Defending Champions Melbourne Victory are short priced favourites to kick-off the 2009/10 A-League campaign with a win over Central Coast Mariners tomorrow night. Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said it was hard to see Melbourne being beaten.

"Central Coast has not won a competitive match since New Year's Eve last year," said Sullivan.

"While history says they are one of the most competitive sides in the A-League it's a big ask to face an attacking line-up which includes Hernandez, Thompson and Allsopp, backed up by Fabbiano.

"I expect Melbourne to firm from the $1.65 currently on offer."

Sullivan said that the best value in this week's round of matches could come from Perth Glory on Friday night and new side Gold Coast United on Saturday.

"At $3.25 and $3.00 respectively these sides look tremendous value," said Sullivan.

"The Glory and Gold Coast have clearly been the best backed sides to win the title and despite both playing away from home, they will be keen to make an early statement."

MELBOURNE VICTORY v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS Sportingbet Australia Market Melbourne 1.65 Central Coast 5.50 Draw 3.50

ADELAIDE UNITED v PERTH GLORY Sportingbet Australia Market Adelaide 2.15 Perth 3.25 Draw 3.25

NORTH QUEENSLAND FURY v SYDNEY FC Sportingbet Australia Market North Queensland 3.10 Sydney 2.20 Draw 3.30

BRISBANE ROAR v GOLD COAST UNITED Sportingbet Australia Market Brisbane 2.25 Gold Coast 3.00 Draw 3.30

NEWCASTLE JETS v WELLINGTON PHOENIX Sportingbet Australia Market Newcastle 2.00 Wellington 3.60 Draw 3.30

2009/10 A-LEAGUE - WINNER Sportingbet Australia Market Melbourne 3.75 Brisbane 5.50 Gold Coast 7.00 Sydney 7.50 Adelaide 10.00 Perth 10.00 Central Coast 13.00 North Queensland 17.00 Newcastle 17.00 Wellington 26.00