Nine rounds remain in the 2024/25 A-League season and there are just six points between second placed Adelaide and eighth placed Macarthur.
It’s a big weekend for a lot of these teams with the top of the table clash in Auckland the headline act as the debutants can put one hand on the premiership with a win over the Reds.
Elsewhere Brisbane is on the verge of becoming the first team mathematically eliminated from the finals picture as they try to avoid some unwanted history.
Find our complete A-League Round 21 match previews and best bets for every game below.
The only similarity in terms of preparation between these teams is that they are both coming off local derbies, otherwise it could not be more different.
It was a nightmare for the Nix as they were hammered 6-1 by Auckland last week, and you can just about put a pin in their finals hopes now.
Currently riding a four match winless streak, it seems highly unlikely that Wellington will find a way to turn it around all of a sudden.
Meanwhile, City might have had to settle for a draw against the Victory last week but that was a good point for them to earn and they should be able to come away with all three here.
Melbourne City to Win @ $1.91
It sure looks like the Mariners title defence is going to collapse in a heap this season especially after their no-show performance in a desperation game at home to Western Sydney last weekend.
They were blown off the park and finished the weekend seven points adrift of the top six having played an extra game compared to Melbourne City.
Meanwhile, Western United should be feeling pretty good about themselves after their best win of 2025, destroying Adelaide 3-0.
John Aloisi’s side is trending in the right direction and look well placed to record their first win over the Mariners since April 2021.
Western United to Win @ $2.00
Bet against Auckland FC at your own peril, because they are marching towards a maiden A-League premiership in their debut season.
They flexed their muscle last weekend, destroying their local rivals Wellington 6-1 in what should be a warning to the rest of the league.
Meanwhile, Adelaide’s impressive run looks like it might be coming to an end with three defeats from their last four games.
Since their dramatic 2-2 draw with Auckland in January, they just have not looked like the same team that flew out of the blocks.
While many will be hoping this is some another dramatic, blockbuster encounter between two title contenders, the respective form lines suggest this is only going in one direction.
Auckland to Win @ $1.90
Brisbane is on the verge of creating several pieces of unwanted history over the coming fortnight.
While not possible this weekend, they are going to be mathematically eliminated from finals contention before too long and are set to become the least successful Roar side in club history.
On top of that, they have gone almost a full calendar year without a win at Suncorp Stadium, the last one coming on March 3, 2024, which came over this weekend’s opponent Melbourne Victory.
The only reason they are being given even the slightest of chances is the possibility of the Victory having a letdown after last week’s derby.
But that just makes the price on the visitors to win and add further misery to the Roar that little bit more appealing.
Melbourne Victory to Win @ $1.80
Macarthur is a club in turmoil and things went from bad to worse during their weekend off.
Captain Valere Germain decided that the pay in Japan would offset his frustration with match officials far more than what he was on here.
Their results on the pitch are not exactly encouraging either with just four points from their last five matches.
Meanwhile, you can kind of forgive Sydney’s draw in Perth last week after their ACL2 tie in Bangkok went to extra time last Wednesday.
With a full week of recovery ahead of this game, Sydney to win is the play.
Sydney FC to Win @ $2.10
Things are trending upwards in Wanderland, with Western Sydney unbeaten in their last four including an impressive 4-0 hammering of the Mariners last weekend.
Now they take on a Perth side that has one win in their last eight A-League matches.
While the Glory’s defence has improved since that run started, they still cannot find ways to consistently break down opponents.
And when Western Sydney get going, they will be very tough to stop.
Western Sydney to Win and Under 4.5 Goals @ $2.25
2023/2024
The A-League heads into the March international window with a shorter week of action due to the match between Central Coast and Melbourne City getting postponed due to the Mariners AFC Cup duties.
It’s also an early start to the week with the rallying Western United hosting Melbourne Victory on Thursday night.
That’s just one of the five scheduled fixtures this weekend as we edge closer to the A-League finals and just who will make up the top six is still very much to be determined.
Check out who we are backing below with our A-League Round 21 Preview and best bets.
There are plenty of good reasons to back against both of these sides heading into this fixture, with both showcasing their shortcomings on various occasions.
Once considered title contenders, the Victory are now left to focus on a top four finish having picked up just 11 points from their last 10 matches.
While they did defeat Western United less than a month ago, there were not a lot of encouraging signs in that performance with a pair of stoppage time goals needed to avoid defeat.
As for John Aloisi’s side, their main target now is avoiding the wooden spoon and based on a recent uptick in form, you have to like their chances of doing that.
While they will have to navigate the loss of young striker Noah Botic, Western United’s form should have them at a shorter price than what they are at and they are more than capable of getting a point here.
Western United Win/Draw Double Chance @ $2.00
It is an impossible task to try and sell this as some sort of blockbuster battle considering the clubs involved are stuck in 10th and 11th place heading into the weekend.
However it does set up an interesting battle as these sides try to cling onto their faint finals hopes.
Newcastle has at least been able to pick up draws of late, while Adelaide have been incredibly poor, losing their last four as their disappointing campaign limps to the finish line.
It’s always a bit of a risk backing Newcastle to win outright, but with how bad Adelaide has been, I’m more than happy to take them on.
Newcastle to Win @ $2.20
While they are no longer the ladder leading Nix, Wellington is still very much in the hunt for the premiership despite a dip in results in recent weeks.
To keep their fate in their own hands though, they need to navigate what is their second toughest remaining assignment with Sydney FC coming to town.
The Sky Blues were able to grind out a draw against Brisbane last week despite playing for all but 25 minutes with ten players after Jake Girdwood-Reich’s red card.
It has been over two months since they last lost a match and they did knock off Wellington at Allianz Stadium.
However taking the Nix as underdogs has been a profitable strategy all season and it’s one I’m happy to follow here.
Wellington to Win @ $3.15
A-League Men’s action heads to Ballymore for the first time as the Roar hosts Macarthur at Queensland’s home of rugby.
This won’t be the first time the Roar men have played a match at the venue, however they will be hoping goes slightly better than their 2016 FFA Cup match against the Glory, which was won by the visitors.
There is value to be had backing the visitors, but Macarthur’s recent form has not been that good, with one win from their last four outings.
Brisbane has been competitive but their lack of depth at striker was exposed in last week’s draw with Sydney.
When you consider those two key factors, combined with the 3:00pm local time kickoff (and the hot weather that is commonplace in that part of the world), we might be looking at a bit of a grind of a game.
Under 3.5 Goals @ $1.78
How can Western Sydney respond to that horrific loss to Melbourne City on Tuesday night?
Especially when facing a trip out west to take on Perth, who have picked up 15 of their 21 points as the home team this season.
To be quite blunt, I cannot see how the Wanderers can bounce back from that horrific showing unless they were playing an NPL NSW side or one lower down the pyramid.
A lot can change at Wanderers HQ between now and then but as it stands I’m more than happy to take them on here.
Perth to Win @ $2.45
2022/2023
Round 20 is in the books and if you followed a long with me last week I hope the balance is looking very healthy.
We scored another 5/6 last week and being the perfectionist I am, I won’t stop till I get that magic 6/6.
It’s another huge week of A-League Matchups and as always, I’ve run my eyes over them and have you covered for tips.
Here is my preview of Round 21 of the A-League.
United keep on rolling, with a 4-2 win last week over Newy, they look a decent chance to take on Melbourne City for the top spot.
They’re $1.98 favourites to knock off the Phoenix and are the form team of the comp. United are the only team in the A-League to be unbeaten in their last five games.
Wellington has won four of its last six A-League matches as an underdog but United are different gravy here. I’m with the Reds.
Back Adelaide H2H @ $1.90
Despite going down 2-4 last week to Adelaide, Newy are $2.25 favourites against the Glory.
I personally think the Glory look much improved this year, granted the bar has been pretty low but they are 6-5-9 and I think they will test the Jets here. The Jets have lost 3 on the trot and I think Perth have all the momentum.
The underdog has won three of Newcastle’s last four A-League matches at McDonald Jones Stadium and just like the Knights, I reckon the Jets are in for more pain as well.
Back Perth H2H @ $2.90
I’m honestly not going to waste anymore energy on the Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane has lost four of its last five A-League matches as a favourite and the away team has won four of Western United FC’s last five A-League matches.
Brisbane are useless this year, give me Western United at $3 everyday of the week.
Back Western United H2H @ $3
We’ve got ourselves another Sydney Derby and this one should be pretty spicy.
There was quite a bit of drama the last time these two sides met and I reckon everyone involved has kept their reciepts.
I’m with WSW in this one, they always find another gear in these Sydney derbies and it’s hard to look past the team 4th on the ladder for $2.85
Back WSW H2H @ $2.85
Macarthur are next in the firing line for Melbourne City, I knew they were going to beat the Roar last week but I thought it would be by a lot more.
Macarthur let in 4 last week to the CCM so this could be the game that blows out.
Melbourne City has won each of its last four A-League matches against Macarthur FC and ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market has hit in each of Melbourne City’s last seven A-League matches.
This is the beatdown game.
Back City H2H, Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score @ $2.81
I think it’s a bad omen to back nearly every away team this week but it’s hard not to.
CCM are outsiders here and I don’t believe they should be, yes I said they were sliding last week but now they’re playing bottom of the ladder Melbourne Victory.
Here’s a stat, The favourite has won 20 of Central Coast’s last 21 A-League matches at AAMI Park but I can’t do it. I’m with the Mariners.
Back CCM @ $2.85
2021/2022
There’s another huge weekend of A-League upon us!
Teams are playing catch up matches left, right and centre, we have another Sydney Derby and Newcastle look to end their losing streak against Brisbane.
There aren’t many rounds (and catch ups) left of what will be a very memorable A-League season, teams are locking in finals spots and we’ve run over all the games this weekend to find the best value for the punters.
Take a look at our Round 21 preview!
Central Coast look to keep the momentum going, coming off a 3-0 win against Adelaide last Saturday. After a 27th minute red card to Gloveman Joe Gauci, the remaining Mariners stood tall and got the job done.
They face the second on the table Western United who have stalled a little bit in form. Recently they have just narrowly beat the Brisbane Roar, drew 1-1 with the Victory and lost 3-0 to Sydney FC.
Central Coast will go into this game without their go-to man between the sticks and for this reason, I just don’t see them getting it done. I’m backing Western United to return to a little bit of form and start their finals run.
Back Western United to Win @ $2.00
Wellington Phoenix broke their losing streak last weekend with a 2-1 W over The Glory. This week they’re up against top of the table Melbourne City FC and it might be back to their losing ways.
City have only lost two games in 2022 and Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren is firming himself as favourite for the Golden Boot this season.
I can’t look past how dominating City have been this year and I think this will be a favourable match up for the boys from Melbourne.
Back Melbourne City to Score 2+ Goals @ 1.67
Another Sydney Derby is upon us! Look away WSW fans, the bookmakers don’t have as much faith in you to win as you’d like.
Sitting in 10th place but only 5 points back from a finals spot, the Wanderers always elevate against their cross town rivals. There is a bit of value for Western Sydney to win at $4.
That being said, Sydney are favourites for a reason and I believe that they’ll simply be too good in this derby clash.
Back Sydney FC to win both halves @ $3.10
Adelaide lost 3-0 to 10 men last week. I just needed to get that one out of the way early, apologies Adelaide fans.
It’s 3rd v 4th and everything about this matchup looks fairly even. Adelaide will be without Brazilian midfielder Matheus Moresche who picked up a second yellow in the 95th minute of their drubbing last weekend.
I’m struggling to split these teams and the bookmakers are too, sadly their isn’t a market for “Both teams to have fun” but there is a market for a draw and I am leaning towards that.
Back the Draw @ $3.35
Newcastle head to Redcliffe for a Sunday Afternoon matchup against a very hot and cold Brisbane Roar side. It was a huge week for red cards last week with Brisbane Goalkeeper Jordan Holmes also being sent for an early shower in their 3-2 loss to Western United last week.
I don’t really know what to say about The Roar that hasn’t already been said. It’s been a very rough campaign once again for the Brissie boys and despite what the bookies say, I don’t believe it will get any better this weekend.
Newcastle are coming off a 2-0 win against the Sky Blues and I think they will just be too good for the Brisbane Roar. There is a bit of value for Newie to get up and I reckon it’s worth a cheeky look.
Back Newcastle to Win @ $3.30
Surprising to most, Macarthur are currently the best team in New South Wales. Despite losing 4 of their last 5 matchups, The Bulls take on bottom of the table Perth Glory in the Sunday night fixture this weekend and are $1.87 favourites to win.
Perth have looked shocking this year, they are currently 3-4-10 with the worst goal difference in the league (-8). It would be very surprising to me if Perth got up here, I think Macarthur will win this one quite comfortably.
Back Macarthur FC to Win @ $1.87
2021
The wild and unpredictable A-League season has just four rounds remaining and the ladder remains as tight as can be.
While Melbourne City sits well clear on top of the table, nine sides remain in contention to finish in second place behind them and the exact makeup of the finals can take on a number of different complexions.
There are nine huge games in Round 21 including an F3 Derby between the Mariners and Jets plus the final edition of the Big Blue between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.
Read on for our match previews and best bets below.
Adelaide’s free scoring ways and leaky backline have been swapped out for a blunt attack but resolute defence in the last two weeks.
That newfound resilience at the back will be put to the test against a Melbourne City team that has won its last three matches, scoring three goals in each fixture.
Three of the last four meetings between these teams have been won by the Reds with a 2-0 result in early January the most recent fixture.
Quite a lot has changed for both of these sides since that match, including City conquering just about everyone in their way.
I’ll back that run to continue here as Adelaide’s defensive struggles come to the fore.
Back Melbourne City to Win -1 Goal @ $1.95
Melbourne Victory is back to its normal function this season and that is losing to anyone and everyone.
It is a great opportunity for Macarthur to consolidate their position in the race for the top six, who recorded a 2-1 win when these sides met just over a week ago.
There is no reason to expect a different result this time out and I will back the hosts to pick up all three points.
Back Macarthur to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ $1.87
It’s all falling apart at the worst possible time for Western United and things will not get any easier taking on Sydney on the back of a draining trip to Perth.
As if that was not tough enough, it sounds like Sydney FC will be welcoming star striker Adam Le Fondre back into the mix to address their (relative) goal scoring woes.
Sydney’s local rivals the Wanderers dismantled Mark Rudan’s side 5-0 last weekend and a similar scoreline is absolutely on the cards if the Sky Blues get even close to full strength.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $1.75
The local derby between Newcastle and Central Coast has produced some memorable, high stakes matches in the past, but there is not a lot riding on this one.
Newcastle is in dire straits with just three draws in their last 12 and the only reason they are being given something resembling a chance in this fixture is because the Mariners’ form has fallen off a cliff.
By the end of the weekend they could find themselves outside of the finals picture.
I don’t have overly high hopes for this contest and there is great value in backing a low scoring affair.
Three of the last four derbies have seen two or fewer goals and you can get a good price on that.
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.15
You could forgive Wellington if their minds are elsewhere during this match, it is their final fixture before heading home to New Zealand.
Should they be firing for this match, they have a good chance of upsetting a City side playing on short rest after Thursday’s match.
I still like City to win outright however I’m going to pair that result in a Same Game Multi with Both Teams to Score, something that has hit in City’s four matches heading into Round 21.
SGM: City to Win & Both Teams to Score @ $2.43
Over the last five years, Adelaide and Brisbane have established one of the most underrated rivalries in the competition.
Most matches between these teams features a certain level of controversy, calamity and craziness.
When these sides met in Redcliffe earlier this year, it was a Roar demolition job however Adelaide is a much stronger side since that night.
Even with both sides looking very strong at the back, history says we are in a for a few goals and I’ll back that in this market.
Back Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.40
I’m all in on an upset in the for the final match of Sunday’s triple header as the Wanderers head west for the “Remember Tony Popovic” derby.
Perth’s frantic catch up schedule has to catch up with them at some point while the Wanderers appear to be finding form at the best possible time.
Not to mention the Glory running more cold than hot in recent weeks, plus a backline that has kept one clean sheet all season, this is an excellent chance for Western Sydney’s forward line to really make a statement here.
Take the value on the visitors.
Back Western Sydney to Win @ $2.85
Sydney were well below par in their win over Western United on the weekend but you know they will be primed for this edition of the Big Blue.
A win would vault them into second place, putting them in the drivers seat for another home Semi Final.
Combine that with the Victory’s struggles and if Sydney are on form, they could put up a tennis score here.
A one goal handicap offers enough value for me to jump on as the Sky Blues make it eight wins in a row against their southern rivals.
Back Sydney FC to Win -1 Goal @ $1.83
Perth is really enjoying its home stand, winning its last three to keep its finals hopes alive.
Adelaide ground out a hard-fought win over Brisbane last week but is still hardly looking like a formidable foe.
If the Glory can continue their scoring form of the past fortnight, with 10 goals from their last three matches, it’s tough to imagine Adelaide being able to keep pace.
Head to head the Glory offers more than enough value for me to back them outright.
Back Perth to Win @ $2.40
2019/2020
A second attempt at the third Sydney Derby of the season highlights this weekend’s action in the A-League.
Of course that is far from the only highlight as Adelaide looks to rebound from a huge defeat against the languishing Melbourne Victory.
We also close out the round with a possible finals preview as third placed Melbourne City host the sixth placed Brisbane Roar.
We’re covering all five games in our A-League Preview here so check out who we are backing below!
In a season where those at Wanderland felt like fate was conspiring against them, the postponement of this fixture might have played into their hands.
They head into this game unbeaten in their last three, having rediscovered their scoring touch in a 5-2 rout of Adelaide last Friday night.
On the other hand, their rivals put a Champions League thumping behind them to comfortably beat the Mariners, however, they would be remiss to take this fixture lightly, especially considering it is coming against the one A-League side to defeat them this season.
For the most part in recent years though, this derby has been one way traffic and despite the Wanderers general improvement since the departure of Markus Babbel, it’s always worth backing Sydney when they are in this price range.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $1.77
After one of, if not the most bizarre fortnights in Glory history, they once again can turn their attention back to football with this clash against the improving Jets.
New manager Carl Robinson has bolstered his squad with a pair of signings, although how much Bernie Ibini and Joe Ledley are actually involved in this match remains to be seen.
The Glory are in the midst of an impressive 10 game unbeaten run in the A-League, however you do have to question whether or not their travel schedule is starting to take a toll on the squad.
They were run down late against Brisbane and another cross country flight to Newcastle will only increase the drain with a Champions League tie next week to deal with as well.
In a tipping competition I would probably take the Glory outright but from a betting perspective there’s just too many variables in play for a good option, so I’ll steer clear of this one.
NO BET
After years as the Victory’s bunnies, Adelaide is suddenly the dominant force in this fixture.
They have won the last four A-League meetings between these sides, holding the Victory scoreless on three of those occasions including a 1-0 win six weeks ago.
It’s taken a lot of adjustment this season but it’s finally at the point where you can back against this talent laden Victory squad with plenty of confidence, especially with the market still giving them a decent shot here.
We might also be seeing a reaction to Adelaide getting ripped apart by the Wanderers last weekend, although that performance could very well be an outlier with a pretty strong form line since that most recent win over their original rivals.
Adelaide as slight outsiders look to be a bit over the odds, so I’ll happily jump on board with them at their current price.
Back Adelaide to Win @ $2.80
It’s a battle between the side you hate to back and the side you just can’t bring yourself to.
In the limited history of this fixture, the home team has won on both occasions with the Mariners winning the first meeting in Gosford and Western United getting up 3-0 in mid-January.
Of course, since scoring three against Adelaide on Australia Day the Western United attack has been sterile on a good day, failing to score a goal in their last three matches.
Helping their cause is the fact they are facing the worst team in the A-League with the Mariners on a six-game winning streak and goalless in their last two matches as well.
With two teams struggling to score, this one really could be a case of “first goal wins”, but I just don’t known which team will score (if any) – so I’ll back a low-scoring contest.
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.10
For some reason, Melbourne City is the one side that has brought Brisbane out of its shell this season with the two fixtures they have played so far seeing plenty of goals.
In November the Roar won 4-3 in Redcliffe followed by a 2-2 draw at Suncorp Stadium in January.
Twelve of the Roar’s 18 matches this season have featured two or fewer goals, so the two against City are definitely in the ‘outlier’ category.
It’s also fair to ask if City are starting to stumble with their results tailing off in recent weeks, recording two losses, a draw and a win from their last four matches.
Brisbane looks to be way over the odds at $5 for this one so I’ll happily get on board with the value on offer for a Roar outright victory.
Back Brisbane to Win @ $5.00
2018/2019
Even 21 rounds in we are still getting new things in this A-League season as this weekend (and next) gives us our first split round for the 2018/2019 A-League campaign.
Thanks to last year’s Premiers and Champions competing in the Asian Champions League, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory will be involved in this weekend’s action before commencing continental duties.
Read on for our previews and predictions for all of the action this coming weekend and a bit later on the action from the second half of Round 21.
Sydney is back in the winners circle but will need to improve on their performance against Wellington ahead of their Champions League campaign.
Adelaide has been a tricky out for them this season with the three meetings being split down the middle, a win apiece and a draw in the opening round.
The Reds are winless in their last three games but have been able to stay in fourth spot thanks to the teams below them having longer streaks in place.
At some point though that margin for error is going to go and this looks like a game where Sydney, even with some possible rotation, is worth backing in.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $2.05
The Victory are back in Geelong, looking to put their best foot forward to the people of Geelong before the new Western United side plays there starting next season.
With an outside shot (at best) of the Premiership, the Victory needs to pick up points to keep the pressure on Sydney in their race for second spot.
Victory defender Georg Niedermeier will be suspended after his derby red card, but his likely replacement James Donachie is a more than capable fill in as the home side looks for their first clean sheet since January 15.
It won’t come easy however with the Jets scoring 9 goals in their last three games but against the Victory they have really struggled with three straight losses.
At the moment it seems like the Victory have the Jets number and at over even money its excellent value here.
Back Melbourne Victory to Win @ $2.10
It’s fair to say that City’s derby draw was less than inspiring especially after playing against a side a man down from the 15th minute.
Perth meanwhile were punished for not putting the Wanderers away with a last gasp equaliser however it still was another point closer to the Premiership.
With neither side overly happy with how last week unfolded you would hope that can spark a response and Tony Popovic is just the sort of manager to get his side back on track.
Even with Melbourne City’s maddening inconsistency, this looks like the sort of game they will find a way to get up for and frustrate Perth for a score draw.
Back Both Teams to Score and a Draw @ $4.20
Brisbane has been involved in some wild clashes over the past six or so weeks and it all started with a wild comeback draw against the Wanderers in Round 16.
It would be completely on brand if this game had a similar level of craziness to it as both meetings have ended in 2-2 draws with the Roar coming back from 2-0 down.
Since these sides last met, the Roar have also blown a 3-0 lead to Adelaide and managed to beat Sydney with a makeshift defence and had a wild 5-3 win in Gosford in the last game.
Western Sydney managed to get blown out by Newcastle but have responded with back to back wins over the Mariners and Adelaide before picking up an unlikely draw against Perth.
What does that all of that mean?
Both of these sides are playing for pride and… well pretty much pride unless half the top six is suddenly banned from the finals.
It’s always a risky play backing either of these sides and there’s no guarantee how they will come out after a week off so instead look for the goals market for a value play.
Back Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.00
Perhaps things are unravelling for Wellington just a little bit after four games without a win and a coach that feels secure enough in himself to blast the higher ups.
The good news for them is after a week to reset, the Nix have a great chance to bounce back against the presumptive wooden spooners who they have already beaten twice this season.
Normally this game at this stage of the season would be a total write off for viewers but Wellington is well and truly in the finals mix and this, like every game from here on out is a huge opportunity.
You have to have faith in Mark Rudan as a coach here and his ability to get the Phoenix up for this game.
Back Wellington to Win @ $2.00
2017/2018
After the first of two split rounds all ten A-League sides are back in action for Round 21.
Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC are returning from overseas duty in the Asian Champions League so their squad depth will be tested here.
They are both in for rivalry games this weekend with Victory facing Adelaide in Saturday’s main feature while Sydney play in the third derby of the season against the Wanderers on Sunday night.
Read on for our previews and recommended A-League betting plays from all five matches this weekend.
A match between the sides sitting last and second last on the ladder, Wellington make the trip to Gosford fresh off a big win over Perth and two wins from their last four.
The Mariners claimed the first meeting 4-1 in Westpac before a 0-0 draw on New Years Eve but their home form is quite concerning.
Fans at Central Coast Stadium have not seen their side win at home in five games, including back to back 2-1 losses to Brisbane and Western Sydney.
Wellington lost their last two away games 4-0 in Sydney however holding on last week will restore some of that confidence.
They are a different team away from home and the Mariners desperately need a break and this game should be that opportunity.
Back Central Coast to Win @ $2.10
As Brisbane’s playing squad returns to full strength, the results are starting to come for them having won three of their last four A-League matches.
Newcastle on the other hand have gone three games without a loss and have beaten the Roar twice so far this season.
The first meeting was 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium while the Jets controlled a 1-0 return match in January.
When looking at this game, it comes down to whether you want to trust the season of good performances from the Jets or the last few good games from the Roar.
If Brisbane are able to put a couple more good performances together then they might start to get some benefit of the doubt here but until then, go with the exciting Jets.
Back Newcastle to Win @ $2.30
Three losses in a row for the Victory and the heat is getting turned up on Kevin Muscat amidst the Champions League campaign.
Adelaide produced a fighting 2-2 draw with Central Coast last week despite playing over 70 minutes with just 10 players to keep their unbeaten run at three.
This could be a pivotal game for Adelaide’s top four hopes as it could put a big gap between themselves and the chasing pack.
With the current form of both teams, look at Adelaide to continue their good run here.
Back Adelaide to Win @ $3.40
Diego Castro will be replaying that missed opportunity from the penalty spot all week and his chance at redemption comes against a Melbourne City side that has had a fortnight to stew over a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Sydney FC.
This fixture has gone the way of the away team this year with Perth winning in Melbourne in November while City claimed the first game at NiB.
With just one win from their past eight matches, Perth are in danger of falling out of the finals race this weekend.
Expect City to find a way to pile the pressure on Perth and come back with three points.
Back Melbourne City to Win @ $2.10
A huge way to close out the round with the third (and likely final) Sydney derby of the season.
Both games have produced goals with the first one resulting in an entertaining 2-2 draw before Sydney crushed their cross town rivals 5-0 back in December.
Expect more goals in this game as Sydney look to exert their dominance and take one step closer to the finals race in another high scoring game.
Back Sydney FC to Win and Over 3.5 Goals @ $3.20
There are plenty of big games in the A-League this weekend.
Melbourne City host Sydney FC on Friday night in arguably the most interesting game of the round, while there is a massive triple-header on Saturday night.
The round concludes on Sunday afternoon when the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners do battle in what is always a spiteful clash.
Sydney FC suffered their first defeat of the season against Melbourne City last weekend, but they will still go into this clash as narrow favourites.
Sydney FC have an excellent record away from home this season and they have won seven of their past 11 games as away favourites for a clear profit.
Melbourne City produced one of their best performances of the season to beat the Wellington Phoenix last weekend and they will go into this clash with some confidence.
They have won nine of their past 13 games as home favourites for a clear profit, but stringing together back-to-back wins has proven to be somewhat of an issue.
This is a match that the market looks to have gotten spot-on and I am happy to stay out from a betting standpoint.
No Bet
The Brisbane Roar have not won in almost a month, but they are one of the shortest-priced favourites in the A-League this weekend.
Brisbane continue to produce their best form in front of their home fans and they have now won nine of their past 12 games as home favourites for a clear profit.
Wellington have been very poor in their past three matches and it really is tough to back them with any confidence.
The Phoenix have won just two of their past 11 games as away underdogs for a clear loss and they have conceded plenty of goals.
Brisbane should prove far too strong for the Phoenix and it would not surprise to see them record a very comfortable win.
Back Brisbane To Beat The Line (-1 Goal) @ $2.63
The Melbourne Victory are the other dominant favourites in the A-League this weekend following their return to form against the Central Coast Mariners.
Melbourne have been tough to beat at home this season, but they have still not made a profit as home favourites with a 7-3-2 record.
Adelaide United ended their winless run with a fighting victory over the Newcastle Jets, but they continue to be tough to trust from a betting standpoint.
They have won just one game as away underdogs this season, but they have been able to take a point from three other games in this scenario.
Melbourne are deserving favourites, but it is impossible to get them as short as their current price and the $4.75 on offer for a draw is over the odds.
Back The Draw @ $4.75
This is one of the most interesting games of the weekend.
Perth Glory have lost only one of their past eight games following their stalemate with the Brisbane Roar and they are always tough to beat in front of their home fans.
The Glory have won six of their past ten games as home favourites for a clear profit, but it has been a while since they beat Western Sydney.
Western Sydney secured their biggest win of the season with their controversial victory over Sydney FC and it will be interesting to see how they get up for this clash.
The Wanderers have won just two of their past ten games as away underdogs for a clear loss and they have strung together back-to-back wins just once this season.
Perth really should be able to return to winning form and they are one of the best betting plays of the weekend.
Perth To Win @ $2.20
The F3 Derby means plenty to the fans of both the Newcastle Jets and the Central Coast Mariners and this is one of the most interesting games of the weekend.
It is Newcastle that will go into this clash as favourites, but their record as home favourites does not inspire a great deal of confidence – they have drawn their past three games in this scenario.
Central Coast had their winning run ended by a rampant Melbourne Victory, but it would not surprise to see them bounce back against the Newcastle Jets.
The Mariners have taken at least a point from their 13 games as away underdogs and four of their past six games with the Jets have ended as draws.
This clash really looks to have stalemate written all over it and the $4 available for the draw is excellent value.
Back The Draw @ $4