Get ready for a busy few weeks of A-League action on and off the pitch with the local transfer window opening Thursday morning (AEDT).
That means we are going to see a swathe of players getting mutual with their clubs and terminating their contracts in favour of a move elsewhere.
While some are already known such as Henry Hore returning to Brisbane from loan in Korea or Lachie Wales making the move out west to sign for the Glory, there will be no shortage of player moves over the coming weeks.
On the pitch there is one clear standout clash, and it comes from Adelaide on Saturday night as a packed Coopers Stadium will watch another edition of the Original Rivalry unfold.
Find out who we are backing in our A-League Week 15 previews below.
Western UnitedvsNewcastle Jets
Friday 17 January, 5:00pm, Ironbark Fields
Western United 3– Newcastle 1
The A-League’s entertainers were at it once again last weekend with two stoppage time goals to knock off Melbourne Victory.
Heading into the weekend’s action they are within three points of the top of the table thanks to a run of four wins from five matches, with the only blip coming in a midweek clash with Melbourne City.
Meanwhile, normal service resumed in Newcastle last weekend with the Jets falling to a good but not great Macarthur side.
It would be a surprise to see this one close enough where United are going to need any sort of stoppage time goals to record a win here.
Western United to Win @ $1.75
Western Sydney WanderersvsCentral Coast Mariners
Friday 17 January, 7:35pm, CommBank Stadium
Western Sydney 1 – Central Coast 3
Will the travel back from Perth be too much for the Wanderers to overcome?
They were good enough but far from perfect against the Glory on Tuesday night and there is every chance they are going to be more than a bit sluggish at least from the outset here.
However there are some real concerns over whether or not the Mariners are good enough to take advantage of a potentially below par opponent.
Based on recent form it sure does not look like that with just one win from their last five outings which means once the Wanderers hit gear, they will be in position to pinch three points.
Considering both teams to score has been a generally successful play for both of these clubs as well, it’s worth dipping into the doubles market for this match to get a bit of extra value.
Western Sydney to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $3.10
Auckland FCvsMelbourne City
Saturday 18 January, 3:00pm, Go Media Stadium
Auckland 3 – Melbourne City 0
Auckland’s form slump continued last weekend as they fell to the lowly Perth Glory out west, and things won’t get any easier when they take on an in form Melbourne City.
It is just over a month since these two sides met at AAMI Park where City became the first team to take points off the A-League debutants, sparking a slump that is still going.
Making things even tougher is the fact that Auckland will go into this match without captain Hiroki Sakai joining an already lengthy injury list after picking up a concussion.
Not that Melbourne City will offer up a whole lot of sympathy with a long list of absentees of their own, however their academy system has come through in a big way, populating the team and helping them to three straight wins.
While the trip to Auckland is going to be daunting, there is no way City should be such clear underdogs in this market and they are well worth having a go on.
Melbourne City to Win @ $3.45
Sydney FCvsBrisbane Roar
Saturday 18 January 5:00pm, Allianz Stadium
Sydney 3 – Brisbane 4
Another team backing up from a long midweek trip is Sydney FC however Brisbane is not the toughest of backup assignments.
Last week Melbourne City was able to rotate through some youngsters into their matchday squad and it was enough to hand the Roar a 1-0 defeat.
Ufuk Talay is likely to employ a similar rotation policy here but Sydney’s depth is good enough to se off Brisbane.
Sydney HT/FT Double @ $2.00
Adelaide UnitedvsMelbourne Victory
Saturday 18 January, 7:35pm, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide 3 – Melbourne Victory 2
It’s a big week in Adelaide for Carl Veart’s side with two huge tests to prove their premiership credentials.
Up first is a struggling Victory team that has now gone winless in five since the departure of Patrick Kisnorbo.
Meanwhile, the Reds just keep finding ways to pick up all three points and they could end up on top of the table when all is said and done.
Until the Victory find a way to break their winless streak, you just have to keep taking them on, especially against good teams like the Reds.
Adelaide to Win @ $2.25
Macarthur FCvsWellington Phoenix
Monday 20 January, 7:00pm, Campbelltown Stadium
Adelaide 3 – Melbourne Victory 2
All things considered, holding Sydney FC to a 0-0 draw midweek was not the worst outcome for Wellington, but there is a long way to go for this team as they try to turn around their season.
The Nix just have not quite recaptured the magic of the last few years and with a couple of departures in the early part of the window, they will have to find a way to rejuvenate the squad.
However that will not help them out with their cause this weekend as they take on a resolute Macarthur side that has won three of its last four.
The form lines make this an easy pick.
Macarthur to Win @ $1.80
Adelaide UnitedvsAuckland FC
Wednesday 22 January 7:30pm, Coopers Stadium
Macarthur 1 – Wellington 2
*ROUND 14 MATCH*
A big week for Adelaide United continues with a top of the table clash against Auckland FC.
Confidence in the young Reds squad will be sky high after a win over the Victory on Saturday night, but there are going to be some big challenges associated with their first clash against the league’s new boys.
For starters, they possess the league’s best defence with nine goals conceded in 12 matches, four of which came in one game.
While they only have four points from their last three outings, their backline has not been the problem, letting in just the one goal in that time.
This shapes up for a fascinating game in several ways given the Reds proclivity to score and concede plenty of goals.
There is every chance that these teams respective strengths, combined with the turnaround for a midweek kickoff means we are going to deal with a slightly more cagey affair where both teams are happy with a point.
Draw @ $3.75
2023/2024
With just under three months remaining in the A-League regular season, it remains a hotly contested competition with almost every team still very much in the mix.
Just 12 points separate top of the table Wellington from tenth placed Newcastle Jets with the league leaders set to pull double duty in this seven match round.
Up first they head to Brisbane in a match they will be expecting to take all three points in a canter before a huge test on Tuesday against the in-form Mariners.
We’ve got you’re A-League match previews and best bets below so read on and see who we are backing in Round 15.
Brisbane RoarvsWellington Phoenix
Friday 2 February, 7:45pm, Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane 1 – Wellington 1
Some markets you look at elicit a response of “yeah that makes sense” but that does not apply to this one as the top of the table Nix are somehow outsiders in the first match of the round.
That same Wellington side is unbeaten in their last four and has lost a grand total of twice this season.
To top it all off, they are playing a Brisbane team they thumped 5-2 back in November and the Roar have lost seven of their last eight, with the last three coming by two goal margins.
Sure Brisbane have signed former Nix winger Marco Rojas and it will be typically hot and humid on Friday night at Suncorp, but can you really justify their favouritism because of those two factors?
Taking Wellington as an underdog has been a profitable strategy this season and it’s one worth following again here.
Wellington to Win @ $2.70
Perth GloryvsMelbourne City
Friday 2 February, 9:45pm, HBF Park
Perth 4 – Manchester City 2
Perth have entered their late show era with some dramatic endings to their last two matches.
Two weeks ago against Western Sydney, David Williams scored to go up 2-0 only for a stoppage time Oli Sail own goal made things very tense before holding on.
Then against Macarthur last week, it was Williams again, this time popping up with a 93rd minute equaliser.
For once Melbourne City are no sure things as they head across the country, although the addition of James Jeggo will certainly shore up their midfield.
This one really could go either way but one thing does seem to be far more likely than the odds are suggesting, and that is plenty of goals will be scored.
Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.25
Western UnitedvsSydney FC
Saturday 3 February, 5:30pm, North Hobart Oval
Western United 2 – Sydney FC 2
While the A-League itself is not scripted, despite the protestations of a certain faction on the internet, you can get a pretty good idea of how this match is going to play out based on the respective form of the two teams.
Sydney is growing in confidence and trending upwards, having taken 13 of a possible 18 points leading into this match.
Western United on the other hand are flatlining, anchored to the bottom of the ladder and showing few signs of improvement in the short term.
No need to overthink this one, take the Sky Blues.
Sydney FC to Win @ $1.80
Newcastle JetsvsMelbourne Victory
Saturday 3 February, 6:00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle 1 – Melbourne Victory 1
This is not exactly the same sort of story as the match above, it does have some similarities to it.
A struggling team at home to an in form opponent and this match only seems to be going one way.
With Bruno Fornaroli in the Middle East on national team duty, the Victory’s attack has dried up a bit as they have played out three straight draws, but they should be able to handle this Newcastle team.
However rather than landing on the Victory straight up, taking the unders looks to be the way to go for some value in this market.
With little to no attacking threat on both sides, the under is where the value lies.
Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.35
Adelaide UnitedvsCentral Coast Mariners
Saturday 3 February, 7:45pm, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide 0 – Central Coast 4
There is no team in the A-League in better form than the Central Coast Mariners, unbeaten in the last 12 matches in all competitions and they are looking increasingly dangerous for opponents.
Which makes their outsider status in this market all the more surprising, especially when you consider Adelaide has won one of its last five and appears set to lose Joe Gauci to Aston Villa before the week is out.
Four of the last five head to head fixtures have been won by the Mariners including both legs of last season’s Semi Finals, and you can somewhat discount Adelaide’s 3-0 win in Round 1 as the Mariners were adjusting to the coaching style of Mark Jackson.
There are always fireworks when these teams face off and I’ll back the Mariners to head back home with all three points and maintaining their position in the premiership race.
Central Coast to Win @ $2.60
Macarthur FCvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 4 February, 5:00pm, Campbelltown Stadium
Macarthur 4 – Western Sydney 3
The Wanderers are continuing to show remarkable commitment to their “alternate wins and losses for as long as possible” bit with that run stretching out to eight matches after their closer than it should have been win over Western United last week.
Despite being favoured in this market at the time of publish, they are no sure thing and there is some value to be had on the Bulls getting something from this match.
Mile Sterjovski’s men have drawn four and won once in their last five, doing a great job avoiding defeat, even if they have not had the toughest fixture list.
There is every chance this is going to be another highly underwhelming Wanderers performance and there is value to be had taking the Bulls to at least get a point and make it six without defeat.
Macarthur Win/Draw Double Chance @ $1.57
Wellington PhoenixvsCentral Coast Mariners
Tuesday 6 February, 2:00pm, Sky Stadium
Wellington 0 – Central Coast 0
*REARRANGED FIXTURE*
Those that are able to tune into this Wellington-Central Coast matchup on Tuesday afternoon are going to be in for a real treat.
Two of the A-League’s most in form teams face off at the Caketin and based on their lead in form, there really is not a lot between these two clubs.
I can’t split them and I’ll be taking the draw.
Draw @ $3.60
2022/2023
Have you been backing the draw recently? 10 of the last 18 games have finished with points split between the teams.
It was a crazy week of football last week with some very high scoring affairs, not a lot of winners though with 4/6 of the the games being draws.
We move into Round 15 this weekend and hopefully we see some results!
As always I have your back for tips.
Here is my preview of Round 15 of the A-League.
Melbourne VictoryvsWellington Phoenix
Friday 3 February, 7:45pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 3 – Wellington 1
Friday night footy gets us kicked off with the Victory hosting Wellington and AAMI Park.
The Victory have been quite poor this season, despite being 3-2-8 and only earning one point in their last five games, they open as favourites against a Phoenix team that could jump up to second this week if results go their way.
I’m backing Wellington in this one with confidence. Melbourne Victory has lost each of its last four A-League night matches as a favourite and I’m not really sure what they have shown to open as favourites.
$3.20 for the Nix is great value.
Back Wellington H2H @ $3.20
Melbourne CityvsMacarthur
Saturday 4 February, 5:00pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 6 – Macarthur 1
Melbourne City will host the Bulls in a game that the bookies are tipping to be quite a one sided affair. Macarthur are a massive $6.60 to get it done against City.
Macarthur haven’t been in the greatest form this year but I like their chances a bit more than the $6.60 gives them credit for.
I’m going to get on the draw here and I have a couple stats to back me up.
The ‘Over 3.5 Goals’ market has hit in four of Melbourne City’s last five A-League home matches and ‘Both Teams to Score’ market has hit in each of Melbourne City’s last four A-League day matches.
There’s been a heap of draws recently and I’m willing to back one here.
Back the Draw @ $4.40
Sydney FCvsCentral Coast Mariners
Saturday 4 February, 5:00pm, Allianz Stadium
Sydney FC 3 – Central Coast 2
8th placed Sydney FC will open as $1.98 favourites against the 2nd placed CCM.
The Mariners are $3.30 and I think that may be a slight overreaction to the last two games they played.
Sure they lost to the Phoenix which is bad but a 2-2 draw with WSW last week doesn’t mean (at least to me) that they should be underdogs against this 5-2-7 Sydney outfit.
I’m taking the Mariners outright, I think that price doesn’t reflect them and don’t mind the value.
Back the Mariners H2H @ $3.20
Adelaide UnitedvsBrisbane Roar
Saturday 4 February, 7:45pm, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide 2 – Brisbane 1
United will host the Roar on Saturday night who are coming off a brutal 4-0 thrashing from Newcastle.
Unsurprisingly, 5th placed Adelaide open as $2.02 favourites to the Roar and it’s hard to argue a case for Brisbane here.
The underdog has won four of Brisbane’s last five A-League matches but I can’t see that being the case in this game, I like Adelaide to win this one.
Back Adelaide H2H @ $2.02
Perth GloryvsNewcastle Jets
Saturday 4 February, 10:30pm, Macedonia Park
Perth will host another late night clash on Saturday against a Newcastle team that are coming off a very convincing win.
Perth will open as $2.30 favourites and I believe that is because of the late start and the effect that jet lag will have on the Newcastle players. Perth have been very good at home this year for that exact reason.
The underdog has won three of Perth’s last four A-League matches at Macedonia Park but they have all been Perth wins. I’ve never seen home ground advantage have such an effect before.
Back Perth H2H @ $2.30
Western Sydney WanderersvsWestern United
Sunday 5 February, 3:00pm, CommBank Stadium
Western Sydney 1 – Western United 0
WSW will host Western United on Sunday afternoon and I’m not holding out much hope for the Victorian side.
Each of Western Sydney’s last three A-League matches have resulted in a draw and I think they will put an end to that streak here.
United look a lot more improved compared to their start of the season but have hit a bit of a rough patch in recent weeks and I’m not giving them much of a chance against the other Western side.
Back WSW H2H @ $2.10
2021/2022
Ten matches over six days make up Round 15 of the A-League Men’s competition and there’s exciting contests set to unfold from start to finish.
It all begins on Friday night when Melbourne City hosts the upstart Newcastle Jets before a full weekend of action followed by matches on Tuesday on Wednesday as they try and catch up on the litany of postponed contests.
We’re going through the A-League Men’s markets to find the best value below so read on and see who we are backing.
Melbourne CityvsNewcastle Jets
Friday 18 February, 7:45pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 3 – Newcastle 0
The good news for Melbourne City is that they are done taking on an Adelaide United side that they cannot seem to find a way to close out a win against.
The even better news heading into this weekend is the fact they have already defeated Newcastle this month, putting four past them in the Hunter in a comfortable victory.
We should see a similar match unfold at AAMI Park as City picks up another three points.
Back Melbourne City to Win @ $2.00
Wellington PhoenixvsSydney FC
Saturday 19 February, 5:05pm, Leichhardt Oval
Wellington 1 – Sydney FC 1
Wellington will be up against it when they take on Sydney here, with this being their fourth match in 13 days.
Sydney is unbeaten in its last four and it looks like Steve Corica is finally settling on his preferred lineup.
There is no doubt that Wellington will be pushing for all three points in this match but I can’t see them getting by a well rested Sky Blues outfit.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $1.98
MacarthurvsAdelaide United
Saturday 19 February, 7:45pm, Campbelltown Stadium
Macarthur 4 – Adelaide 1
Admittedly there is a touch of recency bias coming in here, but it is hard to understand why Macarthur is favoured over Adelaide in the market for this match.
Since resuming from an extended break on February 1, they have drawn twice and lost twice, conceding 11 goals in total in that span.
While Adelaide is capable of a flat performance from time to time, they are well over the odds and worth a punt at this price.
Back Adelaide to Win @ $3.05
Melbourne VictoryvsCentral Coast Mariners
Saturday 19 February, 7:45pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 1 – Central Coast 0
You can talk yourself into backing the Mariners in this match given their history against the Victory.
Melbourne’s 2-1 win in the FFA Cup Final broke a four game winless run against Central Coast that dated back to April 2019.
However as a counter to that, Central Coast has not won an A-League match since December 18, so it’s not like they are exactly a reliable option at the moment.
They have shown glimpses in their last two matches with back to back draws and I’ll take the value on the teams sharing the points.
Back the Draw @ $3.50
Perth GloryvsBrisbane Roar
Sunday 20 February, 4:05pm, UTAS Stadium
Perth 2 – Brisbane 0
Still waiting to be allowed to return to Western Australia, Perth will head south to the Apple Isle of Tasmania as a temporary home away from home.
After a brief bout with Covid caused a pair of postponements, the Glory came back with a bang on Sunday, with Daniel Stynes’ stoppage time equaliser getting them a much needed point.
Now they take on a Brisbane team that looks like it is finding its footing after an uneven start to the campaign.
When they met in Redcliffe on January 19 the Roar were the better side but only came away with a 1-0 win.
This one should be closer and I’ll back a score draw.
SGM: Draw and Both Teams to Score
Western UnitedvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 20 February, 6:35pm, AAMI Park
Western United 3 – Western Sydney 2
Western United heads into the weekend on top of the A-League ladder but is still over $2.00 to defeat the Wanderers this weekend.
Perhaps there is a line of thinking that their style of play is unsustainable but the results speak for themselves.
They have far and away the best defence in the league and seem to be the only ones that can keep a clean sheet with any regularity so I’ll back them to win in the style that we have become accustomed to.
Western United to Win and Under 2.5 Goals @ $5.00
Melbourne CityvsCentral Coast Mariners
Tuesday 22 February, 7:55pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 3 – Central Coast 2
*RESCHEDULED ROUND 22 MATCH*
Earlier in the season this would have shaped as a great contest, but Melbourne City really should be getting the job done with ease when they take on the Mariners on Tuesday night.
City’s recent form has been excellent, and includes three wins from their last four matches. Their 3-0 drubbing of the Jets on Friday was amongst their best performances of the season, and a repeat would see them winning this.
The Mariners are winless in their last six League matches, and it’s tough imagining them turning it around here.
Back City to Win @ $2.70
Western UnitedvsSydney FC
Wednesday 23 February, 5:25pm, AAMI Park
Western United 1 – Sydney FC 0
*RESCHEDULED ROUND 9 MATCH*
This is set to be an outstanding contest, and league leaders Western United will host the ever-dangerous Sydney FC on Wednesday afternoon.
At publish, the bookies cannot split them, and we’re faced with $2.65 Western United, $2.65 Sydney FC.
United’s form has been nothing short of outstanding under John Aloisi. They are undefeated in their last five league matches, and they step out on Wednesday following another tough win over an improved Wanderers outfit.
Sydney are also undefeated in their last five league matches, and they sit fourth on the ladder.
These two clubs met less than two weeks ago for a 1-1 draw, and I am anticipating a similar result on Wednesday.
Back the Draw @ $3.30
Perth GloryvsMacarthur FC
Wednesday 23 February, 7:35pm, UTAS Stadium
Perth 0 – Macarthur 1
*RESCHEDULED ROUND 12 MATCH*
We’re back to Tasmania on Wednesday night, when the Perth Glory plays (likely) their penultimate home game away from their actual home, against Macarthur.
They had more than six weeks between matches over the Christmas period and into January due to the pandemic, and it has been an understandable mixture of performances and results for the Glory since.
They have climbed to ninth after delivering Brisbane a comfortable defeat on Sunday, and they will be eager to make it two in a row at the expense of the Bulls.
Macarthur’s recent form has also been shaky, but they do step out on Wednesday following a thrashing 4-1 defeat of Adelaide United.
I think that the bookies just about have this one correct, and I’m siding with Macarthur in a low scorer.
Back Macarthur to Win/Under 2.5 Goals @ $5.86
Newcastle JetsvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Wednesday 23 February, 7:55pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle 1 – Western Sydney 0
*RESCHEDULED ROUND 6 MATCH*
Betting suggests that we are in for a quality contest when the Wanderers travel to the Jets on Wednesday, and a win would breathe plenty of welcomed life in the campaign of either club.
For the Jets, their promising start to the season has become a bit of a forgotten memory, but they have won two of their last four matches.
Western Sydney meanwhile struggled to get going, but they have definitely shown plenty of improvement throughout the last month, and they’ve performed well against some of the league’s strongest sides.
I personally think that the Wanderers deserve favouritism, and so I am more than happy to take the value around them as outsiders.
Back the Wanderers to Win @ $2.85
2021
The A-League delivers a massive weekend of action for Round 15 with plenty of huge contests across the Easter break.
It is also the de-facto halfway mark for a lot of clubs with many playing around 13 of their allotted 26 matches.
Easter is a huge chance for the defending champions Sydney FC to resurrect their title challenge with a pair of big matches that could see them spring back up into the top four.
They start off with a Big Blue against Melbourne Victory before backing up against Perth Glory.
We are previewing every match this weekend right here so read on and see our best A-League bets here.
Western UnitedvsMelbourne City
Thursday 1 April, 5:30pm, AAMI Park
Western United 2 – Melbourne City 1
It’s not just that Melbourne City is defeating everyone at the moment, it’s that they are winning games by fairly comfortable margins.
Their last five wins have all been by at least two goals and Western United’s attack is not exactly putting the fear of god into opposing goalkeepers.
Since their wild win over Melbourne Victory they have scored a grand total of two goals in four games, not exactly an ideal level of production.
Perhaps they spent their unexpected weekend off fixing up their shooting boots but I can’t see them keeping pace with a red hot Melbourne City side.
Back Melbourne City to Win -1 Goal @ $2.40
Central Coast MarinersvsAdelaide United
Thursday 1 April, 7:40pm, Central Coast Stadium
Central Coast 2 – Adelaide 1
The greatest fairytale in Australian sport in 2021 is fast running out of steam with the Mariners winless in their last three.
They could very easily go into this match in second place and could end the round as low as fourth depending on other results.
We are not quite at the “must win” stage of the season for the Mariners premiership hopes, but they have to find a way to slow down what has been a largely infallible Adelaide side in the last month.
The Reds had to operate on a different script last weekend defeating Sydney in a surprisingly low scoring affair but their first clean sheet since January was a very encouraging sign.
As much fun as the Mariners have been to watch all season and we would love to see them go all the way for the storyline, they are just too hard to back in here.
Back Adelaide to Win @ $3.25
Macarthur FCvsPerth Glory
Friday 2 April, 6:00pm, Campbelltown Stadium
Macarthur 2 – Perth 0
Macarthur’s debut A-League campaign rolls on as they look for three consecutive wins for the first time in their history.
Perth broke a five match winless run against Newcastle on the weekend but it was against a struggling Jets side.
If you think that was a sign of things to come from the Glory, they are excellent value in this fixture but I’m not quite ready to get fully on board with them.
I do think they are going to be able to match up well with Macarthur and at least get a point from this one.
Back the Draw @ $3.50
Brisbane RoarvsWestern Sydney
Saturday 3 April, 7:00pm, Moreton Daily Stadium
Brisbane 1 – Western Sydney 1
As it stands this fixture is very much up in the air with the ever evolving COVID situation in Brisbane.
While it is still going ahead at the time of writing there are too many factors to make a reasonable judgement.
I’ll leave it as a no bet for the time being.
NO BET
Melbourne VictoryvsSydney FC
Sunday 4 April, 7:00pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 0 – Sydney FC 3
The “back against the Victory at all costs” strategy did not produce the dividends last weekend when they drew with the Mariners.
Of course if you followed it in every match this season you would still have been a winner in nine of their 13 fixtures.
There is no reason to think that the Victory are going to suddenly pick themselves up off the canvas for this fixture given their performance in big matches this season.
I’ll stick with the strategy of backing against the Victory as their team continues to struggle.
Back Sydney FC to Win and Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.35
Newcastle JetsvsWestern United
Monday 5 April, 5:00pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle 0 – Western United 1
Western United put in arguably their most complete performance of the season upsetting Melbourne City on Thursday evening.
Now comes the tough challenge, backing up against arguably the most out of form team in the competition.
For some reason though, the Jets find themselves favoured in this fixture despite losing their last five matches and returning to the form which had them anchored to the foot of the A-League ladder in the early part of the season.
Not that punters should mind that pricing mismatch at all as it presents a fantastic opportunity to chase some value on a tough weekend for punting so far.
Back Western United to Win @ $2.80
Wellington PhoenixvsMelbourne City
Monday 5 April, 7:10pm, WIN Stadium
Wellington 2 – Melbourne City 3
Both teams head into this fixture on the back of last up losses.
City were well below par in their defeat to Western United while Wellington just could not break down a well organised Macarthur outfit.
One loss is not enough to scare me off City so I’ll back them to come away with all three points and resume their charge towards a maiden A-League premiership.
Back Melbourne City to Win @ $1.67
Western Sydney WanderersvsCentral Coast
Tuesday 6 April, 7:00pm, Bankwest Stadium
Western Sydney 2 – Central Coast 2
It was a statement of intent from the Mariners defeating Adelaide 2-1 in their first match of Round 15.
That result ensured they would end the round in top spot regardless of their result against Western Sydney in this fixture.
Despite their status on top of the A-League ladder, the Mariners find themselves installed as underdogs for this fixture which doesn’t seem right to me.
Western Sydney is coming off a draining away trip to Brisbane where they would consider themselves unlucky not to have won while simultaneously relieved that they were able to hold on for a point.
In a straight up tipping competition I would take the Mariners and at this price, I just can’t pass up these odds.
Back Central Coast to Win @ $2.80
Sydney FCvsPerth Glory
Wednesday 7 April, 7:00pm, Nestrata Jubilee Stadium
Sydney FC 1 – Perth 0
Sydney got back to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory on Sunday night.
Chances are they will heap further misery on a Perth side that has recorded one win in its last seven matches.
We have seen three or more goals scored in 11 of Perth’s 13 matches to date and with Sydney rediscovering their scoring touch, I’ll back them to do a number on Perth here.
Back Sydney to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.30
2019/2020
How will Round 15 of the A-League find a way to top the madness that ended Round 14 between the Mariners and Victory?
Melbourne has a very short turnaround as they kick off the weekend in Adelaide without their coach, while all eyes will be on the final match of the round as the under pressure Wanderers host the flying Glory.
Once we get through this weekend we’ll be past the halfway point of the A-League season and there’s still plenty to unfold in the finals picture… behind Sydney FC leading the way.
We’ve got previews and betting plays for all five matches right here!
Adelaide UnitedvsMelbourne Victory
Friday 17 January, 7:30pm, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide 1 – Melbourne Victory 0
You have to give the Victory credit, one way or another they remain the most entertaining side in the competition.
Victory manager Marco Kurz was suspended for this match but it looks like they will be playing the rest of the season without him with recent reports saying he has been sacked as coach.
On the pitch all signs point to Ola Toivonen missing another match with a groin injury, however there is more than enough talent up front for that to be overcome, especially against a struggling Adelaide side.
The Reds have lost four straight and after last week’s 3-0 defeat in Perth, have also dropped out of the top six.
You can make a good argument to back against either of these sides however the Victory might take the Kurz sacking as a wake up call, plus Adelaide is too short for a side on that run of form.
I’ll also throw in ‘Both Teams to Score’ since this is the A-League and that seems to have been a worthwhile play in pretty much every game this season.
When these sides met in Round 7 it was Adelaide winning 3-1 and I like the Victory by a similar scoreline here.
SGM: Victory to Win & Both Teams to Score @ $5.36
Brisbane RoarvsWellington Phoenix
Saturday 18 January, 5:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane 1 – Wellington 0
Despite sitting in ninth place, the Roar actually has the fourth best form line in the competition with five points from their last three matches.
Wellington on the other hand is flying, with a profitable December continuing into a successful January.
Having won their last three they head into this clash as favourites but an afternoon game at Suncorp in January is not an easy spot for any visiting team.
Brisbane might not be the prettiest team to watch but it looks like they are finding their feet at times under Robbie Fowler and I’ll back them to hold on for a draw in this one even with their captain Tom Aldred serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation.
Back the Draw @ $3.30
Melbourne CityvsNewcastle Jets
Saturday 18 January, 7:30pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 2 – Newcastle 0
New coach, same story for the Jets last week as they went down to the league leaders at home.
Up next is a trip to Melbourne to take on City, who have to be feeling more than a bit dirty after thinking they let two points slip in Brisbane because of an inability to finish chances.
With star striker Jamie Maclaren setting up for another assault on the Golden Boot, he has a chance to take over the lead from Adam Le Fondre and after being kept off the scoresheet in Brisbane, I like him to bounce back with a goal or two here.
SGM: Melbourne City Half Time/Full Time & Jamie Maclaren Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.38
Western UnitedvsCentral Coast Mariners
Sunday 19 January, 4:00pm, GMHBA Stadium
Western United 3 – Central Coast 0
Winless in their last three, Western United is coming off a much needed bye while the Mariners will undoubtedly be on Cloud 99’ after their stoppage time comeback against the Victory.
Central Coast won the first meeting between these sides in November with just a solitary goal from Giancarlo Gallifuoco.
For this game you have to ask yourself if you want to back the rested team or the one with the momentum.
With one of their bright spots on the season Sam Silvera off trialling with an MLS side this week and Western United’s aging squad coming off a week’s rest, I’ll back them to get up here.
Back Western United to Win @ $1.78
Western Sydney WanderersvsPerth Glory
Sunday 19 January, 6:00pm, Bankwest Stadium
Western Sydney 0 – Perth 1
As tempting as it may be to try and overcomplicate this pick, there’s really no need to.
Perth is in ridiculously good form, winning five straight and keeping four clean sheets in that time.
The market hasn’t quite caught up to the Glory’s form surge so back them on the road against a Wanderers team that is bereft of confidence.
Back Perth to Win @ $2.08
2018/2019
Just four games to preview for Round 15 of the A-League with one of the matches classed as a part of this round having already taken place last week on the back end of Round 13, the day before Round 12 ended… that kind of makes sense to some.
As the Summer of Football winds down the struggling sides are now left to play spoiler and the Mariners have their chance to get some revenge in the second F3 Derby of the season.
The round closes out with the league leaders hosting Adelaide United out west as the Shed begin to dream of the Glory days returning (just without the Springsteen song ideally).
Read on for our four previews and predictions for this midweek A-League round.
Brisbane RoarvsMelbourne Victory
Tuesday 15 January, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane 0 – Melbourne Victory 5
*Match Previewed in Round 13*
Melbourne CityvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Tuesday 22 January January, 7:50pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne City 4 – Western Sydney 3
Nobody will blame you if you are still a bit drowsy after City’s last match, that 0-0 draw was a tough one to sit through.
The Wanderers look like a perfect get right opportunity for Melbourne though, they have lost their last five and are struggling to keep a clean sheet right now.
So far this season, Western Sydney has conceded two or more goals in 11 of their 14 matches, including when these two sides met on New Years Day.
While City have had some inconsistencies this season, it’s too hard to ignore the Wanderers struggles.
Back City to Win @ $1.75
Wellington PhoenixvsSydney FC
Wednesday 23 January, 5:35pm, Westpac Stadium
Wellington 0 – Sydney 1
In the past this could have been a game that you would have on in the background while doing other things.
This time, it is must watch TV with the Nix looking like one of the more entertaining sides in the competition, this is well worth watching.
Both teams are in fine form and look to be very hard to split, although you might have to shade Sydney slightly, but a score draw looks like a good play here.
Back the Draw & Both Teams to Score @ $4.20
Newcastle JetsvsCentral Coast Mariners
Wednesday 23 January, 7:50pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle 1 – Central Coast 0
A midweek F3 derby for the Mariners who are on an unbeaten run for the first time since Round 2.
They are actually on a better run of form than the Jets who have picked up just one point from their last five games and are seeing a finals berth slip further and further away.
When these sides met just before Christmas, the Mariners took an early lead before fading late to go down to Jets.
We’ve had some… ok lots of fun with the Mariners and their struggles this year but they do look like good value to get something out of this game, even if it’s just another point they are worth looking into as a value play.
Back a Central Coast Win/Draw Double Chance @ $2.45
Perth GloryvsAdelaide United
Wednesday 23 January, 10:00pm, NIB Stadium
Perth 0 – Adelaide 0
The ladder leaders luck ran out as they were unable to find a winner against Melbourne City on Saturday night.
That cost them some ground in the title race but a home clash against Adelaide is a great opportunity to keep the chasing pack at arms’ length.
The Reds are coming off an important, if slightly controversial win over the Wanderers and would love to win back to back games for just the second time this season.
Having said that, the Glory at or around even money at home is too good value to pass up.
Back Perth to Win @ $2.00
2017/2018
No sooner have we waved goodbye to Round 14 than we move on to Round 15 in the A-League.
With the split rounds coming up later this year fans are receiving an extra round over school holidays and it all gets started with Sydney FC visiting Brisbane for the Roar’s “State vs State” game.
Here is our preview for that match and the other four coming up in this round of the A-League.
Brisbane RoarvsSydney FC
Monday 8 January, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium
Sydney are coming off an almighty scare at the hands of Newcastle last Wednesday while the Roar are playing their second match in the space of 72 hours.
That shock from the Newcastle game will be music to Graham Arnold’s ears as he will be able to remind his team they cannot afford to be complacent in any scenario.
It will be interesting to see if there are any leftover grudges from the last time these teams met which saw Avraam Papadopoulos sent off for spitting at Matt Simon who was also dismissed for retaliating.
Sydney are just too good at the moment and the short turnaround will be too much for an injury ravaged Roar team.
Back Sydney FC to Win -1 Goal @ $2.50
Newcastle JetsvsCentral Coast Mariners
Tuesday 9 January, 7:50pm, McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle stated their case as legitimate contenders this season with an opening round win over the Mariners by a ridiculous 5-1 score.
Since then their team has followed the mantra of next man up while the Mariners go into this match missing several key players with international duty.
At home the Jets will be expected to win quite comfortably even in the derby atmosphere.
Back Newcastle Jets to Win to Nil @ $2.90
Perth GloryvsMelbourne City
Tuesday 9 January, 10:00pm, NIB Stadium
Two sides suffering from chronic inconsistency close out Tuesday’s action.
However the good news for the audience that stick with this game is the fact they have a habit of playing out very entertaining contests.
In late November there was controversy aplenty as Perth won in Melbourne 3-1, not to mention the dramas last season.
Perth are the more likely side to produce something here and with that in mind I would say take them to get the three points at home.
Back Perth Glory to Win @ $3.00
Wellington PhoenixvsMelbourne Victory
Wednesday 10 January, 5:35pm, Westpac Stadium
Melbourne travel across to Wellington to the site of one of their most important results this season.
In round 9 they picked up a huge 3-2 win to help get things back on track.
With the form they are in at the moment the play in this game is to back them in for another three points.
Back Melbourne Victory to Win @ $1.80
Western Sydney WanderersvsAdelaide United
Wednesday 10 January, 7:50pm, ANZ Stadium
The midweek round closes out with the Wanderers ready to continue their rebuild with a game against Adelaide.
Safe to say things are very different compared to when these sides met for the Championship 18 months ago however it will be interesting to see how Josep Gombau approaches this game.
Western Sydney have been opportunistic in their last two weeks pouncing on opposition mistakes, but Adelaide won’t be kept quiet in this one.
Back the Draw @ $3.50
There is another Thursday night fixture in the A-League this weekend as Adelaide United host Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium.
The Melbourne Victory face the Brisbane Roar on Friday night before the round comes to a climax on Saturday night when Sydney FC do battle with Western Sydney Wanderers in what is always a spiteful Sydney Derby.
There is plenty of betting interest in every single game in the A-League this season and you can find a host of betting plays below.
Adelaide UnitedvsMelbourne City
Thursday 12 January, 6:50pm, Coopers Stadium
Adelaide United 2 - Melbourne City 1
Melbourne City returned to winning form last weekend and they will go into this clash with Adelaide United as clear favourites.
Winning away from home has proven to be an issue for Melbourne City this season and they have won only one of their past seven games in this scenario for a clear loss.
Adelaide United suffered yet another loss at the hands of the Melbourne Victory last weekend and their season really is going from bad to worse.
The Reds have lost their past two games as away underdogs and they continue to be an extremely difficult team to trust from a betting perspective.
This is a clash that the market looks to have got just about right and there really is no value to be found.
No Bet
Melbourne VictoryvsBrisbane Roar
Friday 13 January, 6:50pm, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 3 - Brisbane Roar 2
The Melbourne Victory have won five games on the trot and they will go into this clash with the Brisbane Roar as clear favourites.
Melbourne have played some excellent football in recent weeks, but they have still been a losing betting proposition as home favourites this season and backing the draw in their games remains profitable.
Brisbane were extremely poor against the Newcastle Jets last weekend and the fact that they have won only one of their past nine games as away underdogs does not inspire confidence.
In saying that, the Roar have drawn four of their past nine games in this situation and they are another team that have drawn plenty of games this season – especially away from home.
The $4 available for the draw is well over the odds and one of the best bets this weekend.
Back The Draw @ $4
Wellington PhoenixvsCentral Coast Mariners
Saturday 14 January, 4:35pm, Westpac Stadium
Wellington Phoenix 1 - Central Coast Mariners 0
The Wellington Phoenix have not won a game for over a month, but they are still set to start this clash as dominant favourites.
Wellington have won only two of their past five games as home favourites and they continue to be a team that is extremely tough to trust from a betting perspective.
Central Coast did not get the job done against Sydney FC last weekend, but there was still plenty to like about their performance.
The Mariners did win in Wellington last year and there is no way that there is as much between these two teams as the current betting market suggests.
Central Coast are worth a gamble at the big price.
Back Central Coast To Win @ $5.50
Sydney FCvsWestern Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 14 January, 6:50pm, Allianz Stadium
Sydney FC 0 - Western Sydney Wanderers 0
It has been years since the Western Sydney Wanderers won a Sydney Derby and Sydney FC will go into this clash as clear favourites.
Sydney FC did not play particularly well against Central Coast last weekend and they were still able to get the job done, but they remain a tough betting proposition as home favourites – they have won only four of their past ten games in this scenario.
The Western Sydney Wanderers have not won for over a month and they were narrowly beaten by Melbourne City on Friday night.
While Western Sydney have struggled to win this season, they have still been able to draw four of their games as away underdogs this season and backing the draw in each of their games has been highly profitable.
Sydney FC have taken a step backwards in recent weeks and Western Sydney are capable of taking a point from this clash at a big price.
Back The Draw @ $4
Newcastle JetsvsPerth Glory
Sunday 15 January, 4:00pm, Hunter Stadium
Newcastle Jets 2 - Perth Glory 2
This is the most-even game of the weekend and there is very little between the two teams in betting.
It is the Newcastle Jets that will start this clash as narrow favourites following their upset victory and this is a position in which they have struggled over the past 12 months – they have won just one of their past four games as home favourites.
Perth returned to winning form against the Wellington Phoenix last weekend and there is plenty to like about them in this clash.
They have won four of their past 11 games as away underdogs for a clear profit and it is fair to say that they have a far better team than the Newcastle Jets as long as they perform at somewhere near their best.
Perth are more than capable of getting the job done this weekend and they really should be favourites.
Back Perth To Win @ $2.60