The A-league season continues into 2016 and there are some big matches to kick off the New Year. Read on for our 2015-16 A-league Round 14 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory (Friday 7.40pm AEDT)
The Mariners were able to pick up a much-needed victory last week but it shouldn’t give the fans much hope of a second half resurgence. They are up against the Victory this week that were able to snap a losing streak and secure the three points in a hard fought contest against the Newcastle Jets. The Melbourne side will head to the Central Coast having pencilled in the three points as they have had so much success against the Mariners including a six match winning streak.
The home side is yet to keep a clean sheet and the Victory will no doubt keep that record in tact as they find the back of the net on Friday night and leave victorious.
TIP: HT/FT – Victory/Victory @ $2.35 with WilliamHill
Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets (Saturday 5.15pm AEDT)
This will be the third time these two sides have met this year with the two previous meetings ending in 1-0 victories for the Sky Blues. The Jets have now gone six matches without a win and are quickly dropping down the ladder. The team is suffering multiple injuries and it has contributed to the side not playing at a high level as they are unfamiliar with the players around them. They have found the back of the net only 9 times this year and they are up against the second best defence, which is a bad sign for the away team.
Meanwhile the Sky Blues are sitting in the top half of the table and are coming off an entertaining 2-2 draw against Melbourne City. The team has been able to find its goal scoring boots as they have created chances that have lead to six goals in their past two matches. The team has also not lost to the Jets in their last nine matches, which includes seven wins.
TIP: Sydney FC -1 @ $2.20 with Sportsbet
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
The biggest match of the round puts the top of the table Wanderers up against the third placed City. The Wanderers will enter the match full of confidence after reaching nine games undefeated last week, however they will be disappointed after playing out a scoreless draw at home in a match they really should have won. Mitch Nichols is still playing at an incredibly high level in the middle of the field and playing his attacking role strongly whilst Romeo Castelen is a constant threat down their right flank.
It will be an incredible match up between these sides as Aaron Mooy will be playing a similar position to Nichols. Mooy was strong against the Sky Blues but his form has slightly dropped since he dominated three matches in a row. He will need to be at his best this weekend and link with Bruno Fornaroli who has 11 goals so far this season. However, we are predicted these two sides to play out a high scoring draw.
TIP: Draw @ $3.40 with Crownbet
Perth Glory vs Adelaide United (Saturday 9.40pm AEDT)
In the final match of a massive triple-header on Saturday, the Glory will host Adelaide United for the second time this season. In that meeting the match was dominated by Adelaide but as they pushed hard for a goal it was the home side that was able to score on the break on three occasions as they were able to finish the match with a 3-1 victory and secure their first win of the season.
Since then, both sides have shown improvement with the Reds a much stronger attacking side. After not scoring in their opening five games, they have now managed to find the back of the net on nine occasions with Pablo Sanchez leading the team with three goals. Adelaide was able to win the last meeting on home soil but we expect the two teams to split the points.
TIP: Draw @ $3.40 with Palmerbet
Wellington Phoenix vs Brisbane Roar (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Roar are tied on the top of the table and are continuing to win under their new coach John Aloisi. A lot of experts had the Roar finishing towards the bottom of the table as they entered the season with a lot of controversy surrounding the club with the owners wanting to sell. However, the players seem to not be affected as they have the second best attack and the second best defence and are equal with the Wanderers in first place. They have three strong options up front with Jamie Maclaren, Brandon Borrello and Henrique looking dangerous everytime they get the ball at their feet in the front third.
Meanwhile the Phoenix has entered a massive slump that was capped off with a loss to the bottom placed Mariners last week. They have gone four matches without a win and they lost three of those contests. They were able to beat the Roar at home earlier in the year but we don’t see them repeating that effort as their woes will continue to compound.
TIP: Roar @ $2.00 with Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
