The final round of the A-League regular season is here and there is still a fair bit to play for across the board this weekend.
Auckland are premiers but the teams that make up second to fifth could wind up in any order depending on the results this weekend.
Behind that Sydney FC needs a point from their match against second placed Melbourne City to overtake the idle Adelaide United in sixth spot.
Before the drama on Saturday and Sunday though, we have a couple of dead rubbers between the bottom four to endure so let’s get on with our previews and best bets.
*MATCH POSTPONED TO SUNDAY*
Season 2024/25 has been pretty miserable for both of these clubs and it’s not over yet.
Based on the respective form lines there is not a lot to get excited about for either team with the Nix losing three straight while the Glory have dropped four of their last five.
Scoring has been a major issue for the Glory with the club managing two or more goals just three times in their last 18 competitive matches.
On top of that, both head to head meetings between these clubs this season has seen the under hit and with the relatively low stakes, that looks like the most appealing option in this market.
Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.30
A year after winning a trio of trophies, the Mariners will finalise their fall from grace with a 10th or 11th place finish following this game against the Roar.
If the Nix win their match and the Mariners fail to win this, we could see a repeat of this fixture in Darwin later this month.
History might be firmly in the Mariners favour with the reigning champions winning seven of the last eight head to head matches, but Brisbane has been playing better over the last few weeks.
Overall the Roar have taken seven of a possible nine points, but on the balance of the season, it’s still impossible to back them in here.
Instead, just like the other dead rubber, the under looks like the best play given the respective scoring woes on both sides.
Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.30
The one game this weekend with major consequences for both participants comes from AAMI Park and the desperation will be off the charts.
Melbourne City could finish anywhere from second to fifth, so anything less than a win would make for a very nervous 24 hours.
Especially with the chance for a weekend off if they secure all three points.
Meanwhile, it’s a far more simple equation for Sydney FC, a win or draw would get them into the finals.
If City had less to play for, a mutually beneficial draw would be on the cards, but with the home team in better form and needing maximum points, they should be able to see off an inconsistent opponent.
Melbourne City to Win @ $1.90
There will be one eye trained on the happenings at AAMI Park because Western United are best placed to pounce on any City slip up.
Even if they can’t get second spot, they will need all three points to lock up third place and keep the chasing duo at bay.
Working in their favour here is the fact Auckland secured the premiership last weekend and they have nothing to gain or lose from this match.
While Steve Corica would surely prefer his side heads into the finals in winning form, it is not a make or break for the Black Knights.
Not to mention the fact Western United were one of two teams to beat Auckland already this season, they are one of the few teams to crack the code and I like the value on them to do it again.
Western United to Win @ $1.95
Just like Western United, Western Sydney will be hoping one or both of the teams ahead of them drop points and they are able to take advantage.
With a favourable goal difference, there is everything to play for as they seek to lock up a home Elimination Final at the very least.
Meanwhile, Macarthur knows they are going home at the end of this one and they will likely have one eye on the exit interviews and the Mad Monday celebrations.
This game only means something to one team and punters should be betting accordingly.
Western Sydney to Win @ $2.00
Regardless of whether or not the Victory have anything to play for by the time this match kicks off, they should be going all out to keep their momentum going.
They have won three of their last four games with the one loss coming at the hands of Auckland and they will likely be heading to Sydney for an Elimination Final next week.
When faced with that prospect, momentum is the most important thing and the Victory should be able to keep it going against a Jets side that is resigned to their fate.
Melbourne Victory to Win -1 Goal @ $2.05