We are down to the final four in the 2022/23 A-League season and over the next two weeks there will be a pair of fascinating Semi Final ties set to unfold.
Reigning champions and three-time premiers Melbourne City will be out to continue their dynastic run when they face the side they supplanted at the top of the A-League hierarchy in Sydney FC.
Then on the other side of the draw it is Adelaide United and the Central Coast Mariners, two of the league’s more entertaining sides across the season and there will be Socceroos aplenty on show.
Check out our best bets and previews for both A-League Semi Finals below!
First Legs
If you think Sydney’s derby win over the Wanderers meant a lot to them, imagine the reaction if they can knock off the reigning premiers and the side that defeated them in the 2021 A-League Grand Final.
However you have to wonder if they have enough in the tank to tackle this dominant City team over 180 (or 210) minutes.
While it still was not exactly in the dominant fashion we became accustomed to, City started to shake off the mid-season malaise that at one point threatened to disrupt their coronation.
But no team had a better run into the finals than Sydney, commencing a winning streak that coincided with the return to health of Jack Rodwell.
The former Everton and Manchester City defender might be enjoying a late season renaissance however he is just one man and City have too many attacking options for him to shut down.
Melbourne City to Win @ $2.45
Normally the rule in the A-League is as follows: Friday nights at Coopers Stadium leads to chaos.
While this match is being played on a Saturday, the fact it is a finals game means we should be in for more craziness in the City of Churches.
The Mariners and Adelaide finished second and third on the ladder respectively, but they also finished in those same positions with 55 and 53 goals this season.
Across both teams there is no shortage of attacking talent with the likes of Craig Goodwin, Nestory Irankunda, Jason Cummings and Marco Tulio, with the latter scoring a brace at this same venue a fortnight ago.
Normally the first legs in these sorts of ties can be quite cagey but considering the attacking talent on both teams, not to mention Adelaide looking to erase a pair of big losses to the Mariners this season, suggests we could see both teams opting to go for it.
There’s a bit of a premium to be had on the over but if they decide to go for it, this will look like a steal.
Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.10
Second Legs
Both matchups are well and truly still in the balance this weekend with the aggregate scores being 1-1 between City and Sydney and 1-2 in the United v CCM fixture.
On Friday night The Sky Blues will try and break the hearts of City fans at home for a place in the Grand Final and the Mariners will attempt to hold on to their slim lead at home.
Here’s how I see it going down this weekend.
City come into this Friday night clash as clear favourites, they’re $1.88 to Sydney’s $3.60, given that the score is essentially 0-0 we should see a fairly exciting contest.
Melbourne have a really (and I mean really) good home record against Sydney FC at the moment. They’ve won each of the last five games these two sides have played at AAMI Park and I’m struggling to make a compelling argument for Sydney FC.
Will it be a City win after 90 minutes? I’m leaning towards yes and while it’s a lame pick, I don’t mind a $1.88 play at it.
Back Melbourne City @ $1.88
Not only do they have a one goal advantage, but they also have the home crowd on Saturday night. The Mariners will look to hold onto their lead and book themselves a spot in the Grand Final for the first time since 2013.
Adelaide have been an incredible side this year but have their backs up against the wall, they’re $3.50 to be winning at the 90 minute mark compared to CCM’s $1.83.
The Reds have won each of their last six games against the Mariners following a loss but CCM at home with a goal advantage could be too much in my eyes.
I’m backing the Mariners here, lets get Cumdog into the GF!
Back the Mariners H2H @ $1.83