2024/2025 A-League Round 19 Preview

Just five matches make up Round 19 of the A-League season but there is plenty of drama set to unfold across the weekend.

Ironbark Fields is the location for the headline clash between third placed Western United and Auckland FC with the Kiwi newbies in position to potentially eliminate their opponents from the premiership race.

Fellow New Zealand side Wellington is starting to enter now or never territory as they try to make the finals yet again but they have a tough task in the form of a trip to Melbourne to take on the Victory to start the weekend off.

Check out who we are backing in every match below.

It just has not worked for the Nix this season and last week’s draw with lowly Brisbane was another blow to their finals hopes.

While they have gone four matches without defeat, only one of those was a win and they cannot afford to drop too many more points on the run home.

They did manage to beat the Victory back in November, but it’s tough to back them with any confidence here.

Melbourne’s loss in Newcastle last week should impact punters’ confidence in them ahead of this match as their scoring woes came up once again.

However the historical trends of this fixture do point towards one key bet above the others, with the under hitting in the last six head to head meetings on the 90 minute result.

Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.25

City’s three match losing streak is a cause for concern, however there is a good reason to think that things are going to change this weekend.

For starters, all three of those losses came on the road and they are back at AAMI Park for the first time since January 11 where they have won their last three, all while keeping a clean sheet.

In fact, their last home defeat came back in November against the Western Sydney Wanderers.

They should have no problems bouncing back against this Perth team.

Melbourne City to Win -1 Goal @ $1.80

On the surface, you would have to think Auckland were the value play in this fixture, especially as minor outsiders at the time of publish.

But that discounts a couple of key factors, starting with Western United’s 4-0 thumping of Auckland back in December and the fact John Aloisi’s side need to win to keep their premiership hopes alive.

Auckland will be brimming with confidence after winning three of their last four and they will no doubt want to avenge that defeat at Mt Smart.

There is not a lot between these teams and the draw looks like the best play in this market.

Draw @ $3.50

While the Jets have started to trend in the right direction results wise, this has all the makings of a game where they come crashing back to earth.

Adelaide returned to form last weekend with a hard fought win over Melbourne City and they should have no problems taking care of business here.

Playing in front of a raucous crowd at Coopers Stadium, the Reds are looking good to put on a show.

Adelaide to Win -1 Goal @ $2.20

No matter which way you try to paint it, there is not a lot between the Wanderers and Bulls as we head into this clash.

As it stands the only difference is Macarthur winning their one extra match played and they carry a similar form line into this fixture with two wins, a draw and two defeats from their last five.

Both had to settle for draws last week and another one looks like it might be on the cards here.

Draw @ $4.00

2023/2024

A pair of local rivalries headlines Round 19 of the A-League season with the F3 and Sydney Derbies on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile league leaders Wellington will be out to maintain their advantage on top of the table when they host Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

It’s getting to the now or never time of the season for a number of clubs as the race for the top six heats up.

Check out who we are backing in our Round 19 preview.

Despite an indifferent campaign to date, Melbourne City is still getting plenty of respect in the market, entering this clash with fourth placed Macarthur as a slight favourite.

However the value play here is backing the Bulls, who could climb up to third with a win and managed to successfully navigate a busy fortnight of domestic and continental commitments.

With the AFC Cup campaign done and dusted, they can now turn their attention to making a run in the back end of the A-League season.

Especially when you consider their only A-League defeat since New Years Day came against league leaders Wellington on the back of an AFC Cup tie.

Four full days of rest should have them fit and firing, it just seems as though the prices are the wrong way around, so take the value on Macarthur.

Macarthur to Win @ $2.95

Despite this match featuring two of the bottom four teams, there is plenty to look forward to as Western United returns to Ballarat.

A run at the finals is beyond John Aloisi’s squad at this stage, but they have shown an ability to play spoiler of late, taking points off Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane.

Just over a month ago you would have given them an outside chance of defeating Perth, but the Glory have been one of the best (and most enjoyable) teams to watch since their mid-January resurgence.

They have won three and drawn three from their last six and on that form, they should be able to take care of business against a struggling opponent.

Just like the first match the value here is on the underdog who is playing way too well to be the outsider.

Perth to Win @ $3.15

Saturday’s derby double feature kicks off in Newcastle with the Jets desperate to keep their faint finals hopes alive against Central Coast.

History is not on their side though, with the reigning champion Mariners winning the last three derbies and eight of the last ten dating back to December 2020.

Not to mention, Central Coast has been in red hot form of late, with just one defeat in their last 19 matches.

It might not be the biggest win in F3 Derby history, but with Central Coast desperate to keep pace with Wellington in the premiership race, they will be just as motivated as Newcastle and in this situation, you side with the better team.

Central Coast to Win @ $2.00

Derby day in the Harbour City sees fifth taking on sixth and one of the more unique statistical trends to follow in this market.

Each of the last five derbies has been won by the visitor, with four of those winners keeping a clean sheet.

That bodes well for Sydney FC, with Ufuk Talay’s men in position to leapfrog their red and black rivals.

Add in their impressive resurgence under the former Wellington boss, losing just one of their last ten outings and they look like the way to go here.

Sydney FC to Win @ $2.55

Wellington is still getting a little bit disrespected in the markets, with the league leaders at over even money as they prepare to host the reeling Reds.

Last week’s trip across to Perth could have been worse, but all things considered a 0-0 draw is not the worst outcome.

Now they can head home and look to at least hold on to their three point advantage at the top of the table by taking advantage of an out of sorts Adelaide side.

Long gone is the magic of last season where they made it to the Semi Finals, with Adelaide lingering in tenth spot, picking up just one point from their last five matches.

This one could get out of hand if Wellington is feeling ruthless.

Wellington to Win @ $2.05

Two of the A-League’s most inconsistent teams will face off, with Brisbane and the Victory both capable of some great football, or looking incredibly poor, sometimes in the space of 90 minutes.

Going off recent results and performances, there really is not a lot between these teams despite the nine point gap on the ladder, both have a win and two draws from their last five.

Brisbane has looked good at times under Ruben Zadkovich with both draws and the win coming at Suncorp Stadium and they are fast approaching desperation territory when it comes to keeping their finals hopes intact.

As for the Victory, their attack has been incredibly poor since Bruno Fornaroli left for the Asian Cup and it has not really improved since his return.

While they are still very much in the hunt for the premiership, they really need to rediscover their winning ways.

I can’t split these teams and am expecting them to be forced to take the result that really provides no help to either club.

Draw @ $3.50

2022/2023

There’s only two months left of the A-League regular season and the table is still as tight as ever.

Round 19 is shaping up to be another monster round of football, with just four points separating second from seventh it still truly is wide open this season.

Did you follow along last week?

I don’t want to toot my own horn but it’s my own article and I can do what I want, I went 5/6 on my Round 18 tips!

Hopefully we can back it up this week with another strong outing.

Here is my preview of the A-League Round 19.

Friday night footy gets us off and racing at Coopers Stadium this week where Adelaide United will host Melbourne City who are still comfortably on top of the table.

Both sides had incredibly close contests in Round 18, City winning 3-2 v Sydney FC and United splitting points 1-1 with the Victory.

Adelaide have been very leaky at the back recently, conceding 11 goals in their last 5 games and the most recent match against City ended in a 3-3 draw.

There’s a big chance this one will be a goal fest and the bookies are clued onto it too, with Over 2.5 goals paying just $1.55 and I thought I was going to be clever getting on that market, but it’s not to be.

City to win at $1.87 seems like the value too, that’s where I shall be going.

  Back City H2H @ $1.87

Only one point separates these two sides but you wouldn’t know it if you only looked at the market.

The Nix are $1.94 favourites to beat the $3.50 Jets and you’d imagine that has a lot to do with the game being in NZ.

The Jets are 3-1-1 in their last five games and will be keen to put the loss to Western United behind them.

The underdog has won four of Newcastle’s last five A-League matches, can the Jets get it done overseas? I think I’m leaning towards yes.

Back Newcastle H2H @ $3.50

Very easily the game of the round as the 3rd place Wanderers take on the Mariners with the winner taking sole possession of 2nd spot on the ladder.

The bookies are struggling to split these two, the Wanderers are very slight favourites at $2.40 compared to the Mariners’ $2.65.

They only saw each other a few rounds ago where it was a 2-2 draw.

In fact 3 of the Mariners last 5 games have been draws, which begs the question, is it worth a play at $3.35?

Western Sydney has lost seven of its last nine A-League matches as a favourite following a win, it doesn’t look right backing three away teams in a row but it’s hard to argue with these stats.

Back CCM H2H @ $2.65

Am I allowed to call this a “relegation clash”?

Probably not since there’s no relegation, but it is second last playing third last in a battle of the bottom.

The Glory are once again away from home and we have seen how poor they are on the road, going down to a Roar side who just sacked their coach last weekend.

They haven’t won a game in their last five and United only have one win in the same time.

It’s lame but I’m taking the draw here, quite an uninspiring tip for what could be quite an uninspiring game.

Back The Draw @ $3.35

Sydney will be keen to return to their winning ways when they take on the Victory on Saturday night.

Last week they fell just short to the other Melbourne side but I like their chances against the current wooden spooners.

Here’s one to consider, Sydney FC has lost each of its last three A-League night matches as a home favourite if you reckon they’ll make that four you can get the Victory for $3.30 but I’ll be with the Sky Blues at $2.02

Back Sydney FC @ $2.02

Only one Sunday game this week and it’s a matchup that the bookies literally cannot split.

At the time of writing both sides are $2.55 to win but with two combined wins in their last 10 games are we expecting one team to come away with 3 points here?

Four of Brisbane’s last five A-League matches following a win have resulted in a draw and ‘Both Teams to Score’ has hit in each of Brisbane’s last four A-League matches.

Equal odds, couple of stats to back it up, I think the draw may be the way to go here.

Back The Draw @ $3.20

2021/2022

There’s plenty to look forward to in Round 19 of the A-League, but the action is highlighted by Saturday night’s bitter Melbourne Derby.

We’ve run the rule over every game and provided our best bets below in our A-League Men Round 19 Preview.

The Jets and the Phoenix are both eager to bounce back into winning form when they clash in Newcastle on Friday.

The Jets are winless in their last four league matches, but punters are confident that this will be the match they will turn it around – they’re $2.20 favourites, while there’s a generous $3.10 on offer for the Phoenix.

Beka Mikeltadze has been nothing short of outstanding this season, and it comes as no surprise that he is the $4.50 favourite to score first tonight. Gary Hooper is the $6.50 top elect for the Phoenix.

Wellington’s recent form has been noticeably better than Newcastle’s, and I’m backing that trend to continue.

Back Wellington to Win @ $3.10

Betting suggests that one of the better contests of the round will materialise between the Mariners and the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.

The Mariners have been a little better recently, and they sit ninth following a win and two hard-fought draws.

Macarthur meanwhile snapped their winless streak with another triumph over the Wanderers in Round 18. They remain a genuine top four threat, but need to win matches like this one for that to ring true.

Back Macarthur to Win @ $3.10

City and the Victory will write the next chapter in their bitter rivalry on Saturday night, and it shapes as an absolute blockbuster.

The reigning champs have been a very good side again this season, and a win this week would see them strengthen their position at the top of the table.

The Victory meanwhile can climb back into the top four with a win, pending other results also going their way.

While derbies are typically harder to line up, I’m still confident that there is enough of a class difference between these two sides.

Back City to Win @ $1.75

We’re set for a thrilling contest when Sydney FC hosts Western United on Saturday, but betting is surprisingly skewed in favour of the home side.

The Sky Blues snapped a three-game losing streak last weekend, and they have been backed into very clear $1.91 favouritism at Ladbrokes, plenty of value on offer for the Western United fans at $4.

I can’t get my head around these head-to-head prices – Western United have been a lot better than Sydney this year, and I am more than happy to take the value around them.’

Back Western United to Win @ $4

Last-placed Perth Glory are desperate for a win, and they are offered their best chance for some time when fellow cellar dwellers Brisbane Roar visit on Saturday night.

The Glory have opened favourites in match betting, but there’s still plenty of value in their $2.40 quote, while there’s $2.90 about the Roar.

Bruno Fornaroli could be in line for a shock call-up to the Socceroos, and he has been a popular target in first goal scorer betting tonight.

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

Back the Draw @ $3.30

The Wanderers will start favourites in their bid to topple top four side Adelaide United on Sunday afternoon.

Mark Rudan’s men have won two of their last three league matches, and punters have shown plenty of interest in their $2.05 quote, while there’s $3.25 about the Reds.

Tomer Hemed and Dimitri Petratos have both garnered support in first goal scorer betting, while Adelaide’s chief marksman, Craig Goodwin, has also firmed in the market.

One last time in Round 19, I’m backing an upset.

Back Adelaide to Win @ $3.25

*RESCHEDULED MATCH*

*RESCHEDULED ROUND 6 MATCH*

2021

Just five weeks remain in the 2021 A-League season and just seven points separate the top nine teams.

This weekend sees Brisbane begin a hectic run of fixtures as they try to catch up on several COVID and weather related postponements.

Perth also finds itself in line for a frantic dash to the finish line as they have several catch up games in store as well.

Read on and find our best bests for Round 19 of the A-League season below.

Newcastle’s horror run doesn’t get any easier with a clash against Melbourne City kicking off Round 19.

We have covered their winless run ad nauseum over the last two months and it now stands at 10 games thanks to a 2-0 loss to Western United on Monday night.

Understandably, the market for this fixture is forecasting an ugly one sided match so I’ll take this opportunity for a SGM to try and find some value.

The hosts should have no problems covering the HT/FT double and I’ll also take Jamie Maclaren to get on the scoresheet and register his 20^th goal of the season.

SGM: Melbourne City HT/FT & Jamie Maclaren Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.01

There’s an awful lot riding on this match for both of these teams heading into the final month of the regular season.

Western United has lost just once in its last five games and is eyeing off a run into the finals while Adelaide has hit a bump winning just once in their last five.

Mark Rudan’s side has built its foundation on a rock solid backline and they have conceded just eight goals in their last nine fixtures.

Adelaide’s games have been much more wide open with both teams to score hitting in 10 of their last 11 but I have been impressed with the way Western United have been controlling games.

If they are able to frustrate Adelaide’s attack then we could be in for a case of first goal wins and the market is offering good value on that type of game unfolding.

Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.35

Shifted from its original Friday night slot due to Perth’s lockdown, the Glory and Bulls kick start a Saturday triple header at HBF Park.

By the time this game kicks off, it will have been 13 days since they last played a match and over a month since their last win.

Macarthur is not enjoying its football at the moment either with two points from their last four matches.

There’s not a lot to like about the prospects of either team here and I’ll land on the fence by backing the draw.

Back the Draw @ $3.40

Two of the most exciting teams in the A-League face off in this match and we could be in for a real treat.

The goals have been flying in for the Nix with both teams to score hitting in eight of their last nine and the Nix themselves scoring 11 goals in their last five games.

Brisbane has built its three game winning streak and six game unbeaten streak on the foundations of a solid backline but they have had trouble keeping clean sheets.

On the plus side their attack appears to have finally clicked into gear with the Roar putting four past the Central Coast on Wednesday night.

I’m expecting both teams to go into this fixture thinking they need at least three goals to win and I’ll go for a big value option as the Roar make it four wins in a row.

Back Brisbane to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $5.20

Western Sydney can’t defend to save themselves at the moment which could be the perfect opportunity for the Sydney strike force to tune up ahead of the imminent return of Adam Le Fondre.

It has not been a marquee Sydney FC side this season with the team labouring through quite a few matches, yet they are still in the mix for the premiership.

Considering the Wanderers just gave up five goals to one of the worst Victory teams in recent memory, it could be a long night for Carl Robinson and his team.

I’ll back Sydney to win and put a few past their local rivals in the process.

Back Sydney FC to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.60

Central Coast will have to see this fixture as an opportunity to get their season back on track, following a rough defeat to Brisbane during the week.

Not only did they lose 4-0 to the Roar, star import Marco Urena was sent off and will miss this fixture with the Victory.

They have not won since Easter Thursday but have taken two of their last three against the Victory.

I just can’t bring myself to back them here, especially considering the Victory have proven to be moderately competent when given the opportunity to insert themselves into the match.

What I will do is follow the trend of recent matches which has seen both teams score and over 2.5 goals hit in six of the last seven head to heads.

Back Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.83

Fans and punters alike will be praying that the pitch at Moreton Daily Stadium has dried out after a weekend deluge left it resembling a swamp in the Roar’s 0-0 draw with Wellington.

It may not lead to too many more goals however with the Roar and Western United having a long history of frustrating arm wrestles.

The visitors come into this match with three clean sheets from their last four games so all signs are pointing towards a very tight contest.

Each of the last three matches between these sides has finished 1-0 and while the price on Under 1.5 is very tempting,

I’ll give myself a bit of insurance and back two or fewer goals to be scored.

Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.10

This has been a rivalry very heavily weighted to the away team with the home side failing to win any of the last six matches dating back to December 2018.

City is looking for its first back to back victories in over a month following their comfortable 3-1 win over Newcastle and I’ll back them to create some further breathing room on top of the A-League ladder.

They will be relying on their phenomenal forward line to get themselves over the line here and it makes sense considering they are playing a Perth side that is conceding just under two goals per match.

On the other side City is scoring for fun with a competition high 42 goals in 18 matches, get ready for plenty of fireworks out west.

Back Melbourne City to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $3.60

2019/2020

There’s just four games in the A-League this weekend with all three sides in the Asian Champions League having a bye.

That does somewhat limit the punting options with the usually safe “Sydney FC to Win” option off the table for this weekend but there’s still plenty of value on offer if you find the right markets.

Check out who we are backing in Round 19 of the A-League here.

Adelaide’s three game winning streak was brought to a halt in rainy Brisbane last week but I’m ready to jump back on their bandwagon this weekend when they take on a Mariners side that looks like it is hitting the wall.

While the Mariners did manage to spring an unlikely upset of the Reds in late December, they have not looked at all likely of coming close to a victory in the last month.

With a league high 11 losses from their 16 games played this season, the Mariners are fast becoming a great team to back against and we’ll start off taking Adelaide as part of a same game multi.

Both Teams to Score has hit in all three games between these two sides this season (including the FFA Cup Semi Final) and both sides are more than capable of scoring if given an opportunity to.

SGM: Adelaide to Win & Both Teams to Score @ $2.64

The Nix are taking their home game against Melbourne City up the road to Auckland as they look to keep hold of fourth spot on the ladder.

You have to like City’s chances of winning if (and it’s a big if) they can build on their Derby form instead of having a hangover from it.

Should City perform anything below the standard they set last week there is every chance Wellington will find a way to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them.

In the interests of insurance against City channelling their inner Melbourne Heart, I’ll take the lower value ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ since that has hit in five of Wellington’s last seven and 14 of City’s 17 A-League matches this season.

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.62

Sure the Jets won last weekend but it was against the Mariners so that needs to come with a double asterisk next to it, firstly it was against a side they have had few problems with lately and it had the added elements of wild weather and a derby atmosphere.

The Wanderers had their second weekend off in the last three as rain postponed their derby with Sydney FC giving interim coach Jean-Paul de Marigny some extra time to work with his players.

New Jets coach Carl Robinson will take his first game in charge and I’m expecting him to realise the scale of the rebuild he will have to undertake as the Jets get outclassed but their hosts here.

Back Western Sydney to Win @ $2.10

On its own, Brisbane’s gritty win over the in form Adelaide last week was pretty impressive and when you put it in the context of the last six weeks, things are definitely improving for Robbie Fowler.

Looking back to the last (& only) time these two sides have met, it was a real turning point for the Roar as they went down in a frustrating defeat in mid-December that was topped off by a postgame clash between Mark Rudan and Roar officials.

If there is any simmering tension between the two sides we could be in for a fierce clash with plenty of bookings but it will be interesting to see how Mark Rudan sets his side up in this contest.

Last time he went full Jose Mouriho Park the Bus essentially daring the Roar to break down his stacked backline and they couldn’t.

While Brisbane is not exactly lethal in front of goal, they are finding ways to score, even if it isn’t through the prettiest methods.

Combine that with the form of Jamie Young, who can only be beaten by special strikes at the moment, I’m happy to get on the Roar here at this price.

Back Brisbane to Win @ $2.70

2018/2019

After all of that, we are into the final third of the A-League season and it is Perth Glory’s Premiership to lose.

With a seven point lead and just nine games remaining the Glory are just seven games away from their first A-League Premiers Plate.

They have a chance to take one step closer to silverware when they host Brisbane Roar in the late Saturday night game.

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

The previous two clashes between these teams this year have been nothing short of exceptional and if the football gods want to give fans a break, this game will be another memorable one.

When these sides met in Round 14, it was a breathtaking 3-3 draw with both sides having chances to take control of the contest and with plenty of finals permutations, neither team will want to drop any points here.

With the Victory losing at home to Perth last week and the Phoenix being held to a draw in Newcastle both sides would love to kick start their run home with a win here.

The tip for this game will hinge very much on the availability of Keisuke Honda, if he can get a full 90 minutes then the Victory should win, otherwise back the draw.

*If Honda Starts: Back Victory to Win @ $2.10

*If Honda Doesn’t Start: Back the Draw @ $3.40

Just ten months ago these sides were meeting in an A-League Semi Final and now City have a chance to put another nail in the Jets season by taking all three points in the Hunter.

City has won the two meetings between these sides this season, both coming at AAMI Park however and the Jets haven’t lost in their last three home games.

Neither side has really set the scoreboard alight this season with City having the third worst goals scored tally of 22 and the Jets having the second worst number at 21.

During the transfer window City went out to address that issue and brought in Jamie Maclaren who scored on debut and has a proven track record at this level and should be able to find a goal to put City ahead early.

Back City to Win @ $2.63

Adelaide is unbeaten in its last seven games after a draw against Melbourne City last weekend and would love to consolidate fourth spot with another win here.

The Wanderers finally ended a winless streak that dated back to December 7, funnily enough bookended by victories over the Mariners.

Considering the Mariners fortunes this season it’s hard to get too excited over the Wanderers win last week and Adelaide is a big step up in class.

Adelaide has scored two goals in both matches against Western Sydney this season and should be able to make it three here with another win.

Back Adelaide to Win and Over 1.5 Goals @ $1.87

While the Glory continue their march towards the Premiership, the Roar are just looking for fit defenders.

Last week Matt McKay was forced into emergency duty after injuries ravaged the Roar backline, although the diminutive veteran will likely be restored to his more familiar role in midfield this week.

The Glory picked up a 2-1 win last time these sides met and are at a very short price to pick up another three points here.

Even with the Roar picking up a much needed win over Sydney last week it’s hard to see anything other than a Glory win here although the Roar will take advantage of any lapse in concentration and at least find a way onto the scoresheet.

Back Perth Glory to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $2.70

Sydney enters round 19 of the A-League as the shortest priced favourite when they take on the last placed Mariners.

It looks like Central Coast is back to its old ways losing four in a row including and, while the side has been competitive it just can’t seem to find a way to string results together.

Things have not been going too well for Sydney either, losing two of its last three including last weekend’s upset loss in Brisbane when they couldn’t break down a makeshift defence.

That should spark a reaction from a side that needs to get back on track and the Mariners look like the perfect opponent to offer that chance.

Back Sydney to Win Both Halves @ $2.80

2017/2018

Nine rounds to go in the A-League season and this weekend kicks off The Chase for the finals series.

Each side will face the other nine clubs once in the last two months of the season and there is still plenty of jockeying for position to take place.

Here is our A-League betting preview for Round 19 including the recommended plays for each match.

After two straight draws and sharing the spoils in three out of their last four, Sydney came back into familiar territory with a comfortable 3-1 win on Australia Day.

Wellington could not back up their impressive away win in Newcastle and went down to Adelaide 1-0 at home.

The last month has been rather solid if you have backed the Phoenix to take points from their games, getting a win or draw in four of their last six.

Sydney are in a different class to the Phoenix however and despite their recent struggles (by their standards), and that should get them home here with start to finish domination.

Back Sydney FC to Win Both Halves @ $2.80

The second of back to back Melbourne opponents for the Jets after grabbing a point at AAMI Park last weekend.

The home side has won both times this season with a 4-1 win for the Jets before the Victory won 2-1 at AAMI Park.

Melbourne go into this game potentially undermanned with the loss of Jason Geria to suspension and the much-publicised departure of Mark Milligan.

In terms of the finals race, this will not see Newcastle go up or down from second place but with Adelaide on the heels of fourth placed Victory they need to gain as many points as possible.

For this one though, the home side rule should hold firm here.

Back the Jets to Win @ $2.40

Perth snapped a five-game losing streak with a much needed win at home over the Wanderers at the weekend but their task does not get much easier with a trip to Adelaide on the cards.

Marco Kurz’s side have lost just once in 2018 but their home form has not been all that encouraging.

Two losses, a draw and a win from their last four games at Coopers Stadium however they have been forced to be road warriors since the New Year with their lone home game being a 0-0 draw with Sydney which they certainly celebrated like a victory.

Diego Castro reminded fans why he is one of the most dangerous attackers in the league with his masterclass last weekend and he should be able to keep Perth in touch.

Back the Draw @ $3.80

Mistakes doomed the Mariners when they went down to the Roar in Gosford last week.

Tipped by many to make a finals run, they now find themselves mired in ninth place trying to stay ahead of Wellington.

Western Sydney have not won in four games but are still controlling their destiny ahead of a potential run into the finals.

Both sides would love to end their poor run of form here but neither one appears to have the firepower to break through.

Back the Draw @ $3.50

Lost in the Roar’s “week from hell” was the fact that it was bookended by back to back wins in the league.

Neither of the wins over Perth or Central Coast were overly pretty but they were good enough for three points in each game and a spot in the top six at the end of Round 18.

City won the first meeting between these sides in the season opener while the Roar got bragging rights back with a November win at Suncorp.

The visitors have looked very good in their last two games with a big win over Adelaide followed up with a fighting draw against Newcastle.

Goals should not be a problem for either side here with three or more in each of their last three matches (including the ACL Qualifier).

Back Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals @ $2

Week 19 of the A-League gets underway on Thursday night when Sydney FC host the Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium before Adelaide United face Perth Glory on Friday.

The match of the round will take place on Saturday night when Melbourne City take on the Brisbane Roar in a crucial clash and the Western Sydney Wanderers face the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon.

Sydney FC maintained their unbeaten record in the A-League this season with a scoreless draw against the Brisbane Roar last weekend and they will start this clash as dominant favourites.

The Sky Blues have been tough to beat this season, but the have not been particularly profitable from a betting standpoint – they have won five of their past 11 games as home favourites for a clear loss.

Wellington were no match for the Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend, but they will take confidence from the fact that they beat Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium last season.

The Phoenix have won three of their past 11 games as away underdogs for a profit and they are capable of a quality performance on their day.

It is a gamble, but there is genuine value in the $7.50 on offer for a Wellington victory.

Back Wellington To Win @ $7.50

Adelaide United’s season hit a new low last season when they were beaten by the Central Coast Mariner, but they will still start this clash as clear favourites.

Adelaide have been very unreliable this season and it should come as no surprise that they have won just five of their past 11 games as home favourites for a clear loss.

Perth returned to winning form with a thrilling victory over the Newcastle Jets and they really need to be winning these types of games.

The Glory have taken at least a point from seven of their past 11 games as away underdogs for a clear profit and they really do look like the value betting play of the weekend.

Back Perth To Win @ $3

Melbourne Victory ended their losing streak with a controversial win in a spiteful Melbourne Derby and they are clear favourites to make it two victories on the trot.

Melbourne have generally played well away from home this season and they have won four of their past seven games as away favourites for a clear profit.

Newcastle went down to Perth last weekend, but there was still a fair bit to like about their performance.

There is no doubt that Newcastle have improved this season and they have won four of their past nine games as home underdogs for a clear profit.

This is one game that the market looks to have got just about right and I am more than happy to stay out from a betting perspective.

No Bet

Third position in the A-League will be on the line when Melbourne City and the Brisbane Roar do battle on Saturday night.

Melbourne City have an excellent record in front of their home fans at AAMI Stadium, but it is the Brisbane Roar that will go into this clash as narrow favourites.

Brisbane have generally struggled away from home this season and they have won just two of their past five games as away favourites for a clear loss.

Melbourne City have one just one of their past four games and they will go into this clash without the suspended Tim Cahill.

They have won 10 of their past 16 games in front of their home fans and they really have been able to turn AAMI Stadium into somewhat of a fortress.

Melbourne City really should be favourites and they are great value at the current price.

Back Melbourne City To Win @ $2.70

Western Sydney Wanderers have an excellent record against the Central Coast Mariners and they will start this clash as dominant favourites.

Western Sydney have struggled badly as favourites this season and they have won only three of their past 11 games as home favourites.

The Central Coast Mariners made it two wins on the trot with their fighting victory over Adelaide United and they have produced their best form of the season over the past fortnight.

Winning away from home has been a real issue for the Mariners this season and they have won just one of their past 13 games away underdogs.

Both these teams are tough to trust from a betting standpoint and this is another game that I am keen to stay out of.