2024/2025 A-League Round 14 Preview

It’s an abbreviated midweek round of A-League matches with just the two taking place during the nominated window.

Up first on Tuesday night is Perth hosting Western Sydney before a Wednesday evening clash across the ditch as Wellington tries to knock off the in-form Sydney FC.

The rest of the round will be previewed in other posts so let’s get to the two fixtures in focus over the coming days.

Perth GloryvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Tuesday 14 January, 9:45pm, HBF Park
Perth 1 – Western Sydney 2

It had been almost 11 months in the making, but the Glory won their first home match since February 2024 on Saturday night.

Perhaps not cause for celebration on its own, but defeating the high flying Auckland FC does make it all the more impressive.

However they have to quickly turn their focus to this Tuesday evening clash against a Wanderers side that had the weekend off.

There were some signs of optimism for Glory fans, but the thin squad, combined with this being their fourth match since January 3 makes it tough to be confident in them.

Take the fresh legs of the visitors to run them home.

Western Sydney to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ $1.75

Wellington PhoenixvsSydney FC
Wednesday 15 January, 5:00pm, Sky Stadium
Wellington 0 – Sydney FC 0

Considering the contrasting form lines of both clubs, it’s kind of tough to make an argument for the Nix outside of Sydney needing to travel for this match.

Sydney made it five matches unbeaten on the weekend thanks to a second half hat-trick from Aiden Segecic that got them by Central Coast.

Meanwhile, Wellington has lost five of its last six after they could not hold on against Adelaide at the Caketin on the weekend.

Sydney is playing its fourth game in 11 days which might keep this one a bit closer than on a normal week of rest but there is only one winner to take in this market.

Sydney FC to Win @ $1.94

Adelaide UnitedvsAuckland FC
Wednesday 22 January 7:30pm, Coopers Stadium

*MATCH PREVIEWED IN ROUND 15*

Western UnitedvsCentral Coast Mariners
Wednesday 29 January, 7:00pm, Ironbark Fields

*MATCH PREVIEWED IN ROUND 16*

Melbourne CityvsNewcastle Jets
Wednesday 12 March, 7:00pm, AAMI Park

*MATCH PREVIEWED IN ROUND 22*


2023/2024

Round 14 marks the halfway point of the 2023/24 A-League season and the ladder remains as tight as ever.

Wellington and Melbourne Victory are locked in a tight race at the top of the table after their head to head draw in Round 13, four points clear of the chasing pack, and they will face tough tests this weekend.

The eight teams in that chasing pack are separated by just five points and a winning streak for any of those teams will be enough to launch them into contention for silverware.

Even Perth and Western United, currently five and nine points adrift respectively will be dreaming of a strong run home to launch themselves into the finals picture.

It’s a full slate of games over the long weekend and we’ve got you covered with our best bets and match previews below!

Melbourne CityvsAdelaide United
Thursday 25 January, 7:45pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 1 – Adelaide 0

Melbourne City being favoured so heavily in this market shows the respect they still command because their last two outings have done nothing to inspire any sort of confidence.

Successive defeats at the hands of Western Sydney and Central Coast, combined with a clash against their bogey team does not bode well for Aurelio Vidmar and company.

City has only defeated Adelaide in 90 minutes once in their last 13 head to head meetings and the Reds absolutely belted them at Coopers Stadium back in October.

While City have improved a lot since then, Adelaide are playing some good football of late and have had almost two weeks to prepare for this match so the Reds getting something out of this match looks like the way to go.

Adelaide Win/Draw Double Chance @ $1.83

Melbourne VictoryvsSydney FC
Friday 26 January, 7:45pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 1 – Sydney FC 1

A must watch edition of the Big Blue on its traditional January 26 date sees the in-form Sydney FC travel south to face the unbeaten Victory.

While Tony Popovic’s men have maintained that record by drawing seven of their 13 matches, they have shown remarkable resilience to grind out games where they have been second best.

History suggests that we will have a winner in this match, with just four of the 28 meetings dating back to the 2015/16 season ending with scores level after 90 minutes.

The last two have gone the way of the Victory and a quick look at Sydney’s injury list suggests it will be three in a row on Friday night.

As it stands, the Sky Blues will be without key defenders Joe Lolley and Joel King plus one of their main attacking threats Robert Mak.

That is not what you need against the Victory and the value in this market lies with the home team.

Melbourne Victory to Win @ $2.25

Western UnitedvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 27 January, 5:00pm, North Hobart Oval
Western United 0 – Western Sydney 1

Western United is setting up shop in Tasmania for the short term as they play the first of a couple of home games on the Apple Isle.

It might be just what they need to turn their season around and to be fair, Daniel Penha looked quite good in his last outing, however one good performance (in a draw no-less) is not enough to swing the opinion on John Aloisi’s side.

Western Sydney have not exactly been setting the world alight either, with last week’s loss at home to Perth a low point for the season.

If you need an indicator on which team to take, the Wanderers are due for a win as their run of alternating victories and defeats reached seven matches, but it’s not enough to back them with confidence.

This has all the makings of a low-scoring, edgy match with neither team really able to gain a foothold and I’ll take the under.

Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.45

Newcastle JetsvsWellington Phoenix
Saturday 27 January, 5:00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle 1 – Wellington 2

Just like Western United, one game is not enough to swing the pendulum towards the positive for the Jets, although they are starting to show some positive signs in their last few outings.

Not to mention they belted the Nix in their last meeting 3-0 over in New Zealand so they should be pretty confident heading into this game.

However those signs are not enough to justify backing them in as slight favourites here, even in their 3-1 win over Brisbane on Tuesday night they found themselves on the back foot against a 10-man team that was perilously close to giving up.

Add in the fact that Wellington are just a better team overall, and this should be a straightforward choice with some excellent value on offer.

Wellington to Win @ $2.75

Central Coast MarinersvsBrisbane Roar
Saturday 27 January, 7:45pm, Industree Group Stadium
Central Coast 2 – Brisbane 0

If one match this weekend is going to get out of hand, it’s this one as a Roar side devoid of confidence takes on a Mariners team that is in great form.

Central Coast are on an 11 match unbeaten streak in all competitions and will be buzzing after Angel Torres’s 89th minute winner against Melbourne City last week.

Brisbane on the other hand is coming off back to back 3-1 defeats at the hands of Macarthur and Newcastle, plus they will be without their key playmaker Jay O’Shea after his red card on Tuesday.

While they are getting some key players back from injury, a fair bit of their recent struggles appear to boil down to confidence issues in the playing group after the managerial overhaul.

One win might be enough to get them back on the right track but I can’t see it coming here against this Mariners side.

Central Coast to Win and Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.87

Macarthur FCvsPerth Glory
Sunday 28 January, 5:00pm, Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Macarthur 2 – Perth 2

Perth’s 15-month travel nightmare came to an end last week and they head back to Sydney chasing consecutive away wins when they face Macarthur.

However they have the unenviable task of slowing down Uli Davila who has been unstoppable in his last two outings, netting a hat-trick against Western United and orchestrating a hard fought win in Brisbane.

The Bulls have won all three of their home matches against the Glory and are well placed to make it four in this one.

Perth remain a club in a holding pattern until their ownership situation gets sorted out and I’ll take them on in this match.

Macarthur to Win @ $1.88


2022/23

The A-League keeps on rolling!

It’s another week of huge matchups in Round 14 and if last week is anything to go by, anything could truly happen!

We’ve got an extra day of football this round with the Victory and Sky Blues playing on Thursday afternoon so make sure you get your bets in early!

As always, I’ve run my eyes over each game and have your back for tips.

Here is my preview of Round 14 of the A-League

Melbourne VictoryvsSydney FC
Thursday 26 January, 6:45pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 1 – Sydney FC 2

10th plays 12th on Thursday afternoon… What a riveting contest this is shaping up to be!

It’s been quite dismal for both these sides recently, Sydney have won 1 of their last 5 and the Victory have had anything but their namesake. They’re 3-2-7 this season.

Despite the awful first half of the season, the Victory come into this one as slight favourites, $2.50 to Sydney’s $2.55. Melbourne Victory has lost each of its last four A-League night matches as a favourite and The ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market has hit in each of Sydney FC’s last 11 A-League matches at AAMI Park.

I’m leaning towards a win to Sydney but I’m not expecting much from this game at all to be honest.

Back Sydney FC H2H @ $2.55

Newcastle JetsvsBrisbane Roar
Friday 27 January, 7:45pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle 4 – Brisbane 0

Newcastle will open as slight underdogs at $2.70 when they host the Roar ($2.50) on Friday night.

They’re both coming off draws but not all draws are equal.

The Roar ended up with a 0-0 draw against top of the table Melbourne City and for that reason I’m backing them to win this one.

The stats are against my thinking in this game however, Brisbane has lost six of its last seven A-League matches as an away favourite and three of Brisbane’s last four A-League Week 14 away matches have resulted in a draw.

While I’m often guided by these stats, I think the Roar can pull through. The Jets have the worst goal difference in the comp and I’m liking Brisbane to sneak a few past them.

Back The Roar H2H @ $2.50

Wellington PhoenixvsPerth Glory
Saturday 28 January, 1:00pm, Central Energy Trust Arena
Wellington 2 – Perth 2

The Phoenix will take on the 7th placed Glory and while Perth are reasonably high up the ladder, I think that’s an inflated stat.

Perth have been cashing in on the late night home games recently where jet lag has been a 12th player on the field for them.

They’ve now got the longest away leg in world football to put up with, a whopping 10 hours of travel time! I think the jet lag will come back to bite them here and the market reflects that.

Perth has lost each of its last six A-League away matches following a win and I’m going to be adding the Phoenix to win in the majority of my multis this weekend.

Back The Phoenix H2H @ $1.70

Macarthur FCvsWestern United
Saturday 28 January, 5:00pm, Stadium
Macarthur 2 – Western United 2

Despite them having what a lot of people would class as a mediocre year, I back Macarthur to turn it around and to finish very strongly this season.

They are $2.30 to beat Western United and despite them being 5-2-6, I’m going to take them on.

Western United FC has lost four of its last five A-League away matches and I’m getting on Macarthur and hoping they also travel poorly here.

Back Macarthur FC @ $2.30

Central Coast MarinersvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 28 January, 7:45pm, Industree Group Stadium
Central Coast 2 – Adelaide 2

Despite going down to Wellington last week, CCM open as massive favourites over WSW who are only two points below them on the ladder.

WSW are coming off a draw and have struggled to get a result recently and I think it may continue to snowball here.

Central Coast has won eight of its last nine A-League night matches and even though it is 2nd v 3rd, I think the Mariners could run away in this game.

Back CCM H2H @ $1.95

Melbourne CityvsAdelaide United
Sunday 29 January, 3:00pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 3 – Adelaide 3

Sunday afternoon Adelaide United travel to AAMI Park for a game that not many give them a chance of winning.

They are a monster $5.40 to City’s $1.50 but City showed us last week that teams lower down the table can cause them some trouble.

Four of the last five A-League matches between Melbourne City and Adelaide have resulted in a draw, it’s $4 for a draw could this be the move?

‘Both Teams to Score’ market has hit in each of the last four A-League matches between Melbourne City and Adelaide at AAMI Park as well which leads me to believe a 2-2 situation could be what we see here.

I’m going to have a crack at the draw here, you’re more than welcome to come with me!

Back the Draw @ $4


2021/2022

The A-League Men season is almost completely back on track, and we’ll be treated to a full weekend of matches in Round 14.

Highlights include a couple of great contests on Saturday, which will see the resurgent Wellington Phoenix take on Adelaide United, before Sydney FC host league leaders Western United.

Read on and find our best betting plays below in our complete A-League Round 14 preview.

Central Coast MarinersvsMacarthur
Thursday 10 February, 7:45pm, Central Coast Stadium
Central Coast 3 – Macarthur 3

*RESCHEDULED ROUND 7 MATCH*

An intriguing match begins the round on Thursday night, and will see the Central Coast Mariners hosting Macarthur.

Neither the Mariners nor the Bulls have enjoyed particularly memorable form recently. The former is staring down the barrel of three-consecutive losses, while the latter has recorded a draw and a loss since returning from a lengthy break.

I personally believe that the Bulls have the makings of a championship winning side, and they look the value for mine in this currently well-matched contest.

Back Macarthur to Win @ $3.05

Western Sydney WanderersvsMelbourne City
Friday 11 February, 7:45pm, Commbank Stadium
Western Sydney 1 – Melbourne City 3

The inconsistent Wanderers will have their hands full when reigning champions Melbourne City visit on Friday night.

The Wanderers’ early season form ultimately led to the sacking of manager Carl Robinson, and while life under Mark Rudan began with a lovely win over Perth, the club came crashing back down to earth last weekend via a lost to Western United.

City began slowly, but they have been far better of late and have ultimately climbed into second on the ladder. Last weekend’s win over the Jets saw them slot an impressive four goals, and a repeat of that performance would find them too strong for Western Sydney.

Back City to Win/Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.70

Wellington PhoenixvsAdelaide United
Saturday 12 February, 4:50pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Wellington 1 – Adelaide 1

Arguably the contest of the round will see the Wellington Phoenix take on Adelaide United on Saturday afternoon.

The ‘Nix poor start to the season looks to be well and truly in the rear-view mirror. They were unlucky not to win passage through to an FFA Cup Final, while they have won each of their last three league matches.

Adelaide’s slick run of form came to an end at the hands of Sydney last week, but given that opponent’s form, I’m confident that the Reds can bounce back with a competitive performance this week.

I personally cannot split them, and I am happy to stay on the fence.

Back the Draw @ $3.45

Melbourne VictoryvsNewcastle Jets
Saturday 12 February, 7:45pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 1 – Newcastle 2

The Victory can keep the pressure on the league leaders by beating the Jets in Melbourne on Saturday night.

It has been a very productive start to life under Tony Popovic for Melbourne’s foundation club, and they find themselves FFA Cup champions, as well as third on the A-League ladder.

They are full of running, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them string together a few wins.

The Jets boast plenty of potential and while they have realised some of it during the 2021/22 A-League season, there’s clearly still a lot of work ahead of them.

Even money for the Victory at home is a touch of overs, in my opinion.

Back the Victory to Win @ $2.00

Sydney FCvsWestern United
Saturday 12 February, 7:45pm, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Sydney FC 1 – Western United 1

If Saturday’s early game doesn’t realise its potential, there is no doubt that this will be the headline contest of the week as Sydney FC takes on league-leaders Western United on Saturday night.

The Sky Blues are another club who took plenty of time to tune-up early in their campaign, but they too appear to be finally hitting their straps, and a win in this match could lift them level with this opponent at the top of the table.

Western United are undefeated in their last three matches, and they responded to a disappointing draw against a rusty Macarthur by beating Western Sydney last weekend.

Again, I cannot split them, and I will be taking the value on offer for a draw.

Back the Draw @ $3.40

Central Coast MarinersvsPerth Glory
Sunday 13 February, 5:45pm, Central Coast Stadium
Central Coast 1 – Perth 1

The Mariners in action for a second time this weekend on Sunday, and they face the bottom-placed Perth Glory at home.

We’ll obviously have a far better idea of what to expect after the Mariners host Macarthur in Thursday, but it is fair to say that they have been a class above this opponent so far this season.

Perth have ultimately been let down by their inconsistency and their inability to score goals, and they really would need to improve to trouble the Mariners in current form.

This looks a great opportunity for the Mariners to bounce back.

Back the Mariners to Win to Nil @ $4

Brisbane RoarvsMacarthur
Sunday 13 February, 6:45pm, Moreton Daily Stadium
Brisbane 3 – Macarthur 1

We’re heading north of the border on Sunday when the inconsistent Roar take on Macarthur.

It took the Roar a while to record their first win of the season, and while they have continued to improve week-on-week since returning to action, they have struggled for consistency.

This will also be the Bulls’ second match of the round, and given that I am expecting them to beat a strong opponent on Thursday night, I think that they can win this one as well.

Back Macarthur to Win @ $3.05

Melbourne CityvsAdelaide United
Tuesday 15 February, 7:55pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 1 – Adelaide 2

*RESCHEDULED ROUND 24 MATCH*

City is starting to produce the results their squad has threatened to all season and it’s not good news for the rest of the competition.

The Reds have kept one clean sheet all season and with City scoring for fun, this could be where the reigning champions finally break through for a win against them.

In the two matches this season at Coopers, Adelaide as come from behind to snatch a point but I have to settle on City going on with it here.

Back Melbourne City Halftime/Fulltime @ $2.20

Wellington PhoenixvsBrisbane Roar
Wednesday 16 February, 5:25pm, Leichhardt Oval
Wellington 3 – Brisbane 0

*RESCHEDULED ROUND 8 MATCH*

Everything about this match screams “close game” with Wellington and Brisbane both showing some encouraging form of late.

The Nix are continuing to impress despite playing at their home away from home in New South Wales, while Brisbane has used a run of home games to kick start a disrupted campaign.

On paper they look evenly matched and there’s a legitimate case to be made for both clubs.

For that reason I’ll take the Nix at a slightly better price.

Back Wellington to Win @ $2.80

Western Sydney WanderersvsMelbourne Victory
Wednesday 16 February, 7:55pm, Commbank Stadium
Western Sydney 2 – Melbourne Victory 0

*RESCHEDULED ROUND 13 MATCH*

It’s tough to understand how these two clubs are as close in price as they are.

While both have lost their last two matches, there is a real difference in approach heading into this fixture.

Western Sydney are trying to get a season back on the rails while the Victory have just had a slump following their FFA Cup win earlier this month.

I’ll back Tony Popovic to have his side back in the winners circle at a price that looks well over the odds.

Back Melbourne Victory to Win @ $2.55


2021

Six matches await us in Round 14 of the A-League and there’s plenty to like about every single contest.

With the competition entering its second half of the regular season, the races for the premiership and finals spots are well and truly alive.

The Central Coast Mariners reached the halfway mark leading the pack but several clubs are within touching distance.

Read on to see who we are backing in this weekend’s A-League fixtures.

Melbourne CityvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Friday 26 March, 7:00pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 4 – Western Sydney Wanderers 1

Two of the most in form sides in the A-League kick off Round 14 at AAMI Park.

Western Sydney have picked up a maximum nine points from their last three matches to sit in second place while City have won their last five to move up to fourth.

Perhaps even more impressive is the fact they have kept four consecutive clean sheets in that time.

We should see plenty of goal scoring opportunities in this match with Jamie Maclaren leading the golden boot race with 11 through 11 appearances.

The Wanderers are scoring for fun themselves however with seven in their last two outings but if this turns into a shootout, I’ll side with Maclaren and company.

Back Melbourne City to Win and Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.25

Brisbane RoarvsWestern United
Saturday 27 March, 5:00pm, Moreton Daily Stadium

*MATCH POSTPONED*

Central Coast MarinersvsMelbourne Victory
Saturday 27 March, 7:10pm, Central Coast Stadium
Central Coast 1 – Melbourne Victory 1

For the better part of the last seven years, this fixture has been one of the most automatic plays in the entire A-League.

Now it still is automatic, just in the exact opposite way.

Central Coast might have dropped points in their last two outings but they should have no trouble righting the ship against a horrible Melbourne Victory team.

This will be their first meeting this season and I have no doubt it will produce the same outcome as their two matches in 2020 with the Mariners picking up the victory.

Back Central Coast to Win @ $1.80

Perth GloryvsNewcastle Jets
Saturday 27 March, 9:20pm, HBF Park
Perth 2 – Newcastle 1

Neither side has looked overly impressive in their last few matches and this contest might be decided by which team can produce the least inefficient performance.

Perth will be entering this match on a quick turnaround from Wednesday night’s game against Sydney FC but the ability to stay at home could be huge for them here.

Newcastle were nothing short of atrocious against Adelaide (somewhat mirroring the conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium) in their 4-1 defeat on Sunday.

Perth has been able to pick up points this season taking on teams in bad spots and Newcastle is in a bad spot here.

Back Perth to Win @ $2.20

Wellington PhoenixvsMacarthur FC
Sunday 28 March, 4:00pm, WIN Stadium
Wellington 0 – Macarthur 1

Macarthur found a way to break their goalscoring woes, all it took was a rain bomb hitting Sydney ahead of their clash with Western United.

They scored multiple goals in a match for the first time in over a month and they now take on a Wellington team coming off a very draining week.

Sunday saw them draw with Brisbane in wet and windy conditions before backing up against the Victory during the week.

Ufuk Talay has done a phenomenal job building this squad and in a vacuum I’d back them to win here.

But the real value in this market is backing a low scoring affair as both sides set out to avoid defeat.

Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.15

Adelaide UnitedvsSydney FC
Sunday 28 March, 5:10pm, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide 1 – Sydney FC 0

In terms of coming into a match in a bad spot, it could be worse for Sydney, but it is certainly less than ideal circumstances.

After heading over to Perth for a Wednesday night fixture, the defending champions now face an Adelaide side full of confidence and is more than capable of winning any match with their free scoring forward line.

In their five match winning streak, the Reds have scored 15 goals and have developed a ruthless streak in front of goal.

It’s not exactly an encouraging sign for embattled Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne who has seen more and more errors creeping into his game over the last few months.

Of course Adelaide have had to score plenty of goals with a very questionable backline of their own, they have not kept a clean sheet since January 23.

On the plus side we should be in for an entertaining conclusion to the weekend’s football.

SGM: Adelaide to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $5.03


2019/2020

We’ve had to wait 13 rounds but Ernie Merrick is the first A-League managerial casualty of the season.

As the search continues for his replacement, interim boss Craig Deans has a rough start to his tenure with the rampant Sydney FC coming to town.

The biggest match of Round 14 in the A-League comes from out west though, with the Perth Glory and Adelaide United with the latter at risk of falling out of the top six.

We’ve got previews and betting plays for all five matches right here!

Newcastle JetsvsSydney FC
Friday 10 January, 7:30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle 1 – Sydney FC 2

It’s not exactly a soft landing for the undermanned Jets with Sydney FC looking to bolster or at least maintain its lead at the top of the A-League ladder.

Newcastle has not been a happy place to visit for the league leaders during their era of dominance, since winning 2-0 on April 4, 2016 they have lost two of their three visits since and had a 1-1 draw in November 2018.

This season though it is a totally different story, the Jets have given up 15 goals in their last four matches as Ernie Merrick refused to abandon his attacking style despite having several key players out injured.

You have to wonder if Craig Deans will operate with a similar philosophy or instead try and give this team a rallying point opting for a defensive approach.

Either way, Sydney should have no problems winning this match but I might opt for a slightly safer than normal same game multi just as a bit of insurance against the Jets going all out defensive.

Sydney outright is actually at a surprisingly good price considering it’s first against last but I’ll throw in over 1.5 goals just to get it back over even money.

SGM: Sydney FC to Win, Over 1.5 Goals @ $2.26

Wellington PhoenixvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 11 January, 2:45pm, Westpac Stadium
Wellington 2 – Western Sydney 0

Five weeks ago Wellington got the better of the Wanderers, picking up a 2-1 win in New Zealand for their third straight victory over the Wanderers.

It’s not a great time to be Markus Babbel or Western Sydney in general, with the team winning just once in its last eight matches and struggling to catch a break.

If we learned one thing in their loss to Brisbane on New Years Day, it’s that this side is not in the right frame of mind and not at all focused.

With Wellington on an eight game unbeaten run and finally starting to score some goals, I can’t see any result other than a Nix win.

Back Wellington to Win @ $2.00

Brisbane RoarvsMelbourne City
Saturday 11 January, 5:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane 2 – Melbourne City 2

Let’s take a trip back to November 17, where the Roar pulled off an impressive comeback – even by their standards.

At that point they were winless with one goal scored on the season and down 2-0 at halftime, a wild sequence of events saw them emerge as 4-3 victors.

While they have been very up and down since then, they have taken points in back to back matches after drawing in Newcastle and winning against Western Sydney.

City on the other hand nearly blew a 3-0 lead against Western United last Friday, managing to survive a late rally and hold on for a 3-2 win.

If you think long and hard about it, you could probably talk yourself into backing the Roar to take something from this match but even with strands of Heart DNA still showing through , City are the better team.

A clean sheet (and close match) does seem highly likely however, City have conceded two or more goals in six of their last seven and the Roar’s attack is slowly coming into form.

SGM: City to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $3.81

Perth GloryvsAdelaide United
Saturday 11 January, 7:30pm, HBF Park
Perth 3 – Adelaide 0

This is the definition of an in-form team taking on an out of form opponent.

In short, taking the Glory could very well be the best bet of the round with Adelaide possibly entering stay away territory.

Adelaide has lost its last three matches, conceding seven goals in that time while the Glory have won their last four, scoring 14 goals and keeping three clean sheets in that span.

There is a real temptation to back the Glory with an add on, possibly winning to nil or with a handicap, but there is enough value straight up in them early on to back them now.

Back Perth to Win @ $1.88

Central Coast MarinersvsMelbourne Victory
Sunday 12 January, 6:00pm, Central Coast Stadium
Central Coast 3 – Melbourne City 2

Central Coast continues to battle through its matches but with four losses from their last five, staying close isn’t enough anymore.

With the Victory coming off a convincing 4-0 win over the Jets last weekend, you have to like the visitors to come away with all three points here.

After all, they have won the last four meetings between these sides and Robbie Kruse looks like he is coming into a rich vein of form after starting the season injured.

Recently, these games have featured plenty of goals with both teams to score hitting in the last six meetings and over 2.5 goals in each of the last four.

As tempting as backing either of those markets in a same game multi is, the Victory to win at that price is worth jumping on before it’s backed in any shorter.

Back Victory to Win @ $2.00


2018/2019

This is the round where we will be at the halfway point of the A-League season.

The top six is looking relatively settled with a big gap opening up between the finals contenders and the bottom four.

Despite that race being essentially over and done with, there is still plenty of intrigue in the jockeying for finals seeding.

The biggest clash of the weekend is easily the Victory-Phoenix game on Sunday afternoon as Wellington look to extend their unbeaten run.

Read on for our previews and predictions for every A-League game this weekend.

Western Sydney WanderersvsAdelaide United
Friday 18 January, 7:50pm, ANZ Stadium
Adelaide 2 – Western Sydney 1

Adelaide sit right on the edge of the top six but do have a bit of breathing room ahead of clubs like the Wanderers.

With four losses on the trot, the Wanderers can see their finals dreams evaporating very quickly, in large part thanks to a backline that is conceding goals at an average of over two goals per game.

If they do want to keep their finals hopes alive these are the games that they need to win as it would prevent Adelaide pulling further away.

These sides played out an enthralling 2-2 draw on Boxing Day and another even encounter appears to be on the cards here.

Back the Draw @ $3.30

Sydney FCvsNewcastle Jets
Saturday 19 January, 5:35pm, Jubilee Stadium
Sydney FC 1 – Newcastle 0

With 15 points from six matches, Sydney have enjoyed the Summer of Football run so far.

Currently chasing Perth at the top of the table (the one side to defeat them in 2019) along with needing to keep avoid losing ground against the two Melbourne clubs.

Newcastle held out for a draw when these sides met in November but are struggling for results with just two wins since the start of December.

Both of those wins came against Brisbane and Central Coast, the two bottom teams in the competition, overall in that run the Jets have picked up just seven points from eight matches.

With Sydney hovering at their current price they look way over the odds here and are worth backing with some confidence.

Back Sydney FC to Win @ $1.87

Melbourne CityvsPerth Glory
Saturday 19 January, 7:50pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 0 – Perth 0

That’s four wins in a row for Perth, as the Glory look to keep their place at the top of the table and put some distance between themselves and one of their challengers.

Melbourne City has to back up from a game in Gosford on Wednesday night, so avoiding a cross country flight here is a big help.

After losing their first home game in Round 3, City have rebounded strongly to pick up four wins and a derby draw at home since then.

Perth has won the last two meetings between these sides but City are doing their best to build some sort of home ground advantage and should be able to frustrate a Glory side riding their luck right now.

Back the Draw @ $3.10

Melbourne VictoryvsWellington Phoenix
Sunday 20 January, 5:00pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 3 – Wellington 3

Three and a half weeks after these sides last met, the Victory and Phoenix face off at AAMI Park again.

If it is anything like that 1-1 draw we are in for a phenomenal match as both sides chase a top four spot.

Despite their contrasting fortunes in recent seasons, Wellington has been able to cause plenty of trouble for the Victory, winning four and drawing one of the last nine meetings.

While the Victory will be full of confidence after thrashing Brisbane 5-0 on Tuesday, you have to take on the value of a draw here.

Back the Draw @ $3.60

Central Coast MarinersvsBrisbane Roar
Sunday 20 January, 7:00pm, Central Coast Stadium
Central Coast 1 – Brisbane 1

It’s last hosting second last in the final game of Round 14 and there will be… some excitement about this one.

Gosford has been a happy hunting ground for the Roar, winning each of their last five games at this stadium.

Things are getting desperate for the Roar after an embarrassing 5-0 loss at home to Melbourne Victory on Tuesday night and will be desperate for a second win, while the Mariners are on 24 hours less rest after hosting Melbourne City Wednesday.

These sides were deadlocked in Round 1 in a tense game that finished 1-1 at Suncorp Stadium.

The Roar can’t be as bad as they were against Victory and with all due respect to the Mariners, there is a reason they have not won a game this season.

Back Brisbane Roar to Win @ $2.15


2017/2018

At halftime of Saturday’s game we will be at the exact midway point of the 2017/2018 A-League season.

So far it has been Sydney FC’s story and the other nine teams forced into supporting roles as they romp through the competition.

Their opponents this week, Newcastle are the leading candidates for breakout performer however as they find themselves comfortably in second spot despite losing two key attackers.

Here is our insider A-League Round 14 Preview and the recommended plays for each game.

Sydney FCvsNewcastle Jets
Wednesday 3 January, 7:50pm, Allianz Stadium

Coming off a 6-0 win you would think that Sydney would risk overconfidence however having the nearest team on the ladder coming to town on short rest is music to Graham Arnold’s ears.

With a chance to extend their lead on the table to 11 points and start preparing for the Asian Champions League, Sydney will be ready to go in this game.

Newcastle have not lost back to back games this season and are coming off a tight loss in Melbourne.

They should be able to run Sydney close and make them work for their victory but it is nearly impossible to see anything other than a Sydney win.

Back Sydney FC to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $3.50

Brisbane RoarvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Friday 5 January, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium

It might not have looked like the old Roarcelona teams last Saturday, but Brisbane showed plenty of resilience to steal three points in Adelaide last weekend.

In a season where they have faded badly, they were able to keep United at bay despite condeding almost 75% possession.

When they return home Friday night for the first of two games in three days, they will face a Wanderers side in crisis as Josep Gombau builds his new side.

The Roar will have to do it without their skipper who has been suspended but they should be able to rely on Massimo Maccarone who has been finding the net regularly of late.

Back Brisbane Roar to Win @ $2.40

Perth GloryvsAdelaide United
Friday 5 January, 10:00pm, NIB Stadium

Perth will want to forget their New Years nightmare when they host Adelaide, who will probably feel hard done by to not get a point at home against Brisbane.

The Glory are reliably unreliable this year and are capable of winning or losing any game 4-0 it seems.

Adelaide were punished for two errors last week and will want to avoid making those mistakes again however for the time being play it safe here and look for a stalemate in the west.

Back the Draw @ $3.00

Melbourne VictoryvsCentral Coast Mariners
Saturday 6 January, 5:35pm, Simonds Stadium

A little late to the party but Melbourne Victory finally look like the side that went to last season’s Grand Final.

Three straight wins including last week’s statement over Newcastle and they are now up to third as local rivals City are in free fall.

Central Coast are struggling to find goals at the moment, without a goal since Blake Powell’s 78th minute strike against Perth on December 3.

Since then it has been 372 minutes (plus stoppage time) of goalless football and with the Victory gaining steam, take the home side.

Back Victory to Win to Nil @ $3.00

Melbourne CityvsWellington Phoenix
Saturday 6 January, 7:50pm, AAMI Park

Melbourne City are in desperate need of a change in fortune (figuratively of course) after three straight losses.

Wellington are coming off the A-League’s first draw since December 9, which funnily enough the also played in.

This game has the makings of another draw as both sides desperately search for that confidence boost they need to attack the back end of the A-League calendar.

Back the Draw @ $4.00


The extremely busy period in the A-League comes to an end this weekend and most teams have played three matches in just over a week.

The match of the round is on Friday night when Melbourne City host the Western Sydney Wanderers at Central Coast Stadium before Adelaide United face Melbourne Victory in a twilight fixture on Sunday.

We have analysed every game in the A-League this weekend and you can find out thoughts on each fixture below.

Perth GloryvsWellington Phoenix
Thursday 5 January, 8:00pm, NIB Stadium
Perth Glory 2 - Wellington Phoenix 1

The Perth Glory have not won a game for well over a month, but they will still start this clash with the Wellington Phoenix as clear favourites.

Perth have won four of their past seven games as home favourites for a narrow loss, while the Wellington Phoenix have actually won three of their past 11 games as away underdogs for a clear profit.

Back Wellington To Win @ $3.10

Melbourne CityvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Friday 6 January, 6:50pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 1 - Western Sydney Wanderers 0

Melbourne City are another team that have struggled in recent weeks and they have drawn four of their past five games.

They will still start this clash as clear favourites and they have won nine of their past 13 games as home favourites.

The Western Sydney Wanderers have won just one of their past eight games as away underdogs and will struggle at AAMI Park.

Back Melbourne City To Win @ $1.83

Brisbane RoarvsNewcastle Jets
Saturday 7 January, 4:35pm, Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane Roar 2 - Newcastle Jets 3

The Brisbane Roar are dominant favourites, but they were beaten by the Newcastle Jets earlier this season and their record against the Jets is surprisingly strong.

Newcastle have only won one of their past 12 games as away underdogs and this is a clash that the market looks to have got just about right.

No Bet

Adelaide UnitedvsMelbourne Victory
Sunday 7 January, 6:50pm, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide United 0 - Melbourne Victory 2

Melbourne Victory have won six of their past seven games and they will go into this clash as clear favourites.

The Victory have won three of their past six games as away favourites for a very small loss, while Adelaide United don’t have a great record as home underdogs.

Melbourne should be able to win again and the fact that better than even money is available is a real gift.

Back Melbourne To Win @ $2.10

Central Coast MarinersvsSydney FC
Sunday 8 January, 4:00pm, Central Coast Stadium Stadium
Central Coast Mariners 2 - Sydney FC 3

Sydney FC have been nothing short of outstanding during the A-League season to date and they are the shortest-priced favourites of the weekend.

Sydney have won six of their past eight games as away favourites, while the Central Coast Mariners have won just one of their past 11 games as home underdogs.

Back Sydney FC To Win To Nil @ $2.63