Australia's Tim Cahill celebrates scoring a goal against Jordan during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, March 29, 2016.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)Rob Griffith/Associated Press

A-League Betting Preview: Cahill, Melbourne City Trail Perth on Title Odds

OddsShark.comAug 24, 2016

There aren't many names in Australian soccer that transcend the sporting landscape around the world. Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and John Aloisi could be counted amongst them.

But there is one name that instantly springs to mind when we talk about the world game down under: Tim Cahill. The Socceroos' greatest ever goal scorer is a legend in the UK because of his exploits with English Premier League club Everton. He has recently overtaken Crocodile Dundee as the most popular Aussie in America after starring for the New York Red Bulls.

It's not hard to see why fans love him. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and his all-action displays often result in goals. It's this attitude, along with more bums on seats, that Melbourne City is hoping he will bring to the club after they decided to pay the midfielder $3 million a year. It's a hefty price to pay and a big gamble for a club that has spent its entire existence in the shadows of its more illustrious neighbors Melbourne Victory.

However, it's a gamble that many experts are unsure about after sportsbooks only secured them as $6.00 second favorites behind Perth Glory to take out their very first A-League crown, according to website AustralianGambling.

Cahill's signing, along with the contract extension given to last season's top goal scorer Bruno Fornaroli, has the City fans more than a little excited. But the lack of any real quality at the back could prove to be their undoing.

City's back line looked creaky under pressure from the Brisbane Strikers in their recent FFA Cup clash. With star midfielder Aaron Mooy now in England, they lack creativity going forward. Coach John van't Schip is expected to seek a move back to Europe, and it may just be that the hype surrounding Cahill's arrival is papering over a few cracks at the club.

The first round of A-League fixtures get underway on October 7. Until then, bettors can get their fix with English Premier League matchups, which continue this weekend with Manchester City one of the betting favorites at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.