2024/2025 A-League Round 23 Preview

Round 23 of the A-League season features some big games including a Sunday triple header as the race for finals positioning heats up.

Can the red hot Western United keep up their premiership hopes alive when they head to Newcastle in the feature game?

At the other end of the table the wooden spoon could be decided on Saturday night as Brisbane takes on Perth out west.

Find our previews and best bets for every A-League match this weekend below!

Not that long ago backing Adelaide to win was one of the best bets in the A-League but after a rough month, they need to be approached with a bit of caution.

With just two points from their last four games, they have slid down the ladder and are now in a proper battle just to get a home game in May.

Their 4-4 draw in Auckland was a good point to take but their draw at home against Brisbane last weekend was not exactly confidence inspiring.

However they deserve one more roll of the dice, not because of anything they have done, just because of the even worse run of form Macarthur is on.

One point from their last five matches, four goals scored in that span and none in their last two outings.

It might not be pretty but Adelaide should find a way to get all three points.

Adelaide to Win and Under 4.5 Goals @ $2.50

There is every chance we will be seeing these sides meet in the finals as both are looking to cement their spot in the top six.

The Wanderers are in red hot form, picking up 13 of a possible 15 points in their last five matches, while the Victory look like they might be finding their feet, with their 3-0 win over the Mariners last weekend their best showing since the departure of Patrick Kisnorbo.

On January 4 they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at AAMI Park with Ryan Teague’s 87^th minute penalty earning the Victory a point.

With the way both sides are playing at the moment, there really is not a lot between them and another draw looks to be on the cards.

The market certainly thinks so with both sides $2.50 to win at publish and it’s not worth trying to force a pick for either side.

Draw @ $3.70

In their 20 year history, Brisbane Roar have never been “awarded” the A-League’s wooden spoon, however that looks likely to change this season.

Their 1-0 loss at home to Perth in December is the reason they sit behind the Glory on the ladder although their recent form is starting to suggest an uptick in results with three draws from their last four outings.

Perth on the other had has five points from their last five matches and that is in large part down to their much improved defence, that has only conceded five goals in their last five home games.

Gone are the wild 5-3 results in the late Saturday matches, and it seems unlikely to change this weekend given both teams relatively wasteful performances in front of goal.

There is no reason to feel confident backing either side and this could be a case of first team to score wins.

Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.35

In their brief A-League history, Auckland FC have never dropped points in three consecutive matches.

On the back of draws against Adelaide and Newcastle, the debutants will still enter this match as heavy favourites over the reeling defending premiers and justifiably so.

The first time they faced that conundrum they routed Central Coast 4-1 in Gosford and in the second they dominated Melbourne City 3-0.

With the Mariners on a five match losing streak in all competitions, it is hard to see how they manage to turn things around for this fixture and Auckland should win comfortably.

Auckland to Win -1 Goal @ $2.20

Despite a gap of 13 points and seven places on the ladder, this is shaping up as potentially the game of the day on Sunday.

Newcastle will face a quick turnaround after their midweek clash with Melbourne City as they try to take full advantage of playing their games in hand.

However Western United has won three in a row, all in convincing fashion and look like legitimate title challengers.

Were both sides coming into this match on a full week of rest, there might be a better case for Newcastle but with a short turnaround, this just seems like a bad spot for them.

Western United to Win @ $2.20

If Sydney was playing any other side, you could talk about them being in a bad spot for this fixture.

On Thursday the Sky Blues will host Jeonbuk in the ACL2 competition before taking on the reeling Wellington Phoenix.

The Nix have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season, losing their last four games including two on the road by a combined score of 10-2.

Sydney might not blow them out of the water the same way because of the turnaround from Jeonbuk, but they should win this game in second gear.

Sydney FC to Win and Under 4.5 Goals @ $1.95

2023/2024

If there ever was a time to set aside an entire day to watch the A-League, Round 23 is it.

Saturday’s triple header features three must-watch encounters as the regular season enters its final month.

It all kicks off with Western United’s men’s team playing their first match in the purpose built facility in Tarneit, before a potential premiership decider between Central Coast and Wellington in Gosford.

Then we head back to Melbourne for one of the more important derbies in recent memory as the Victory will try to end the finals hopes of the reigning premiers City.

Find out who we are backing below in our A-League Preview.

Back to back defeats have all but ended Brisbane’s finals chances and Western Sydney can deal the final blow with a win in the opening match of Round 23.

One of the few teams the Roar can catch, the Wanderers can open up an unassailable 11 point gap with a win here, but a draw will all but end the chase too.

It has been a long time since the Wanderers defeated the Roar, with the last seven games between the clubs resulting in three Brisbane wins (two of which in Australia Cup matches) and four draws.

Since the start of the 2018/2019 season, Western Sydney has won just twice in 16 matches against the Roar, but Marko Rudan’s side looked good in their Easter Monday win.

However it sure looks like the Roar have started to fade away and this may be the best chance they have to break the trend, and they have more to gain from this match.

Western Sydney to Win @ $1.98

Since their A-League debut in October 2019, Western United has called many grounds “home” but almost five years later, the 2022 champions are finally set to move into their facility in Tarneit.

It is somewhat fitting that they will take on Macarthur FC in another edition of the Delaney Derby, with the two clubs announced as successful expansion bidders in December 2018.

However it is not shaping up to be a happy move in for John Aloisi’s side, with a severely depleted squad and their finals hopes pretty much eradicated by New Years Day.

Which makes their status as favourites in this market even more surprising.

While the Bulls are coming off a loss on Easter Monday, they are still the better team in this fixture and should be able to pick up a valuable three points in the race for a top four spot.

Macarthur to Win @ $3.15

As they chase their maiden piece of silverware in the A-League, Wellington can put one hand and three fingers on the premier’s plate with a win in Gosford.

While it still leaves the door open for the Mariners, closing down a six point gap in three weeks is a big ask for anyone.

However trying to find a clear gap between these teams is incredibly tough, as we saw two months ago when they played out a scoreless draw at the Caketin.

Perhaps the one edge Wellington will have is a bit of extra rest after playing on Sunday, while the Mariners just escaped with a win over Melbourne City on Tuesday night in a catch up match.

But a draw is not a bad result for either team and it looks like that is the way it will play out.

Draw @ $3.70

After years of seeing their cross-town rivals dominate the A-League for the last few seasons, Melbourne Victory can put a big nail in City’s coffin with a derby win.

They have taken seven of a possible nine points in their last three matches and will need a win for their own benefit, looking to maintain a gap on the chasing pack in the race for third spot, while possibly capitalising on the Mariners-Phoenix result.

However through 180 minutes of Melbourne Derby football this season, we are yet to see a goal scored with a pair of scoreless stalemates playing out.

Five of the last nine matches between these two have ended in a draw with the sides picking up two wins apiece.

Based on how these games have been played so far, the under certainly looks like the way to go, but there is some value to be had backing the draw.

Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.30

Newcastle is the first team mathematically eliminated from finals contention this season, but they can still influence the makeup of the top six by playing spoiler against teams like Sydney.

However they need to turn around their horrendous run of form which has seen them pick up five draws and four defeats from their last nine matches.

Sydney might be coming back from a midweek trip to Perth but they are reportedly welcoming back Jack Rodwell from an injury enforced layoff.

Between that and Newcastle’s wretched run of form, this game only seems to be headed one way.

Sydney FC to Win @ $1.85

Adelaide might still have an outside chance of sneaking into the finals, but this is for all intents and purposes a dead rubber.

However given the way the last two matches between these two sides have played out, we could be treated to the game of the round.

Especially with the attacking talent on display, all signs are pointing towards another wild and wacky encounter.

Over 3.5 Goals @ $1.88

2022/2023

There’s only a handful of rounds left but finals spots are certainly still up for grabs.

It’s one of the closer A-League seasons and the fans are always the ones to benefit from that.

Adelaide United are on fire, can they overtake Melbourne City before the finals?

As always, I’ve run my eyes over them and have you covered for tips.

Here is my preview of Round 23 of the A-League.

3rd placed CCM will travel to Mars Stadium for the early kickoff on Good Friday.

United finished their 90 minutes last week with a draw can they do one better in this one? The stats say that they just might.

The home team has won each of Central Coast’s last four A-League matches and Western United FC has won each of its last three A-League matches as a home underdog.

I think those stats have swayed me. I’m with United.

Back Western United H2H @ $2.80

United are the form team in the comp at the moment, on a four game winning streak and I believe they are a huge chance to make it five in a row against Sydney this Friday night.

The underdog has won three of Adelaide’s last four A-League matches but that has normally been Adelaide in those games.

Reading between the lines in that stat I firmly with the Reds here.

The ‘Both Teams to Score’ market has hit in each of Adelaide’s last nine A-League matches so their defence hasn’t been as strong as you’d like but I’m with them to take another three points here to continue to stress Melbourne City out.

Back Adelaide United @ $2.30

Easter Saturday we are off to Redcliffe for a game where the Roar are pretty steep favourites over the Jets.

I couldn’t believe it, the Roar are now dead last but upon further looking I realised that Newy haven’t won a game in their last five outings.

The home team has won each of Brisbane’s last five A-League matches and I can’t believe I’m going to do it but I’m backing the Roar.

Lets go fellas!

Back the Roar H2H @ $2.10

Macarthur are massive underdogs against the 4th placed WSW this weekend.

The 7-4-11 side were another team that the Perth Glory and their jetlag can add to their tally this season.

The Wanderers did go down last week to Adelaide but it was a 3-2 loss so I wouldn’t be panicking at all WSW fans.

Macarthur FC has lost six of its last seven A-League night matches and I believe the quality of these two sides are vastly different.

Back WSW H2H @ $1.98

Pretend I wrote a really clever joke here where I compared Easter Sunday football to chocolates eggs or the easter bunny. It was a really funny joke and I nailed it.

The Victory will host the Glory on Easter Sunday in a game that doesn’t look great for Perth.

They haven’t travelled well this year and the bookies know that, but I don’t believe that the Victory are as class as there $1.85 price would tell you.

The Victory has lost five of its last six A-League matches as a favourite following a win and each of Perth’s last three A-League matches following a win have resulted in a draw.

I think I’m with the draw here punters.

Back the Draw @ $3.50

You get an extra day off and we get an extra day of football this weekend!

City will host the Nix in the last game of the round and for obvious reasons City are very short favourites to win at $1.45.

Five of the last seven A-League day matches at AAMI Park between Melbourne City and Wellington have resulted in a draw and ‘Both Teams to Score’ market has hit in each of Melbourne City’s last nine A-League matches.

Could we be on for another draw here?

At $4.25 why not take it on.

Back the Draw @ $4.25

2021/2022

We’re into the final month of what has been the most chaotic A-League season of all time.

Melbourne City only have two games left to play before the finals and now don’t play another A-League fixture till the 4th of May while Western Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wellington and The Victory still have six matches to play before finals.

There’s plenty of finals spots still available & with plenty of upsets last weekend, anything could happen in this last month of regular season football.

Here are our best tips for Round 23 of the 2021/22 A-League Season.

Two teams coming off convincing wins over the weekend. Fourth plays Fifth at Kogarah on Tuesday night and there could be a bit in this one.

Adelaide defeated Macarthur FC 1-0 last week in what was a fairly even contest, the 46th minute goal to forward Hiroshi Ibusuki ended up being the difference between the two sides.

Sydney FC thumped Central Coast 5-0 on the weekend thanks to an Adam Le-Fondre hattrick. The Sky Blues will come into this match fairly confident that they can emulate some of that success on the short turn around and I’m backing them to do just that.

Back Sydney FC to Win @ $1.77

Melbourne Victory are another team coming off a short turn around with their chests up and they have every reason too. The Victory knocked off their cross town rivals the top of the table Melbourne City 3-0.

The Victory got out to that three goal lead in the first half hour and held on to claim bragging rights. Brisbane on the other hand, were very lucky to escape with a point against WSW.

The Wanderers conceded a late penalty thanks to a tackle that would’ve gotten most NRL Fans approval. A textbook legs late in the match, unfortunately for the Wanderers, you aren’t allowed to do that in this football and it cost them the match.

The Roar will be with out defender Tom Aldred who copped two yellows in the match against Western Sydney and I don’t think this match will be a good watch for Roar fans.

Back Victory To Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.55

What a weird last two games Central Coast have played. The Mariners came out on Saturday and got a taste of their own medicine when they went down to Sydney FC 5-0 only four days after a 5-0 win themselves over Wellington Phoenix.

WSW will be without gloveman Daniel Margush on Wednesday night as well after he forgot which sport he was playing and received his marching orders in the 1-1 draw with Brisbane.

This is a bloody hard one to tip, I have no idea what version of the Mariners we are going to see and The Wanderers haven’t showed us a lot to cheer about recently either as well.

Back The Draw @ $3.50

After copping a +/- of -11 goals in their last two games, Wellington turned it around against Western United and pumped them 4-1.

On Wednesday they play the Glory who look very eager to be on Mad Monday already. They have won three games this season and conceded 12 goals in their last 5 games.

I’m not liking the Glory’s chances here, shocker I know. Wellington showed on the weekend at they have the potential to hang with the best of them and Perth would probably be keen to call it a season if you gave them the option.

Back Wellington Phoenix -1 Goal @ $3.60

The Brisbane Roar are coming off back to back draws, they managed to survive a midweek clash with a Melbourne Victory side who just beat the top of the table Melbourne City 0-0.

This Good Friday they travel to Campbelltown Stadium to take on a Macarthur side who are one win away from being back in finals contention.

Every time I have given my opinion on the Roar, they have gone and done the opposite of what I’ve said and it makes me very hesitant to tip them with any confidence.

I believe Macarthur are going to want this more than their Brissie counterparts and I think they are very good value at $2.20

Back Macarthur to Win @ $2.20

Haven’t Western United looked good this year!

One of the newest teams in the comp absolutely giving it everything they have and are currently sitting in second place and are three games behind number ones Melbourne City.

While they did lose to the Phoenix 4-1 last weekend, they have been on a hell of a run recently and look to bounce back against a Perth Glory team that has had to cop everything from border closures to rescheduled games and are currently on a four game losing streak.

I think this is going to be quite a one sided affair, United are keen to put their outing against Wellington behind them and Perth just want to go home.

Back Western United -1 @ $2.05

Saturday afternoon we head to McDonald Jones Stadium where the Jets take on a Melbourne Victory side who are on a huge roll at the moment.

When the Victory are on, they are absolutley on. It’s hard to stand up against them when they are playing to their full capabilities and for that reason I don’t believe Newcastle will be able to compete with them in this matchup.

Despite their scoreless midweek draw against the Roar, the Victory are a well oiled machine right now. Let’s not forget they beat City 3-0 last weekend.

I’m backing The Victory to get the chocolates this weekend.

Back The Victory to Win @ $2.30

Wellington seem to have shaken off that little -11 goal blip in recent times and are back to playing some winning football. On Easter Sunday they will be taking on a Central Coast side who will be desperate for a win to get them back in finals contention.

There has been a lot to like about both of these sides recently, Central Coast have only lost one of their last five games. It seems both these teams are getting ready for a late season push.

I can’t go past the Phoenix at home though, it’s their first game back in New Zealand in what feels like an eternity. We all love a good story line and you just get the vibe that the Phoenix are going to come out and really show up for their faithful fans.

Back Wellington to Win @ $2.25

2021

It’s the penultimate round of the 2021 A-League season and while Melbourne City have officially been crowned premiers, the rest of the finals picture is still very much up in the air.

Sydney FC sits in second place thanks to three straight wins and it would require a miracle of epic proportions to see them miss out.

That first round bye and home semi final is far from secure with Adelaide, Brisbane, Central Coast and Macarthur still very much in striking distance.

With nine fixtures on the list this weekend (COVID situation in Melbourne permitting), including some possible finals previews, it’s shaping up as an excellent round of football.

Find out previews and best bets right here.

Both of these sides enter the match with similar records, winning 10 and drawing six from 23 matches to date.

It is no surprise then to find the market split between these sides however Macarthur’s strong run makes them an intriguing prospect.

They may have dropped both matches against the Mariners to date but I can’t ignore their six match unbeaten run and the fact Central Coast has won just once in its last eight.

If you have a strong feeling either way, the value is there and my bet is landing on the Bulls.

Back Macarthur to Win @ $2.60

There have been plenty of excellent Friday night A-League matches this season but this is probably not going to be one of them.

Both teams have lost their last five fixtures and would have had an awfully disrupted preparation due to the outbreak in Melbourne.

If that wasn’t enough to sell you on this match, consider that the Victory have scored four goals in their last seven matches but have been kept scoreless in their last two.

As for Western United, they actually make that Victory side look almost potent, having failed to score in their last four matches.

You can see where this tip is going.

Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $2.25

*MATCH POSTPONED*

Adelaide’s hopes of finishing in second place go on the line at Coopers Stadium this Saturday night, needing to beat Sydney FC to stay in the hunt.

Should the Sky Blues pick up at least a point they get rid of at least one member of the chasing pack with the knowledge they play another one (Brisbane) in their final match next weekend.

The season history favours Adelaide with the Reds winning their home match 1-0 before the teams played out a 2-2 draw in New South Wales.

I cannot split these teams and if there is any side that knows how to grind out a draw, it is Adelaide.

Even with the defending champions keeping three straight clean sheets, I can’t see them holding off the likes of Craig Goodwin here so I’ll back a score draw in a same game multi.

SGM: Draw and Both Teams to Score @ $4.67

The distance part of the Distance Derby returns this weekend with Wellington hosting Perth in Auckland.

Last weekend they were welcomed home to the Cake Tin by 24000 fans and they will be hoping for another big crowd at Eden Park.

It will also be a big adjustment for Perth who are playing their first match outside of Perth since April 13 and it will be their first away match not in New South Wales since February 5.

While the Glory might have been used to these sorts of trips pre-COVID, the long flight over the Tasman for them is going to be a major adjustment and the 11:30am kickoff on the body clocks might lead to a slow start.

I’ll take the Nix to win and keep their finals push alive.

Back Wellington to Win @ $1.88

Brisbane can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel, their hectic schedule is a week off coming to an end as they prepare for their ninth match in 32 days.

It has not been smooth sailing with the side struggling at times as the weather and other factors saw them drop points, however it was impossible to fault their effort in a 3-0 midweek win over Melbourne City.

As for the Wanderers, they are falling faster than a lead balloon, losing their last three fixtures and could be eliminated from finals contention by the time this match kicks off.

This all comes down to how ready the Roar are come kickoff, they could have this match won in the opening 25 minutes or find themselves needing to overturn a huge deficit.

When weighing up the likelihood the Roar will be ready to go combined with the Wanderers struggles, $2.55 is an excellent price for the visitors.

Back Brisbane to Win @ $2.55

If you want the good news, Western United scored its first goal in approximately 435 minutes of football on Friday night.

The bad news is that Diamanti’s penalty came with the side already trailing 4-1 to the lowly Melbourne Victory, on the way to an embarrassing 6-1 defeat.

It was their sixth straight defeat and one that officially ended their finals hopes with two matches to play.

Now they have to cross the border to “host” Macarthur at Leichardt Oval thanks to the Victorian lockdown, which will disrupt an already out of sorts side.

Four of their six defeats since the start of May have been by three or more goals and Macarthur will have the desperation factor, looking to play finals football in their inaugural season.

I’ll back the Bulls to record a very comfortable victory.

Back Macarthur to Win -1 Goal @ $3.10

Central Coast is chasing its third consecutive win over Newcastle, looking to achieve that feat for the first time since 2014.

Between the final victory of that streak and the end of the 2019/2020 A-League season, the Mariners won just two of the 17 F3 Derbies so they will be enjoying their dominance this campaign.

There is not much to like about the Jets from a punting (or fandom) perspective, with the side only avoiding defeat on the weekend because their match was cancelled.

Considering the Mariners have to win this match to keep their hopes of second spot alive, while the Jets are all but confirmed as wooden spooners, it’s hard to see anything other than a Mariners win.

They have not been blowing teams away however so we may not see too many goals.

Back Central Coast to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.40

With the A-League ladder being as congested as it is, this is a huge match between Brisbane and Perth.

After the Roar’s loss on Sunday, their hopes of finishing in second place evaporated, however they could end up anywhere between third and ninth depending on their final two results.

Perth is in a similar position, still able to end up as high as third with a floor of tenth.

The Glory will continue their road trip after a huge point in Auckland on Sunday to make it six matches without defeat.
Brisbane was well below par against the Wanderers and Warren Moon will need to rally his troops for a pair of season defining home dates.

I’ll back the Roar to hold down the fort at home, however their normally resilient defence was breached and Jamie Young can only do so much.

For some added value, throw in both teams to score in a Same Game Multi.

SGM: Brisbane to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $3.53

2019/2020

There’s bonus A-League in our Round 23 Preview with six matches on the docket thanks to a postponed match between Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.

Before then though, the Sky Blues have a huge battle on their hands as Perth comes to town in a possible Grand Final preview while the surging Melbourne City hosts Western Sydney.

We’ve got previews and betting plays for all six matches this weekend right here.

Nine years to the day after that memorable Grand Final between these clubs they face off once again with… slightly lower stakes.

For Brisbane there is still plenty on the line with a top four finish now a real possibility and after last weekend’s convincing performance against the Wanderers they should make short work of the struggling Mariners.

Central Coast on the other hand have had a rough month which has seen their losing streak extend to eight now and a cumulative scoreline of 14-3 against them in the past four matches.

If there was ever a week for Brisbane to get their shooting boots in order, this is it.

While the Roar have had their share of first half issues this season, if they can come out with even half the intensity they had against the Wanderers, they should get out to an early lead and get the Mariners heads to drop.

Backing Brisbane in a halftime/fulltime double looks to be way over the odds considering the head to head market.

Back Brisbane/Brisbane Halftime/Fulltime @ $2.45

For a few minutes at least on Saturday night, it looked like Sydney might drop points for the fourth time this season however they managed to get things back on track eventually.

Now they face a possible Grand Final opponent in Perth Glory whose midseason run has well and truly come to an end now.

With one win from their last seven matches in all competitions, the westerners are now in danger of falling out of the top four as the finals approach.

While they are better than their current run of form and have received a short term reprieve for their domestic campaign with the postponement of their Asian Champions League fixtures, I just can’t see them taking anything from this match.

For some reason Sydney is just over even money (at the time of publish) and that represents phenomenal value for a side that seems destined for silverware in the next few weeks.

Back Sydney to Win @ $2.05

Whether it was a Sydney Derby hangover, Brisbane’s stifling humidity or a combination of both factors, the Wanderers reverted to 2019 form last weekend going down 3-1.

Thankfully the conditions at AAMI Park this weekend should be a lot more conducive to football this Saturday and we should be in for a real treat.

There is no chance that the Wanderers will be as flat as they were last Friday but they are running into a City side that is full of confidence after taking a stranglehold on second place with a huge win in Perth last weekend.

Quite a lot has changed since their two meetings this season, City claiming 3-0 and 3-2 victories, however I still give the edge to the home side as it sure looks like things clicked last weekend.

I’ll back this match to follow a similar script to the first two which featured plenty of goals as City’s strike force was just too strong.

Back Melbourne City to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.70

Welcome to the easiest betting decision of the weekend, Wellington and the Victory is a massive mismatch and for once, it’s in favour of the Kiwi side.

For some reason they find themselves at even money to win this fixture despite the fact that the Victory are not a good team this year.

We could go on for another few sentences and unnecessarily drag this one out to make it seem like there’s more detail but we don’t need to.

Wellington is the better side and is way over the odds here, back them, best bet of the weekend.

Back Wellington to Win @ $2.00

With the steady improvements made under new coach Carl Robinson, Newcastle is every chance of getting something out of this match.

Adelaide is reeling after three straight defeats and a once almost certain place in the finals looks like it is quickly slipping away.

Where they have really struggled is defensively, conceding 12 goals in the last three matches alone and despite the attacking talents on offer, they just can’t stop the goals flying in at the moment.

It was telling the way that Newcastle managed to win at home to Perth in their last outing, grinding out a tight 2-1 win.

With Adelaide’s major struggles at the moment they are a great side to back against until further notice.

Back Newcastle to Win @ $3.20

MATCH POSTPONED

2018/2019

It’s been an easy March for some A-League clubs, only having a handful of games thanks to split rounds and last weekend’s international break.

Now it is time for the push to the finals as the final five weeks sees sides jockeying for position.

Perth will be looking to clinch the Premiership as quickly as possible before turning their attention to the Grand Final while Sydney FC and the Melbourne Victory are battling for second spot and the other bye in the first round of the finals.

Read on for our previews and predictions for every A-League Round 23 match this weekend.

Last time Sydney travelled up to Brisbane, they were on the receiving end of a shock 2-1 loss as injuries forced the Roar to play with the diminutive Matt McKay as a central defender for almost an hour.

They will have to be on their guard to avoid another banana-skin slip up in this game as the Roar would love to spoil Sydney’s hopes of a home final.

It would be one of the few bright spots for a Roar side that has struggled this season, particularly at the back, having conceded two or more goals in each of their last four games and 52 total this season.

Sydney has been struggling to score goals lately, never getting more than two in a game since January 9 but in this game you can back them to come in and take care of the Roar.

Back Sydney to Win and Over 3.5 Goals @ $3.20

Back to back wins has Wellington up into fourth place and suddenly favoured to host that second home final.

The Phoenix will need to keep that winning momentum going against a Jets side who suffered an embarrassing loss to the lowly Mariners before the break.

Newcastle is still in the mix for an unlikely finals berth but needs to shake off that defeat in the F3 Derby and re-focus here.

What swings this game in favour of Wellington is the form of Roy Krishna who has been one of, if not the standout performer of the season so far and he has the ability to turn this game in favour of the Nix.

Back Wellington to Win @ $2.10

Western Sydney’s finals hopes are at best optimistic but they could be locked into “non-existent” with a loss in this game.

City has won both meetings this season including a wild 4-3 game in January and while that level of craziness is unlikely to be repeated, you have to like the value on offer for the visitors here.

On New Years’ Day they picked up their first away win over the Wanderers and are at a good price to make it two wins as they extinguish their hosts’ finals hopes.

Back Melbourne City to Win @ $2.30

This game won’t actually give the Premiers Plate to Perth, but a win will give them one hand and four fingers on it.

The Glory have beaten the Victory twice already this season and a third win is certainly on the cards especially considering the Victory’s struggles out west.

Of the 20 games played in Perth, the Glory have won 12 and drawn another three so it’s no surprise to see them favoured here.

Any time Perth is even close to even money head to head they are worth backing in and that is the play for this game.

Back Perth to Win @ $1.90

The final game of the round and it comes with the big question, “how much of an impact has Alen Stajic had on the side here?”

If the F3 Derby is anything to go by, the A-League’s worst defence might be a bit more solid now, as they played with a much improved structure.

Before having confidence in that new structure to back them though, I’ll need a bit more of a sample than just the one game so for this one I have to take Adelaide, but with a value add double.

In each of Adelaide’s last three games against the Mariners they have scored two or more goals so I’ll throw in over 1.5 total goals to bring the price up a bit.

Back Adelaide to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ $1.80

2017/2018

Four A-League matches this weekend to conclude Round 23, with the Wanderers and Glory having already played their fixture two weeks ago.

Sydney are looking to start a new winning streak as they are only a few weeks away from securing back to back Premierships, barring a major collapse.

The race for third and fourth could take a big step towards being decided this weekend as well with both Melbourne Clubs looking to create a gap above the Wanderers and Adelaide.

Read on for our A-League preview and recommended plays from each match.

A battle of two teams in desperate need of a change in fortunes as they prepare for the stretch run.

Adelaide have lost their last two and have not beaten a side inside the top six since their early December win over Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne City on the other hand have lost their last three but can at least take some solace in the fact they have won both prior meetings with Adelaide this season, including a resounding 5-0 in January.

Neither side can really afford a loss here as they need to keep an eye on the chasing pack with a draw seeming to be the most likely outcome from this match.

Back the Draw @ $3.40

A lot can change in a fortnight and for the Newcastle Jets, they enter this game in a very different state to the team that upset Sydney FC.

Gone is the hero goal scorer Andrew Nabbout, Roy O’Donovan will be serving a ban for yet another red card and captain Nigel Boogaard is out for the season with an injury.

Imports Ronald Vargas and Pato Rodriguez are reportedly set for returns after injury layoffs however it might be a bit much to expect either of them to be 100% sharp.

Wellington sit entrenched at the bottom of the ladder however they do have the confidence of beating Newcastle once this season already.

Playing at home the Phoenix are a slightly stronger side collecting 10 of their 17 points at Westpac Stadium.

The Jets should still be the better side here but until we get an idea of how they look with their new setup this game is going to be a stay away.

NO BET

Brisbane have found a winning formula as of late hitting teams on the counter to win four of their last six matches.

Sydney will be very eager to bounce back in the league having had a fortnight since their shock loss away to Newcastle which prevented this being their chance to win the Premier’s Plate.

As effective as the Roar’s style has been in getting results, it is hard to see Sydney not capitalising on some of the chances that prior opponents have spurned.

Like many Sydney games this season there is not a lot of value in an outright win and to find value you might have to dig a bit.

In both meetings this season Sydney have found the back of the net in both halves and that will be a viable option with the Roar forced to field a makeshift central defensive pairing due to injury.

Back Sydney FC to Score in Both Halves @ $2.25

Central Coast will not be happy with their showing last weekend as they tried to get their first back to back wins since December.

If they are looking for some encouragement however they have managed to snare two 1-1 draws against the Victory this season.

That run looks ready to come to an end this weekend however as the Victory are starting to ramp up for the finals.

This is simply coming down to taking the better side, at home with an added handicap to find some value in the market.

Back Melbourne Victory -1 Goal @ $2.55

Round 23 of the 2016/2017 A-League season will be played over two weekends.

The weekend of action gets underway when Sydney FC host the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night before the Melbourne Victory face Perth Glory on Saturday.

The second weekend begins with a clash between Melbourne City and the Newcastle Jets, while there are two games set to take place on the Sunday.

Sydney FC only require four points from the past five games of the A-League regular season to claim the minor premiership and they are clear favourites to secure three of those points against the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night.

Sydney FC scored a narrow 1-0 defeat over the Melbourne Victory last Friday night and they have now won seven of their past 11 games as home favourites for a clear profit.

The Central Coast Mariners went down to Melbourne City last week, but they still played some decent football in the process.

Central Coast have won just two of their past 14 games as away underdogs and their record against Sydney FC is very poor.

Sydney should win again, but there is no real value at their current price.

No Bet

Melbourne Victory had their winning streak ended by Perth last weekend, but they will still start this clash as clear favourites.

The Victory have proven tough to beat in front of their home fans this weekend and they have won eight of their past 12 games as home favourites for a clear profit.

Perth fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Wellington Phoenix and they have lost just one of their past eight games.

The Glory have proven to be a profitable betting proposition as away underdogs this season and it has been a number of seasons since they lost to Melbourne.

There is not as much between these two teams as the current betting market suggests and Perth are more than capable of taking a point from their trip to Melbourne.

Back The Draw @ $4

Melbourne City returned to winning form with a fighting victory the Central Coast Mariners and they will go into this clash with the Newcastle Jets as clear favourites.

Melbourne City have been tough to beat in front of their home fans this weekend – they are 7-2-2 as home favourites – but winning back-to-back games has been a huge issue and they have done that just twice this season.

Newcastle went down to the Brisbane Roar last weekend and they have now not won a game since January 27, but that victory did come against Melbourne City.

The Jets have improved this season, but they have still won only two of their past 12 games as away underdogs for a loss.

This is the time of the season that Melbourne City need to build momentum and they should be able to get the job done.

Back Both Teams To Score And Melbourne City To Win @ $2.63

The Brisbane Roar ended their winless run with a comfortable victory over Newcastle and they are the clear punter’s elect in this clash.

Winning away from home has been an issue for the Roar all season long and they have won just three of their past six games as away favourites for a very narrow loss.

Adelaide United played out a scoreless draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend and outside of their heavy defeat at the hands of Perth Glory they have been in decent form in the past month.

They have actually won as home underdogs this season and they have a fairly strong record against the Brisbane Roar in front of their home fans at Coopers Stadium.

The Roar have been a very tough team to trust as a betting perspective and I am more than happy to take them on at their current price.

Back Adelaide United To Win @ $3.30

This is a tough way to finish the weekend for A-League punters as both these sides have been unreliable betting options this season.

It is the Western Sydney Wanderers that will start this clash as favourites following their lacklustre performance against Adelaide United last weekend.

The Wanderers have been impossible to trust from a betting standpoint this season and they have won just two of their past ten games as home favourites, but they they drawn six games in this scenario.

Wellington played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Perth Glory last weekend and they have had no problems scoring goals in recent weeks.

The Phoenix have lost seven of their past 11 games as away underdogs and they are also a very tricky team to trust from a betting standpoint.

There is no way that I can get Wellington as short as their current price and the draw is the genuine value.

Back The Draw @ $3.80