A busy weekend of A-League action awaits with five fixtures that could have a big say in the final make-up of the A-League finals picture.
The standout clash of the round comes from Newcastle on Sunday as two of the league’s in-form teams face off as Auckland tries to move one step closer to silverware in their debut campaign.
However, the Jets will be eager to slow them down, with the side suddenly in the mix for a finals spot if their good form can continue in both that match and their midweek catch up fixture against Melbourne City.
Find our full A-League match previews and best bets for every fixture in Round 22 below.
AAMI Park was not a happy hunting ground for Melbourne City earlier on this season, but on the back of four straight home wins, they should be feeling pretty good about this match.
Especially having kept a clean sheet in all four of those victories, although there is the caveat that three of them did come against the bottom three teams on the A-League ladder.
However eighth Macarthur is playing like a wooden spoon contender at the moment with just one point from their last four matches and looking worse by the day.
They have not been blown out in any of those defeats and City is not exactly scoring for fun either, so a low scoring win for the home side looks to be the play in this market.
Melbourne City to Win and Under 4.5 Goals @ $2.15
Brisbane has taken on plenty of deserved criticism this season but five points from their last five matches is an improvement.
It probably should have been seven points if they were more composed in front of goal against the Victory and instead had to settle for a frustrating draw at home.
Such wasteful finishing will be exposed by Adelaide who showed remarkable mettle to fight back for a 4-4 draw in Auckland last weekend.
If the Reds can get on the front foot early, it is hard to see Brisbane keeping pace with their free flowing attack.
We should see goals in this one, just mostly scored by the home team.
Adelaide to Win and Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.05
We’ve got two teams heading in opposite directions for this match and there is only one team to back in the market.
John Aloisi’s side have found some form, first knocking off Adelaide 3-0 in Round 20 before recording a convincing 3-1 win over Central Coast last weekend.
Meanwhile, Wellington have lost their last three matches, including a horrific 6-1 showing in their local derby with Auckland.
Another big scoreline like that does not seem likely, but Western United should have the capacity to see off their opponents here.
Western United to Win -1 Goal @ $2.45
You wouldn’t know that the Victory had just managed to scrape a point from the bottom of the table Brisbane Roar by the way they celebrated last weekend’s equaliser.
But it was a positive outcome from a poor performance, not exactly out of character given their struggles in Queensland.
However they will be glad to return home as they prepare to take on the flailing Mariners, who have lost four straight in all competitions.
Quite a lot has changed since these sides met in the season opener back in October and the Victory should prove too strong for the reigning champions.
Melbourne Victory to Win and Over 1.5 Goals @ $1.75
Despite a 19-point gap between these sides on the A-League ladder, their form lines are impressively similar over their last five fixtures.
Auckland is marching towards the premiership with 13 of a possible 15 points, while Newcastle has vaulted itself into finals contention with 11 points in that same time frame.
The Jets summer signings have paid massive dividends, but this does look like it might be a step too far for them, even if Auckland are a bit off the pace after last week’s dramatic draw with Adelaide.
It might be a big test for the premiers-elect, but you have to like their chances of coming away with maximum points.
Auckland to Win @ $1.80
*ROUND 14 MATCH*
The Newcastle Jets late season surge took another step towards the finals on Sunday with a draw against the premiers elect Auckland FC.
Still eight points outside of the top six, the Jets can close the gap with a win in one of their game in hand over third placed Melbourne City.
While Aurelio Vidmar’s men will be a tough out, the Jets form is tough to ignore and the disparity in price in the market looks way off.
The value here without doubt is on the Jets to get something out of the game.
Newcastle Win/Draw Double @ $2.20
2023/2024
The international breaks are over and that means it is time for the run home in domestic football and we are heading towards a phenomenal conclusion to the A-League season.
It’s a bumper week of fixtures with the regular six over the weekend, plus a pair of catch up matches to get through, all of which will have some bearing on one of the races taking place.
Central Coast and Wellington are fighting it out for the premiership, with the former having a pair of tough matches this week.
Then the Victory and all three Sydney clubs are trying to not only hold on to their top six spots from the chasing Melbourne City and Brisbane sides, but jostle for a top four berth and a home game in the first week of the finals.
Let’s get to it with our A-League best bets and previews below!
With six matches remaining on their schedule, it is a big ask for Adelaide United to close the nine point gap on the top six, but there is still hope for Carl Veart’s side.
To have any chance, they need to win out and that starts with this clash against Western United who are not the easybeats a team on the foot of the table should be.
Prior to the international break, they collected eight points from their last four matches and have been making a nuisance of themselves of late.
Adelaide’s form does not exactly inspire confidence in their ability to knock off Western United, even at Coopers Stadium.
The Reds have lost six of their last eight and really don’t look like a team that can suddenly turn it around.
I’ll be taking the visitors with the value in this one.
Western United Win/Draw Double Chance @ $1.75
After a horror start to 2024, Melbourne City looked like they were finding some form prior to their length break.
Due to their Round 21 game getting postponed (which will be played this coming Tuesday), City has had 18 days between matches, so there could be a bit of rust for Aurelio Vidmar to deal with.
Even if City is a bit off the pace, Newcastle does not exactly inspire much fear in the hearts and minds of their opponents and if Western United can do the job over Adelaide, they will end the weekend in last place.
This might not be an all time classic match, and City’s recent form leans more towards a grind it out victory rather than a repeat of their 7-0 thumping of the Wanderers.
Which means the value in this market is backing a City win and the unders.
Melbourne City to Win and Under 4.5 Goals @ $2.15
Easily the toughest game of the week to pick, with two in form teams facing off and both have plenty on the line here.
The Mariners can (temporarily at least) take back top spot on the A-League ladder with a win here, but they do have a busy schedule with the in form Sydney FC and a catch up match with Melbourne City to deal with in Round 22.
As for the Sky Blues, they continue to impress under Ufuk Talay and are can springboard into the race for a top two finish with a win here.
After all, they beat the Mariners 3-1 just over a month ago and have only lost one of their last nine outings, which was away to Wellington.
That unbeaten run however has featured four draws and there really is not a lot between either of these teams at the moment.
I can’t split them and am fully expecting the points to be shared as both miss the opportunity to really make a statement.
Draw @ $3.50
Easter Sunday football kicks off at the CakeTin and after 21 rounds of the Nix being disrespected by the market, it appears as though they are finally getting their due.
Wellington enters this match as a clear favourite against a Brisbane team whose finals hopes are shrinking by the week.
A frustrating loss to Macarthur in their last outing left the Roar five points adrift of the top six and desperately needing to pick up some wins and soon.
However doing that in Wellington might be asking a bit much of this team, who have had the A-League’s leakiest defence and did lose 5-2 last time they travelled across the Tasman.
While the most recent meeting between these teams did end in a 1-1 draw at Suncorp Stadium in Ruben Zadkovich’s first game in charge, Wellington are the better side and I’ll be backing them to pick up all three points on offer.
Wellington to Win @ $1.83
It takes a lot to abandon what has been a fun betting strategy, but the warning signs are there for both teams.
Since the new ownership took over, the Glory’s attack has dried up with three goals in their last four matches and just two points to show from those fixtures.
The Victory’s attack has not exactly been much better, although they are scoring some goals, they do not look all that cohesive going forward.
Normally the rule with these Glory games is to back a wild, high scoring encounter but nothing these teams have done really inspires confidence in their ability to score.
Under 3.5 Goals @ $1.70
While a win in Perth gave the Wanderers a much needed confidence boost, it is not enough to justify their price in this market.
They played well in the west and managed to withstand a determined Glory outfit, but the memories of the three prior performances which were all atrocious still linger.
Macarthur continues to go under the radar despite sitting in third place entering the weekend and the Bulls can set themselves up for the run home with a convincing win here.
Macarthur to Win @ $2.55
*REARRANGED FIXTURE*
Midweek football comes to the fans from Gosford with this postponed Round 21 match featuring last season’s Grand Finalists.
Central Coast has had their issues with Melbourne City of late but when the met in late January, the Mariners came away with a hard fought 2-1 win.
Fatigue shouldn’t be an issue for either of these sides with the postponement affording them a longer than normal international break, but in a situation like this, just take the better team.
Central Coast to Win @ $2.20
*REARRANGED FIXTURE*
Sydney heads out west as they look to continue their push for a top four finish.
With both of these teams heading in opposite directions, the Glory might put up a bit of a fight but this fixture is only really headed in one direction.
Sydney is the better team and they have had the better of Perth in recent meetings, winning three of the last four and drawing the other time.
Both teams to score has hit in four of the last five between these teams as well so pair those two outcomes together and there is the play for this match.
Sydney FC to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $2.80
2022/2023
The international break is done and dusted and now we have one last big push towards the end of the A-League season.
It is still one of the closer comps in recent memory and these remaining fixtures are crucial for a lot of teams if they are too keep their campaigns alive.
As always, I’ve run my eyes over them and have you covered for tips.
Here is my preview of Round 22 of the A-League.
This could very easily be the game of the round, 2nd plays 3rd in what should be a monster showcase to get the league back up and running.
Both sides have played very attacking football this year and have a goal difference to back that up.
WSW are very short favourites to win at home but four of the last five A-League matches between Western Sydney and Adelaide have resulted in a draw and ‘Both Teams to Score’ market has hit in each of Adelaide’s last eight A-League matches.
The draw seems like a pretty good play to me.
Back the Draw @ $3.50
The 5th placed Phoenix will host the current favourites for the spoon, the Melbourne Victory. Despite there being a 10 point gap between the two sides, the Vics aren’t as long as you’d think.
The Phoenix are $2.35 favourites with the Victory are shorter than I thought at $2.70.
Here’s a stat that has got my attention, the home team has won each of the last six A-League matches between Wellington and Melbourne Victory.
I think that stat will continue in New Zealand on Saturday afternoon.
Back Wellington H2H @ $2.35
The Roar are a game ahead of the Victory and quite possibly could be staring at the bottom of the ladder if they don’t get their act together soon.
They are $3.80 to beat the 4th placed Cenny Coast, will it happen? I don’t think so.
Brisbane has won each of its last 10 A-League matches against Central Coast following a win but is the international break going to derail that stat? I’m leaning towards yes.
Back Central Coast H2H @ $1.80
Sydney FC will host Western United on Saturday night in a game that I’m quite looking forward too.
Western United are massive outsiders at $4.10 but I’m expecting this to be closer than the bookies are expecting.
Sydney FC has lost four of its last five A-League night matches as a home favourite which is a fairly good omen for United but I think I’m going to take the draw here.
Purely a vibe bet for me here so follow with caution.
Back the Draw @ $3.60
The bookies have finally caught on.
Perth at home on Saturday night as I’ve said all year is such a brutal away leg.
Jet Lag is Perth’s 12th man and the bookies have adjusted the Glory’s price to reflect this. I’m still taking Perth because I’m fairly confident of them at home especially against Macarthur.
Back Glory H2H @ $2.00
Wrapping up the weekend we have City hosting the Jets.
It’s not looking good for Newy in this one if you ask me, Melbourne City has won seven of its last eight A-League matches against Newcastle at AAMI Park and ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market has hit in each of Melbourne City’s last six A-League matches at AAMI Park.
Will Newcastle score one of those 2.5 goals? I’m not confident they do.
Everytime I’ve had multiple legs on City I’ve had a shocker so a H2H play is where I’ll be landing. Might be combining it with the Brisbane Broncos in a multi this week.
Back City H2H @ $1.36
2021/2022
Round 21 of the 2021/22 A-League season gave us some incredible score lines and even more incredible talking points.
The football just keeps coming, with catch up games scheduled for midweek and some blockbuster matchups scheduled for this weekend. Australian football fans have plenty to sink their teeth into this week.
Here are our best tips for Round 22 of the 2021/22 A-League Season.
Central Coast will be looking to put their 2-2 draw with Western United behind them when they take on a very hot and cold Wellington Phoenix this Tuesday night.
Mariner’s forward Jason Cummings looked really good on Saturday scoring two goals but missed a huge penalty in the 91st minute that would’ve won them the game.
While Wellington are coming into this short turnaround match after copping a 6-0 flogging from top of the table Melbourne City. It was ugly and probably doesn’t need to be talked about any further.
I think the Mariner’s will be too good for the Phoenix. You take away the own goal they scored or the missed penalty and they’ve outclassed Western United by a long way. I also don’t think Wellington shake off copping six goals through them in what will be a three day turn around. Mariners to win.
Back The Mariners to Win @ $2.02
Two of the largest teams in the comp, coming off wins on the weekend take eachother on in a midweek matchup that has all the ingredients needed to be an instant classic.
City put a clinic on against Wellington on Saturday. With a scoreline that resembled a Titans v West Tigers game, the Melbournians will look to keep that momentum rolling against a Rhyan Grant-less Sydney FC.
Sydney FC got the chocolates against cross town rivals Western Sydney but it wasn’t without losing their star Defender Grant who copped what was a relatively soft second yellow card in the dying moments of the Sydney Derby.
I’m backing Melbourne City to come away with the win and extend their win streak to four games here. At $2.02 there is a bit of value but I’m going to take over 2.5 goals as a bit of a multi booster.
Back over 2.5 Goals scored @ $1.75
Perth almost looked really good on the weekend. Scoring a banger of a free kick in the first minute against Macarthur and then an incredible solo effort from Trent Ostler saw the Glory go up 2-0 in the first 20 minutes.
20 minutes later however Perth came back down to earth conceding two penalties and losing their lead in the 54th minute. They then continued to show us the Perth we know all to well and went on to let in two more to finish up 4-2 down.
You could put any XI infront of Perth at the moment and seriously give them a run for their money and that’s what I think Melbourne Victory will do on Wednesday night.
Back Melbourne Victory to Win @ $2.02
4th and 5th on the ladder come together to kick the weekend of football off. When Macarthur FC travel to Coopers Stadium to take on Adelaide.
United probably haven’t played to their full potential recently, only winning one of their last five games. They conceded early to the Victory last weekend and just never came back.
Macarthur will be coming into this matchup fairly confident after coming back from 2-0 down against the Glory to win 4-2.
I can’t split these two, I think it’s going to be a ripper of a match and hopefully a high scoring affair.
Back over 2.5 Goals Scored @ $1.58
Wellington have allowed 11 goals in this week alone. Just let that sink in.
They got embarrassed by City on the weekend 6-0 and I knew they probably wouldn’t bounce back fully for their mid week matchup against The Mariners. I backed Central Coast to win but I didn’t think they’d win 5-0!
The Phoenix are in all sorts and it’s probably not going to get much better this weekend either when they take on second overall Western United.
I really don’t know how Wellington turn it around here. I think they get flogged again.
Back Western United to Score 3+ Goals @ $3.00
The Brisbane Roar really do my head in. They are the definition of a hot and cold team, I wrote them off last round and didn’t think they had a chance against Newcastle and they come out and win 2-0.
Western Sydney, while lower on the table than the Roar played incredibly well against their cross town rivals on the weekend.
I really liked what I saw in WSW in the Sydney Derby and if they take some of that momentum into this Roar game I believe they will walk over Brisbane easy. That being said the Roar always do the opposite of what I think.
Back Western Sydney to win @ $2.05
Coming off their 5-0 belting of Wellington, The Mariners take on a Sydney FC unit who are only two points ahead of them on the ladder.
Sydney didn’t back up their Sydney Derby performance very well, going down 4-0 to Melbourne City in their mid week fixture. Leckie and J Mac ran riot all over them and it reflected in the final scoreline.
I don’t like Sydney’s chances here, the bookies have them as favourite but I’ve really been liking the football that the Central Coast boys have been playing and I think they’ll get over Sydney on Saturday night and overtake them on the ladder too. There is some value there for the Mariners
Back Central Coast to win @ $2.90
Last week we had the Sydney Derby and this week we are treated to another cross town rivalry!
Melbourne Victory are leagues ahead of everyone else. They have a +12 goal difference in their last 4 games and a +24 goal difference on the season.
While Victory are third on the table and have played really well this season, I just think that City are way too good and there is value on them as a head to head bet.
Back City to Win @ $2.02
Our Sunday game this weekend is two teams that would love a win. Newcastle aren’t completley out of finals contention yet and a win here would certainly keep them in the hunt. Perth would just be keen for a win I think.
Newcastle didn’t look great against the Roar last weekend but Perth only played 20 minutes of good footy.
I’m backing Newcastle here, I think they’ll get it done.
Back the Newcastle Jets -1 goal @ $2.90
2021
Just 23 matches remain in the 2021 A-League regular season and the next three weeks promises plenty of drama.
Wellington will play its first match on New Zealand soil since early 2020 when they host Western United in front of a vocal crowd at Sky Stadium Saturday.
Melbourne City could claim the Premiers Plate later that night if they defeat the Mariners, who are battling a congested field for not only second spot, but a finals berth.
Read on and find our A-League match previews plus the best bets below!
Brisbane’s hectic schedule certainly looked like it caught up with them on Sunday in Adelaide with their rotated squad coming away second best.
Working in their favour however is the five days between games will feel like an eternity for this team, not to mention facing the wooden-spooners elect.
It seems like the market is not totally on board with Brisbane’s chances just yet however this fixture will not be a lengthy referendum on their future, just another chance for three points.
With a (somewhat) refreshed side, they are offering excellent value to extend Newcastle’s winless run to 14 matches.
Back Brisbane to Win @ $2.15
Generally speaking, you try and bet the facts, the stats and with your head.
In this instance however, it’s time to bet with your heart and follow the emotion of the fixture (plus a few key stats).
The last time the Nix played at their true home of Sky Stadium was 433 days ago before the A-League was shut down.
Since then, they have been based out of Wollongong and will return home to play in front of what sounds like it will be a bumper crowd.
As for those “key stats” to help push you over the line?
Their former boss Mark Rudan is in big trouble in Western Melbourne, winless in their last five, losing their last four and failing to score in their last three.
Why not back a happy homecoming here?
Back Wellington to Win @ $1.91
It’s all to play for with Melbourne City on the verge of claiming their first ever piece of A-League silverware.
After a slight slip up against a determined Wellington team last week, they can not only secure an unassailable lead at the top of the table but also ensure a home Grand Final.
Their free scoring ways have been a joy to watch and have won six of their last nine, drawing the other three.
Central Coast broke a long winless run in the F3 Derby against Newcastle but I can’t back them to do a whole lot of anything here.
This is a side going in the wrong direction at the worst time of the year and if City want to start the party early, they could turn this one into a blowout.
Back Melbourne City to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.95
The run of rivalry matches continues for Sydney FC with another edition of the Sydney Derby on the cards.
The Wanderers are one of the few opponents to have given major dramas over the last few seasons with the last Sky Blue derby win coming in December 2018.
Since then the sides have played out three draws and three Western Sydney victories, including a 3-2 epic earlier this month.
In terms of the finals picture this is a six-pointer although the Wanderers find themselves in a far more desperate position on the wrong side of the line of delineation.
For this match, backing them to extend their rivals derby misery is all too tempting at their current price, even though their defence remains highly suspect.
Back Western Sydney Win/Draw Double Chance @ $2.20
The general rule with a rivalry is that it needs to be an even contest and the A-League’s original rivalry between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory is struggling to meet that criteria.
Adelaide has won both meetings between the teams this season and six of the last seven all up.
It’s not as though home field advantage will come into play here either with the Victory taking just four points from their last seven home games.
The Reds simply have to take maximum points in this sort of fixture and I’ll back them to do just that.
Back Adelaide to Win @ $1.92
Perth’s marathon home stand (after a long string of away fixtures) continues with a Sunday evening clash against Macarthur FC.
They are still yet to score a goal against the A-League’s new boys losing 2-0 in Sydney before a 0-0 draw on May 1.
It was the only match in Macarthur’s last seven that both teams have not scored, and the visitors will bring plenty of confidence into this one, undefeated in their last five matches including a pair of wins over the Victory.
On the other hand Perth will be playing its seventh match in 23 days as catch ups begin to take their toll on the Glory.
The Bulls have looked good over the last few weeks and could take a huge three points from this one, at their price I’ll back them in.
Back Macarthur to Win @ $3.05
The newly crowned A-League Premiers Melbourne City will head north to take on Brisbane this week, returning to the venue where their season began way back in December 2020.
Brisbane jumped back into the top six with their win in Newcastle and could go as high as fourth with a win in this one.
It would require a major turnaround in form however with the Roar dropping both of its matches against City this season, 1-0 in Round 1 before being outclassed 3-2 on Mothers’ Day in Melbourne.
When you add in the fact that this will be Brisbane’s eighth match in 28 days, you can understand why the market is favouring the premiers.
I don’t have high hopes for this match in terms of attacking play, the Roar will look to shore up their defence and their attack has been hot and cold all season, while City have nothing to gain or lose after their coronation over the weekend.
There is value in a low scoring contest here so that’s what I will be backing.
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.25
After Saturday’s phenomenal scenes in Wellington, the Nix head back over the Tasman to take on the languishing Wanderers.
This is a huge match for both sides as they will be somewhere between three and five points outside of the finals when they kick off depending on Brisbane’s result.
I can’t bring myself to back against Wellington as they are in excellent form, unbeaten in their last eight.
The Wanderers offered up a whole lot of nothing in the derby on Sunday and there is something amiss with this entire team.
Back Wellington to Win @ $2.85
2019/2020
A Big Blue highlights Round 22 of the A-League as Sydney FC has a chance to take another step closer to the Premiership while also harming Melbourne Victory’s finals chances.
With the table behind the Sky Blues continuing to condense, we could see a major shake up this weekend with several finals contenders facing off.
The weekend begins with a huge clash between the Roar and Western Sydney and closes out with Perth taking on Melbourne City as both sides chase second spot.
It’s a weekend full of action in the A-League and our complete A-League Round 22 tips can be found below.
Brisbane begins its incredibly favourable run home with a match against fellow finals contenders the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Last week saw them pull out a flat performance where they did not register a shot on target until the 72nd minute, something that will need to be fixed heading into this match.
Western Sydney will be flying after a huge derby win over Sydney FC but will need to be on guard against a letdown.
When they took on the Roar a week after defeating Sydney in October, the match played out as a dour 0-0 draw, beginning a seven match winless run.
This match will likely follow the same script we have seen plenty of times already in Brisbane matches this season, with a low scoring affair decided by a moment of individual brilliance.
I’ll back the Roar to get over the line here as they look to begin their charge to the finals.
Back Brisbane to Win & Under 2.5 Goals @ $6.00
Two weeks ago Adelaide would have been the most straightforward bet of the entire round, but now there is reason to pause.
Back to back losses to the Wanderers and Melbourne Victory has them reeling and now Western United comes to town fresh off a 6-2 win over the Mariners.
What this is setting up for is another high scoring affair between these two after they played out a seven goal thriller on Australia Day.
With huge question marks over both sides consistency, it’s worth steering clear of the result market which really could go either way and you can’t back these sides with any confidence at the moment.
There is more than enough attacking talent on both sides to make life tough on both keepers so instead I’ll back a match with plenty of goals in it.
Back Both Teams to Score and Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.25
The Victory’s nightmare season had a brief reprieve last weekend picking up just their fifth win of the season against Adelaide.
It doesn’t get any easier for Carlos Salvachua however with Sydney FC coming to town as they look to rebound from a derby loss to the Wanderers.
One thing that does give the Victory a chance however is the fact that the Sky Blues have an Asian Champions League match midweek and their northern rivals might be slightly undermanned for this match.
Despite all of that, it’s just too tough to back against Sydney FC at that price and anytime they are over even money they should be jumped on.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $2.38
This is another one of those markets that should make you pause and wonder what exactly you are missing.
For some reason Wellington is just under even money despite taking on a Mariners side that looks like it might have given up on the season (again).
While the Phoenix have to travel to Gosford for this one, that should not hamper them enough to make this contest overly competitive.
In their last five matches the Mariners have conceded 18 goals and Wellington would be well served to treat this as a potential goal difference booster that they cannot afford to take lightly.
Back Wellington Halftime/Fulltime @ $3.10
Melbourne City took the upper hand in the race for second spot with their win over Brisbane last weekend, but will need to perform on their trip to Perth to negate the Glory’s game in hand.
This is the start of a defining fortnight for last season’s premiers as they face Melbourne City, Sydney FC and have another Asian Champions League match as well.
Perth’s run this season began with a thumping win over Melbourne City back in early December and they could use a similar result here but draws have been the story of the last month plus for them with three from their last five in the A-League.
City on the other hand might have defeated Brisbane but admittedly needed a lucky bounce to break through the Brisbane wall.
With both sides desperate to avoid defeat this one might be closer to the scoreless draw that took place in late January, since I can’t split these sides so I’ll back the draw.
Back the Draw @ $3.40
2018/2019
After Round 21 dragged on across nine days, we are back to five game across three days for Round 22 of the A-League.
Sydney and the Victory are pulling double duty now with both sides coming back from away trips in the Asian Champions League.
As it so happens those two are locked in a batter for second spot behind Perth and Sydney currently holds the upper hand with a four point lead going into this weekend.
Check out our previews and predictions for every A-League match this weekend.
Perth’s magic number for its maiden A-League trophy sits at 4.
They can reduce that number with another win here against an Adelaide side they have not conceded to so far this season.
Firing blanks is nothing new for the Reds having been held scoreless in their last two games and having onle scored more than one goal once in their last seven.
On top of that, there is the intangible factor behind Perth right now with the side seemingly incapable of losing, and any time you can get the league leaders at over even money, you have to back that.
Back Perth to Win @ $2.30
It was a funny little joke a month ago but as it so happens, the Jets are in the finals mix thanks to a five game unbeaten run.
They still need to close a four point gap on Melbourne City but playing the Mariners this weekend is about as close to a guaranteed three points you can get.
The Jets have won the last five F3 derbies and the Mariners are reeling from an embarrassment last weekend.
An 8-2 loss saw Mike Mulvey sacked and former Matildas coach Alen Stajic brought in as caretaker.
Newcastle’s last three wins have all been by two or more goals and with the mismatch in confidence between these sides that run should be extended here.
Back Newcastle to Win -1 Goal @ $1.85
This could be the week where Brisbane Roar are officially eliminated from A-League Finals contention… although their current chances are minute at best.
Instead the rest of their season will be focused on playing spoiler and they can put a dent in Melbourne Victory’s hopes of a top two finish here.
That being said this is still a huge mismatch, even if the Victory opt to rotate their squad after a midweek Asian Champions League match.
The Roar are struggling to find healthy defenders and are shipping goals at an alarming rate with 13 goals in their last three games.
The first two meetings this season have gone the way of Victory by a combined aggregate of 9-2 and the value play here is backing the home side with a -1 handicap.
Back Victory to Win -1 Goal @ $2.00
The Wanderers are not going away just yet and with ten points from their last four games, they have managed to double their season total in that time.
A finals berth is still an outside chance with a ten point gap to sixth place and with the teams above them likely to drop points, they could catapult themselves into the race with a win here.
Of course you have to remember that Wellington put together the most ruthless display of the season crushing an abject Mariners side 8-2 last weekend.
Looking back at the history of this fixture, there have been plenty of goals with the winner scoring three or more in six of the last seven meetings, so if you want a bit of extra value look into the total goals market.
That being said, with Wellington at or around even money in the head to head market, that’s more than enough to back in with confidence.
Back Wellington to Win @ $2.00
The third and final light blue derby of the season and Sydney will likely rotate some of their players out after travelling back from Japan.
With the Premiers Plate still an outside chance for the Sky Blues, they will want to be careful changing too much, for fear of disrupting what has been a winning formula against the City Blues.
It’s been a rough run for Melbourne City losing its last seven A-League games against Sydney and the side has not won an A-League match since January 22.
New signing Jamie Maclaren has scored all five of City’s goals since his arrival but he could be in for a rough afternoon against a Sydney side that has kept back to back clean sheets.
Perhaps it’s over simplification but Sydney is the better team here and should win this game.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $1.91
2017/2018
A second split round in three weeks marks Round 22 of the A-League as Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC prepare for another round of Asian Champions League fixtures.
The Melbourne Derby on Friday night highlights this round with a double feature of Wanderers action as their Round 23 game against Perth is brought forward to the first half of this split round.
Read on for our A-League match previews and recommended plays with the second half to come next week.
Following on from the spectacle of Sunday’s Sydney Derby, this split round gets underway with the third and final Melbourne Derby of the season.
It was a wild finish to the pre-Christmas meeting as the Victory stole the game thanks to a late penalty converted by the departed Mark Milligan.
Both sides enter this game with top four aspirations and City could put a dent in Victory’s hopes with a win here.
Neither side comes into this game in great form however the emotion and atmosphere of the night should bring out the best in some players.
I expect City to come into this game with a much better plan than what they had in December and it will be decided by a moment of magic from Daniel Arzani.
Back Melbourne City to Win @ $2.30
If there is one compliment you can give Graham Arnold’s all conquering side, it’s that they continue to produce week in and week out with professional performances.
They absorbed some early pressure from the Wanderers in last week’s derby before fighting back to claim what was a comfortable win in the end.
Newcastle have shown a willingness to attack and cause some headaches for Sydney, as evidenced by their 2-2 draw against the Sky Blues last month.
Even with their attacking lineup getting healthier as the season progresses, it is still too hard to see them finding a way to stop Sydney.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $2.10
After an ill-timed loss to the Jets last week, it is approaching desperation time for the Brisbane Roar.
To ensure they are able to keep pace with the top six they need to start winning games and this is a great opportunity to pull one back against an Adelaide side they have played well against this season.
During their last meeting the Roar produced a phenomenal rearguard action and overcame the sending off of skipper Matt McKay late in the first half.
Adelaide will remember their round two win at Suncorp fondly and look to replicate that late show.
With neither side really in a position to afford a loss this has the makings of a cagey match as both sides try to protect their own goal.
Back the Draw @ $3.50
RESCHEDULED ROUND 23 MATCH
Looking to rebound from last week’s wet and wild derby, the Wanderers host Perth in a game that the Glory desperately need to win.
With just seven points away from home this season it will be a big ask to overcome the Wanderers however much like the Roar, their season depends on finding a way to turn things around.
Western Sydney meanwhile could use as many points as possible to protect themselves from a possible points deduction due to fan behaviour.
One of their strengths this season has been finding ways to pick up points even with the rocky start and before the loss to Sydney, they had done so in their past three games.
In a game like this, take the home side that looks better on paper and that is just what I will do here.
Back Western Sydney Wanderers to Win @ $1.91
Coming off an entertaining game last weekend against Perth, the Wanderers face off against bottom placed Wellington needing three points to help their push for a finals berth.
After losing in their last start, Wellington are now three points adrift at the bottom of the table.
These sides met four weeks prior to this game and the Phoenix were resoundingly beaten 4-0 at ANZ Stadium as the Wanderers found a way to end their second half scoring woes.
Since then, the Wanderers have produced two draws and a loss and with Brisbane closing in on them for sixth spot, the breathing room from three points should motivate the Wanderers to get over the line.
Back Western Sydney Wanderers to Win @ $1.83
Another side that is approaching zero margin for error territory is Perth after their draw in Western Sydney.
Their recent form is encouraging with wins from their last two games at home.
Central Coast enter this game fresh off a weekend of rest and prior to that, their first win in almost three months.
The home side has won both fixtures this season which should push some interest towards Perth however the week off for Central Coast should negate that somewhat.
With the way both sides have looked lately, it is too hard to split them apart.
Back the Draw @ $3.60
There is now just over a month left in the 2016/2017 A-League season and there are plenty of massive games this weekend.
There is no love lost between Sydney FC and the Melbourne Victory and they will do battle on Friday night in what is easily the match of the round.
Every point matters at this stage of the season and all five games will likely have finals consequences.
Sydney FC returned to winning form with a comfortable victory over Melbourne City and they will go into this clash as clear favourites.
The Sky Blues have now won six of their past 10 games as home favourites and they continue to be a very safe betting proposition.
Melbourne took a while to break their rivals down, but they eventually found the back of the net against Adelaide United.
The Victory have won only two of their past six games as away underdogs for a clear loss and they have already been beaten by Sydney FC twice this season.
Sydney FC just keep on winning and they should get the job done again this weekend.
Back Sydney FC To Win @ $1.95
The market suggests that this will be the most even game of the weekend and there is very little between the two sides in betting.
Perth kept their unbeaten run alive with a comfortable victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers and they will go into this clash as narrow favourites.
The Glory have won only one of their four games as away favourites this season, but they have won their past four games against the Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington recorded an upset win over the Brisbane Roar last weekend and they will take some confidence from that performance.
Winning at home has been an issue for Wellington this season and they have won just one of their past eight games as away underdogs.
Perth have more talent across the pitch than Wellington and they are good value to record a win away from home.
Back Perth Glory To Win @ $2.40
The Western Sydney Wanderers continue to struggle for consistency, but they will still go into this clash with Adelaide United as clear favourites.
Western Sydney have been particularly poor in front of their home fans this season and they have won just two of their past 10 games as home favourites, while they have drawn six games in this scenario.
Adelaide United have lost five of their past eight games and they suffered another defeat at the hands of the Melbourne Victory last week.
The defending champions have won just one of their past nine games as away underdogs for a clear loss, but they have drawn three of their games in this scenario.
Backing draws in Western Sydney games has been a profitable betting play all season long and the $3.80 available for the draw is genuine value.
Back The Draw @ $3.80
The Central Coast Mariners have been in excellent form over the past month, but it is Melbourne City that will start this clash as favourites.
Melbourne City have struggled for consistency this season and their form away from home has been particularly poor – they have won only two of their past seven games as away favourites for a clear loss.
Central Coast earnt a hard-fought draw against the Newcastle Jets last weekend and they have taken at least a point from four of their past five games.
The Mariners have won three of their past 12 games as home underdogs for a very narrow loss and they are genuine value to record an upset victory this weekend.
Back Central Coast To Win @ $3.80
The Brisbane Roar’s form slump went from bad to worse with their loss at the hands of the Wellington Phoenix, but they will still go into this clash as narrow favourites.
The Roar have now won just two of their past eight games and their record against Newcastle is fairly poor.
Brisbane have won only two of their past five games as away favourites and are very tough to trust as a betting proposition in their current form.
Newcastle have not won in a month, but their recent form has been better than it looks on paper.
The Jets have won three of their past nine games as home underdogs for a clear profit and they are great value to account for the Roar this weekend.
Back Newcastle To Win @ $2.90