What was once the penultimate round of the A-League season is now the fifth last weekend of football before the finals kick off.
There is a lot to play for across the board with the battles for finals positioning and the wooden spoon still very much up for grabs.
As it stands Auckland FC are three games away from clinching the premiership and could take one step closer when they face the Wanderers in a big game to kick off Saturday’s action.
Then we have sixth placed Adelaide desperately trying to get their campaign on track when they host seventh placed Sydney FC in a game that neither side can afford to drop.
This weekend promises plenty of drama across the board so find our A-League best bets for each fixture here.
Ok when we say this weekend promises plenty of drama, it might be in short supply here based on how these teams are going.
Macarthur are the more desperate outfit, but that’s only because of a wretched run of results since the start of February, winning one, drawing two and losing four.
Somewhat surprisingly, Brisbane has actually been half decent at times over the last month, drawing with Adelaide and the Victory as well as beating Perth.
However the Roar still have to be judged on their season as a whole and there is a reason why they are desperately trying to avoid a first wooden spoon in club history.
But with the way Macarthur is defending at the moment, Brisbane might at least find a way to solve their scoring woes.
The Bulls have let in seven goals across their last two games while the Roar have at least been creating chances in the final third, although finishing them has been an issue.
Neither team is playing well enough to justify backing them with any confidence, but we should at least see a few goals in this fixture.
Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.55
While Steve Corica will be preaching “one game at a time” to his charges in the Auckland FC dressing room, the thoughts of a premiership on debut have to be creeping into the minds of the squad.
It will be a tough task this weekend even at home when they take on a Wanderers side that could still finish in the top two or out of the finals completely depending on how the next few weeks go.
Not to mention they are the form team in the competition even with their slip up in Wellington last Saturday, taking 13 points from their last five outings.
However Auckland’s home form speaks for itself, with seven wins and three draws to go with just the one defeat.
They got back on track with a much needed win, have a squad that is getting healthier by the week and are ready to show why they are the competition frontrunners.
Auckland FC to Win @ $1.91
There is good and bad to take from the Mariners win last weekend, the good is that it was their first victory in ten games, the bad is that it was only over Perth so it is not necessarily a sign all is right in Gosford.
If they can somehow get something from Melbourne City this weekend then we might be able to start treating them as a competitive prospect.
But there is a reason City is $1.42 to win this game (at publish), having needed to dig deep and see out a tense finish against Sydney FC last week.
That 3-2 scoreline was very different to what we have seen from City in the last few weeks and it was a big confidence booster, having to find a way to win a game they were not in control of.
But they should be able to control this contest with the Mariners and enjoy a slightly less stressful time.
Melbourne City to Win -1 Goal @ $2.15
Western United are the last team you want to face at the moment, especially when you are having major defensive issues.
The Glory could not enter this game in a worse run of form losing their last three games 4-1, 3-1 and 3-1, while Western have scored 16 goals across their last four.
This is easily the best bet of the weekend in the competition and John Aloisi’s men should be able to keep the pressure on Auckland in the closing stages of the season.
Western United to Win and Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.20
The play in this game should be taking Sydney FC to win, after all the Sky Blues are travelling a lot better than the Reds at the moment, but there is one red flag that is hard to ignore.
In the ten days after this match, Sydney have both legs of an AFC Cup Semi Final against Singapore’s Lion City Sailors with a home game against Auckland FC sandwiched in between.
So they could be forgiven for perhaps looking beyond this match and thinking about what is still to come.
What does stand out in this match is backing a whole lot of goals to be scored.
Adelaide’s last two games have finished 5-4 and 5-3 (both in defeat for them), while Sydney just played out a 3-2 loss of their own.
Sydney should win, but the over looks like a slightly more appealing play.
Over 3.5 Goals @ $1.82
Some of these tips require a detailed breakdown as to why that is the best bet in the market, this is not one of those times.
Wellington might have been slightly improved over the last two weeks but it is hard to ignore their eight game winless run which includes some pretty putrid performances.
Meanwhile, Newcastle is playing for their season and probably has to win out from here to have any chance of making the finals.
Take the desperate side with something tangible on the line, plain and simple.
Newcastle to Win @ $1.75
2023/2024
It’s time for the penultimate round of the A-League regular season and there are scenarios for the premiership, top four, top six and wooden spoon to be decided across the weekend.
Central Coast can claim the Premiers’ Plate with a win over Adelaide combined with a Wellington loss, however as we know this season, nothing is guaranteed in this unpredictable competition.
Meanwhile the race for third and fourth is down to three teams with a potentially decisive clash between Macarthur and Sydney FC after the Victory plays Brisbane.
The round then wraps up with Perth needing to avoid losing to Western United to have any hope of not finishing last on the A-League ladder.
We’ve got plenty to look forward to this weekend and more chaos is set to occur so read on for our previews and best bets below.
Just about every sign would suggest that punters should be taking the Nix to win this match.
After all, they have to come away with at least a point to ensure that the premiership race will go down to the final weekend and coming away with all three points gives them the best chance of lifting the trophy.
However Newcastle has been playing well to close out the season, beating Sydney and Brisbane in their last two outings and given the off-field drama at the club, they would love to have a say in who wins the premiership.
Not to mention Wellington’s away form has fallen off somewhat with one win in their last five trips, but with so much on the line, surely Giancarlo Italiano will have his team ready to go here.
It has been the theme of the season, but the Nix at over even money to win in a match like this is enough value to make me comfortable taking them to win.
Wellington to Win @ $2.35
A win for Western Sydney would lock in finals football despite a highly dysfunctional season that included a horrendous 7-0 defeat at the hands of this weekend’s opponent.
Conversely, a win is not compulsory for Melbourne City but it would make things a whole lot less stressful heading into Round 26 for their finals chances.
What makes this match so damn tough to predict is the fact we don’t know which version of either team will show up, as both are capable of the spectacular and the horrendous, often times reaching both extremes in successive weeks.
A draw is not overly helpful for either team but with both needing a result, we could be in for one of those matches where they opt for a risk-averse approach and try to avoid losing above all else.
Draw @ $3.75
Before a ball is kicked this weekend, Brisbane’s chances of sneaking into the A-League Finals are somewhere between minute and microscopic.
If Western Sydney or Melbourne City win the preceding match, then those chances will be reduced to zero and they will be left to play for pride (and avoiding the Australia Cup Playoff).
In terms of motivation, the Victory have plenty on the line with a chance to lock up third place with a win and a draw in the next match.
While a Roar upset does offer some value, their attack does not inspire a whole lot of confidence at the moment with the side scoring just four total goals across their last five matches.
Taking a Victory win is not the best value play of the weekend but it seems like the most straightforward option in this market.
Melbourne Victory to Win @ $1.64
After last week’s Sydney Derby drama, the Sky Blues have plenty on the line here.
However it is going to be a massive challenge for them considering Macarthur won the lone meeting between these sides earlier this season, 2-0 at Allianz Stadium back in December.
The Bulls have plenty to play for as well, with a win vaulting them back up into fourth place and allowing them to control their fate in Round 26.
But what should make punters very nervous is the fact they have not won consecutive league matches in over two months and their domestic form since getting eliminated from the AFC Cup is not great with three wins, a draw and three defeats.
Ufuk Talay’s men will be buzzing after that derby and I’ll back them to continue that momentum with another victory here.
Sydney FC to Win @ $1.75
While we would without a doubt love to see Central Coast and Adelaide play out some wild and wacky encounter, a much more cagey affair seems likely.
Central Coast will be backing up from an AFC Cup match in Uzbekistan Wednesday night, while Adelaide is coming off a draining 3-3 draw in Tarneit on Tuesday night.
It has not always been pretty for the Mariners of late, they are doing what is necessary to get the points and keep their premiership charge intact, while Adelaide is battling for some late season salvation.
The pressure is on the home side here but they have delivered numerous times for punters this season and I’m expecting them to do so again.
Central Coast to Win @ $1.80
Look, there is not exactly a whole lot we can do to talk up this game, it’s last and second last with the loser set to claim the unwanted wooden spoon for season 2023/24.
For better or worse (usually worse) these teams have played in their share of high scoring matches with Perth’s last game featuring eight goals, all of which were conceded by them.
Western United have not been shy about getting in on the act as well, with at least four goals in four of their last five matches including Tuesday’s wild 3-3 draw with Adelaide.
I can’t back either of these teams with any confidence but I am expecting goals one way or another so the over is the play here.
Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.20
2022/2023
Two Rounds left of the regular season is there is still so much to play for.
Melbourne City have officially locked up the A-League premiership but I’m expecting to see a bit more reshuffling all across the board in these next two weeks.
As always, I’ve run my eyes over each game to see if I can find you punters a bit of value.
Here is my preview of Round 25 of the A-League.
WSW open as very short $1.77 favourites on Friday night against the $4.00 Wellington Phoenix and it’s hard to disagree.
The Phoenix only have one win in their last five games and will need to seriously show up if they want to pinch some points off the Wanderers.
Western Sydney has lost four of its last five A-League matches as a favourite following a win but I’m liking them to break that trend.
Back The Wanderers H2H @ $1.77
Not as big of a difference in prices that I expected for this matchup.
Newy are $3.05 to CCMs $2.05 and I found a very interesting stat for this F3 derby.
The underdog has won four of the last six A-League matches between Newcastle and Central Coast.
Am I crazy for backing Newcastle here?
I just might be but the value is there.
Back Newcastle Jets @ $3.05
I’m not mucking around in this fixture.
City are short favourites in this game for a reason, they’re already premiers for a reason and I’m backing them to wipe the floor with Western United.
Western United FC has lost three of its last four A-League home matches and while it’s an “away” game.
City are at home and will have a large number of supporters cheering them on.
Back City H2H @ $1.77
Bottom of the table clash! Will anyone actually be watching this?
At the time of writing, the Vuck are $1.50 favourites compared to Macarthur who are a jaw dropping $5.60
Macarthur FC has lost each of its last seven A-League away matches they have not travelled well this season and a loss here would see them on the bottom of the ladder.
Those odds are ridiculous, I’d stay away from this game but it’s my job to tip so I’m taking the Victory to win.
Back Victory H2H @ $1.50
Perth are at home but they haven’t got their late time slot so I don’t believe jet lag is going to be a factor.
$2.20 is a very good price for Adelaide if you ask me. Yes they lost last week but I think they’ll be better for it coming into this game.
Four of Adelaide’s last five A-League away matches following a loss have resulted in a draw but for me, I’m taking the Reds to win.
Back Adelaide H2H @ $2.20
Rounding out the round is our State of Origin clash!
The Roar will host Sydney FC on Monday night leading into the ANZAC Day public holiday
Even though they are favourites, Sydney only have one win in their last 5 games and a return to Suncorp + a public holiday the next day should attract a decent crowd for the Roar.
Sydney FC has lost three of its last four A-League matches as an away favourite following a win and I think I’ve just talked myself into backing a Roar win.
Back Brisbane H2H @ $2.80
2021/2022
We’re finally all caught up!
With the last of the midweek Covid catchup fixtures being completed over the ANZAC weekend, we now have a (slightly) clearer idea of who’s playing finals footy.
With the Premier ‘s Plate and playoff spots still up for grabs, there is everything still to play for this A-League season (Unless you’re Perth).
Here are our tips for Round 25 of the A-League Season.
A 68th minute equaliser from Defender Brendan Hamill on ANZAC Day saw The Victory salvage a draw against the Roar in a game that they really should’ve won comfortably.
With a maximum of 6 competition points on offer for The Victory one would think that their Premier’s Plate hopes are finished.
That won’t stop them from giving it a red hot crack against a Wellington side that are currently sitting at $5.80 underdogs.
The Victory will be dirty they couldn’t get an easy 3 points from the Roar and will look to make a statement against the Nix. I’m getting a vibe that this scoreline might be pretty one sided.
Back Melbourne Victory -1 @ $2.40
Central Coast’s 4-2 defeat of the Newcastle Jets on the weekend saw them leapfrog Macarthur and are currently in for the finals.
They look to hold that place down when they come up against a fired up Western United side that are keen to take that top spot from Melbourne City.
There’s a bit in this game and the bookies are backing a close one with the Mariners $2.35 and Western United are underdogs at $2.90.
I think $2.90 is HUGE value for Western United, they’ve scored 8 goals in their last two games and are hot on the heels of Melbourne City, so I’m backing them Head to Head all day.
Back Western United to Win @ $2.90
I was very bullish on The Reds last week and I was one goal away from looking like an absolute genius.
United have an interesting run home here with what should be a favourable matchup against the Roar and then a huge game against Western United that could determine who wins the Premiers Plate.
The Roar played well on Anzac Day and gave it to a Victory side that hasn’t lost in 13 games.
They are a side with a heap of potential but their lack of consistency is seriously letting them down.
I like Adelaide in this one a lot, there is value for them in this one and I can’t see them losing to the Roar.
Back Adelaide to Win @ $2.20
Even though it is 10th v 12th there could be a little bit in this one.
This is Perth’s last winnable fixture this season and there is every chance they show up against Western Sydney.
It’s going to be an uphill battle, they start the week as $4.80 underdogs but they are at home and they’re playing a WSW side that did just lose to the Phoenix.
That’s all the actual reasons I can find to justify a Perth Glory tip, I just have a vibe and I’m gonna stick with it.
Back The Glory to Win @ $4.80
We finish the round on Sunday afternoon with a Macarthur side that are looking to get back into the Top 6.
They are a game ahead of the Mariners so will need to win their final two games and probably depend on other results going their way.
Newcastle are on a 3 game losing streak and could be another team that are already on Mad Monday, they were pretty unlucky to not sneak a draw in against the Mariners and I’d imagine that they might bring some of that low morale into this matchup.
It’s going to be an interesting race to the finish and I see Macarthur getting the W here and keeping their finals hopes alive.
Back Macarthur FC to Win @ $2.30
2021
*NO ROUND 25*
2019/2020
*FIXTURES POSTPONED DUE TO COVID
2018/2019
Just three rounds remain in the 2018/2019 A-League season and Round 25 could be the pivotal weekend in the competition.
The top six sides could be confirmed ahead of next month’s finals with the Jets needing to win their last three and get some help to catch Melbourne City.
All eyes will be on Saturday’s Sydney Derby however, with the Sky Blues now the only side who can catch Perth.
Any dropped points could see Perth claim their first A-League Premiership in their game on Sunday.
Read on for our previews and predictions for all five A-League Round 25 matches coming up.
The good news for Brisbane in this game, a win here and they could guarantee that they will avoid claiming the club’s first ever wooden spoon.
The bad news though, is that a win is highly unlikely and even if they do win, catching the Wanderers in eighth place is a long shot at best.
Brisbane also has an unpleasant memory of this fixture, they lost to Wellington 4-1 back in December in what turned out to be John Aloisi’s last game in charge.
Wellington didn’t look that good when they went down to Adelaide last week but they should still have enough to get by what is left of an injury ravaged Roar side.
Back Wellington to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.45
Another game with plenty on implications on the makeup of the A-League top six as fifth visits six with one point between them.
The winner will leap up to fourth place (at least temporarily) and City will be looking to build on a positive if not perfect win over Brisbane last weekend.
Adelaide had a huge win over Wellington on Sunday but will have to go into this game with their striking force further depleted after the red card picked up by Apostolos Stamatelopoulos in that victory.
On their day City is still a tough out for any team, it’s just hard to know when that day will come but this pick is more based on the available talent they have at their disposal.
Back Melbourne City to Win @ $2.25
The Wanderers miniscule finals hopes were extinguished on the weekend but they do have something massive to play for here with the third Sydney Derby of the season.
Any dropped points for Sydney FC would end their hopes of stealing the Premiership from Perth.
The Sky Blues are going to have to re-focus after a huge week already, topping Melbourne Victory in a dramatic Big Blue before their midweek Champions League commitments.
After a disappointing loss to Newcastle last week, it’s hard to see the Wanderers getting back up for this game with the end to a disappointing season (and tenure away from Parramatta) only a few weeks away from ending.
In a derby situation, there’s no need to go too crazy and try to find a massive value play here, go for the safer option with the head to head market.
Back Sydney FC to Win @ $1.70
It’s fair to say the Victory have had an up and down weekend of fortune in the A-League.
A week after topping competition leaders Perth, they were brought back to earth with a dramatic defeat in the Big Blue where midfielder Terry Antonis appears to have been lost for the season with a severe knee injury.
Attention now turns to this clash with the Mariners which could see the Gosford side confirmed as wooden spooners.
The Mariners have not scored in their last two games and have a tough task ahead of them now.
Even if the Victory opt to rotate a few players out to keep them fresh for later, more competitive matches they should still be able to take care of business here.
Back Melbourne Victory to Win to Nil @ $2.55
If you want to be harsh on the Glory, they are almost looking like a side limping to the finish line.
After looking borderline unstoppable for most of the season, the Glory have dropped points in three of their last five games but could have a chance to claim the Premiership if Sydney drops any points in the derby.
Both meetings between these sides this season have ended 2-0 to Perth and while the Glory have been below par in some recent games, they have taken care of opponents they should have and are at good value to win by two or more.
Back Perth to Win -1 Goal @ $2.20
2017/2018
Sydney FC can clinch the 2017/2018 A-League Premiership, their second in a row, with a win in Perth in the first match of the A-League round.
Newcastle will want to forget their hammering from Adelaide last weekend as they are locked into a top two finish for the first time since their Championship winning 2007-2008 season.
At the bottom end of the top six there will be two teams in contention that are left on the outside looking in as Adelaide, Western Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are fighting for the final two spots.
This is a huge match for Sydney in the context of their season and they could not be happier their first chance to clinch the league comes against a Perth they have not lost to since February 2016.
Since then Sydney have won seven straight matches including the last four to nil, Perth’s last goal was Adam Taggart’s 20th minute opener in Round 11, 2017.
It has been 430 minutes (plus stoppage time) since Perth have scored but that drought may just end as Sydney have shown they can be vulnerable at the back, not to mention flat in recent weeks.
While Perth may score a goal here, Sydney are going to want to take care of business and wrap up the Premiership as soon as possible as they find a way to win this match.
Back Sydney to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $3.10
If you are looking for indicators of an outsider for the finals, Adelaide’s 5-2 thumping is a solid sign.
Of course it will not mean a whole lot if they cannot back it up against a side in contention for the wooden spoon.
Wellington looked solid if unspectacular holding Brisbane to a draw last weekend and have the potential to create some chances if given time on the ball.
They have not fared overly well outside of Wellington though and Adelaide will be looking to back up their statement win over the Jets.
I can see a big second half for Adelaide getting them over the line.
Back Adelaide to Win Both Halves @ $3.80
A week after pulling off a huge upset win over Sydney FC, the Roar crashed back to earth with their third draw of the season against Wellington.
Thankfully for them, they now face a Mariners side that looks like they are ready for an end of season holiday however the Roar’s form at Suncorp this season has not been inspiring.
These sides played out a scoreless draw at the venue in Round 5 followed by the Roar’s Australia Day weekend victory in Gosford.
With no margin for error in their chase for the finals, this is a must win game for Brisbane and I am backing them to do the job.
Back Brisbane Roar to Win to Nil @ $3
Just when you think you have the Victory figured out, they go and kill all their momentum with a loss in Perth.
Western Sydney were not much better against City and now have to back up on their second straight Melbourne trip.
Victory should have the edge in the market and on the field here however it will be interesting to see how the Wanderers front up knowing what is needed after Brisbane have played.
At home the Victory should prove to be too strong for the visiting Wanderers and this will give them some bragging rights ahead of a potential finals matchup.
Back Melbourne Victory to Win @ $1.70
This game could mean everything or nothing to Newcastle by the time this game kicks off however any hope of the Premiers’ Plate is minimal at best.
Now their attention will be turning towards giving themselves the best possible preparation for the finals and that could mean taking their foot off the pedal just a bit over the next three weeks.
Melbourne City meanwhile sit in third place but need to win out to ensure they finish in third place with the Victory hot on their tails.
Right now, the market reflects the idea that this will mean something for both teams but until Newcastle declare their approach for the final three weeks they are a team worth steering clear of.
NO BET
2016/2017
Sydney FC claimed the Premier’s Plate last weekend and the Melbourne Victory look to have a mortgage on second position, but there is very little between third and sixth, while the Wellington Phoenix are making a late charge to the finals.
Wellington need to keep winning to have any chance of playing finals football and they face a tough assignment against the Melbourne Victory on Sunday afternoon.
There is betting interest in all five A-League games this weekend and below you can find our thoughts on every single game.
Adelaide United have found a semblance of their best form in recent weeks and they will go into this clash with the Perth Glory as narrow favourites.
They may have won two games on the trot, but Adelaide United remain a tough team to rely on from a betting standpoint and they have won only four of their past ten games as home favourites for a clear loss.
Perth Glory were no match for a rampant Sydney FC last weekend, but they are sure to take confidence from the fact that they beat Adelaide United 5-0 the last time that they met.
Winning away from home has been an issue for Perth this season, but they have managed to draw 4 of their past ten games as away underdogs for a profit.
It really is tough to split these two teams and the $3.60 on offer for a stalemate does look like juicy value.
Back The Draw @ $3.60
The Newcastle Jets have gone off the boil in recent weeks and it is the Western Sydney Wanderers that will start this game as clear favourites.
The Jets have conceded 12 goals and scored just one in their past three games and they look to have checked out for this season.
In saying that, Newcastle have generally saved their best form for their home fans and they have taken at least a point from five of their past eight games as home underdogs.
Western Sydney made it back-to-back wins with a complete performance against Melbourne City and they will fancy their chances of extending their winning run.
The Wanderers are unbeaten as away favourites over the past 12 months, but it is tough to get them as short as their current price.
Backing the draw in games involving both these sides has been a profitable betting play all season long and the $3.60 available for the draw really does stand out.
Back The Draw @ $3.60
Sydney FC have claimed the Premier’s Plate and it is no surprise that they will go into this clash as clear favourites.
Sydney FC have not conceded a goal for almost a month and they really are one of the best defensive outfits in the history of the A-League.
They have won eight of their 11 games as home favourites and have not lost a game in this scenario this season.
Melbourne City continue to struggle for consistency and they were very poor against the Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend.
They have won just one of their past six games as away underdogs for a clear loss and they are another side that is tough to trust from a betting standpoint.
Sydney FC should carry on their winning ways and I am backing them to get the job done comfortably.
Back Sydney FC To Beat The Line (-1 Goal) @ $2.75
The Wellington Phoenix may be in excellent form, but it is the Melbourne Victory that will start this clash as clear favourites.
Melbourne went down to the Brisbane Roar last weekend, but they really have been tough to beat at AAMI Park this season and it is easy to see why they have been popular with punters early.
They have won nine of their past 12 games as home favourites and their record against Wellington at home is excellent.
Wellington produced their best performance of the season to beat the Newcastle Jets last weekend and they need to maintain that sort of form to have any chance of qualifying for the finals.
The Phoenix have struggled to win games in Australia this season and they have won just two of their games across the Tasman for a clear loss.
Melbourne should prove far too strong for the Wellington Phoenix and can cover the line comfortably.
Back Melbourne To Beat The Line (-1 Goal) @ $2.38
The Brisbane Roar are the shortest-priced favourites in the A-League this week and are expected to have no trouble accounting for the Central Coast Mariners.
Brisbane have won the past seven games played between these two sides and there is plenty to suggest they will be able to continue that streak when they face-off on Sunday night.
The Roar have won seven of their past 11 games as home favourites for a clear profit and they head into this clash on the back of a strong effort against Melbourne.
Central Coast have lost four of their past five games and they are another team that have fallen away in the final stages of the season.
The Mariners have actually performed well as away underdogs this season and they have taken at least a point from six of their past 12 games as away underdogs.
The Roar should get the job done, but there is no value at their current price and I am happy to stay out of this clash from a betting standpoint.
No Bet
2015/2016
This is a very big weekend in the A-League as the battle for the Premiers Plate continues.
There will be plenty to play for the Melbourne Victory host the Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night before the Brisbane Roar host the Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Adelaide United currently sit on top of the A-League ladder and they should be able to extend their lead when they face Adelaide United on Sunday afternoon.
This is a massive game for both sides as the Western Sydney Wanderers can secure their position on top of the A-League Ladder for another week and the Melbourne Victory can solidify their place in the top six.
Melbourne Victory have won just one of their past eight games and they were poor against the Newcastle Jets last weekend, but they are still narrow favourites here.
Overall, the Victory have been a losing betting proposition as favourites this season, but they are 10-4-2 as favourites in front of their home fans at AAMI Park.
The Wanderers don’t have a record record as underdogs and they are just 1-3-3 in this scenario.
One statistic that does stand out for both these teams is the number of draws they have played out – the draw has been a profitable betting play in both Victory home games and Wanderers away fixtures.
Add in the fact that both teams have played with a conservative mindset this season and the draw looks like the clear play and is excellent value at $3.40.
Recommended Bet: Back The Draw @ $3.30
The Perth Glory are one of the form teams in the A-League in the past couple of months and they have now won seven of their last eight games following their narrow victory over Wellington.
Perth are favourites here – at a very backable price – and not only are they 6-0-1 as favourites this season, but they are also undefeated as favourites away from home.
The Newcastle Jets have been a narrow winning play as home underdogs this season, but they have a very poor record against the Glory in recent seasons and they have lost the past eight games played between the two sides.
All signs point to the Glory here and at $1.95 they are a very safe bet.
Recommended Bet: Back The Perth Glory To Win @ $1.95
The Brisbane Roar had their winning streak ended by Melbourne City last weekend, while Sydney FC missed out on a golden opportunity to edge closer to a top six finish when they gave up a 2-0 lead against the Central Coast Mariners.
The Roar will start this game as clear favourites and they are a most impressive 11-2-1 as home favourites in the past 12 months.
Sydney FC have played well in the Asian Champions League, but they have been very poor in the A-League in the past couple of months and they have only ever beaten the Roar at Suncorp Stadium as underdogs on one occasion.
Brisbane realistically need to win this game to keep alive their hopes of winning the Premiers Plate and they are another safe bet at their current odds.
Recommended Bet: Back The Brisbane Roar To Win @ $1.95
Adelaide United played out a scoreless draw against the Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend and they have an excellent chance to return to winning form against the Central Coast Mariners.
Adelaide have been a fairly solid 8-3-3 as home favourites this season, while the Mariners have won only one game as away underdogs and have been a losing betting proposition across just about every metric.
There is no doubt that Adelaide United really should win this game in comfortable fashion, but $1.29 is a very short price for an A-League game and Central Coast showed last week that they are still capable of putting up a fight.
Recommended Bet: No Bet
This is another game with very short-priced favourites as Melbourne City are expected to carry on their winning ways against the Wellington Phoenix after impressive wins against Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney.
Melbourne City are 9-3-5 as favourites this season, but that record improves to 7-1-2 in front of their home fans at AAMI Park and it is clear why that are at such a short price this weekend.
In saying that, the Phoenix have recorded five wins as underdogs this season and they are 3-2-6 as away underdogs in the past 12 months.
Melbourne City will be without superstar Aaron Mooy and you can’t underestimate the effect his absence will have on his side.
When you add in all these factors, the $4.50 on offer for the Phoenix to score another upset win this weekend really starts to appeal.
Recommended Bet: Back The Wellington Phoenix To Win @ $4.50