 2/1


Otago United v Waikato FC Hamilton
Both teams are struggling so far this season, both with one win, which both came last time out. Otago's came away to a relatively decent Team Wellington, while Waikato's came away to fellow strugglers Youngheart Manawatu.

The reason for this bet however is that eight of the Waikato squad have walked out of the club following the sacking of the manager. These include midfielder Jesse Esge (5 apps), attacker Harry Edge (1 app), attacker Ryan Thomas (5 apps, 1 goal), attacker Bailey Webster (5 apps) and defender Mohammed Awad (5 apps). Though not all first team regulars, there's been enough to disrupt the squad from the pervious game and cause unrest within the rest of the squad.

Otago should start with the same team that won away in Wellington and will be looking to build on that win. Waikato, despite the promise created by their first win of the season, will now need to regroup for this match. I therefore feel that Otago should have the edge.

Otago United AH(-0.5) @ 11/10 - 3.5 points at 10Bet
Otago United EH -1 @ 3.50 - 1 point at PaddyPower
Otago United EH -2 @ 7.00 - 0.5 points at PaddyPower