The 2015-16 A-league season is heating up with the top five teams separated by just 4 competition points. The action continues this weekend with the “big blue” being the highlight of the match ups. Continue reading for our A-league Round 16 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Brisbane Roar vs Adelaide United (Friday 8pm AEDT)
Despite suffering a heavy loss at the hands of Melbourne Victory last week, the Roar managed to hold onto their top spot on the ladder. However, the damage was done to the side that leaked in four goals and was never in the contest. Meanwhile Adelaide United’s rise has continued in the middle part of the season, as they were able to mount a second half surge that saw them fend off the bottom placed Central Coast Mariners. Remarkably the Reds also have an incredible record at Suncorp stadium with seven wins and four losses at the venue that has been a fortress for the Roar in recent years. This strong record and their resurgence leads us to believe that the Reds will be able to earn themselves a point on Friday night.
TIP: Draw @ $3.55 with Sportsbet
Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
The Mariners are on the bottom of the ladder but this week the fans finally had something they could celebrate as the team signed former Liverpool and Champions League winner Luis Garcia for the remainder of the season. The forward will be able to offer a lot up front and strengthen their goal scoring ability – however it does nothing to help the area where they have been poorest all season and that is at the back. The sale of Anthony Caceres has also weakened their midfield.
The Wanderers will need a win this weekend after they suffered a loss to rivals Sydney FC on home soil in a match that they shouldn’t have lost. They had all the possession and all the opportunities but two defensive lapses at the back cost them the points. The defence of the Mariners will give their stars a lot of opportunities and it should be goal-scoring practice for a side destined for the finals.
TIP: Wanderers @ $1.60 with William Hill
Newcastle Jets vs Perth Glory (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
It is maybe a bit too early to say these two teams are playing for pride in this match, however it doesn’t seem that they will be reaching the finals unless a miracle happens.
Both sides are out of form but the Jets were able to break a winless streak that went back almost two months as they defeated the Phoenix on home soil last week. Meanwhile the Glory came back from a goal down twice against City and were able to hold on when they were reduced to 10-men for the final 20 minutes of the match. The Glory has won six of the last seven matches against the Jets and haven’t lost to them since November 2011 – For that reason we will be backing the away side to get the upper hand in this one.
TIP: Glory @ $2.75 with Palmerbet
Melbourne City vs Wellington Phoenix (Monday 7.30pm AEDT)
This match could be the blessing that City needed to get their season back on track after having a few stumbles over the past month. They have dropped back into fourth spot on the ladder after a loss and two draws over a four game span that included a vital win against the Wanderers. However, City has managed to keep their attacking spark alive over this period as they have averaged two goals a match with their attacking formation paying dividends up front but their defence can be caught out with only the three fullbacks used.
This should be little concern for them this weekend as they take on a Phoenix outfit that has struggled to find consistent goal scoring throughout the season and they haven’t scored more than one goal in a match in their past six outings. City should score at least two goals against the third worst defence in the league and pick up a comfortable victory.
TIP: City @ $1.57 with Crownbet
Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC (Tuesday 7.30pm AEDT)
The final match of Round 16 places the fifth placed Victory against the third placed Sky Blues in an Australia Day classic. This will be the second time these two sides face each other this season and the Sky Blues will be out for revenge for the 4-2 loss at home as well as the 3-0 loss in last year’s Grand Final. However, unfortunately for them the Victory seem to have found their spark last week and it will be tough going for a Sky Blues side that relies on the counter attack to score goals. Last week they were outclassed by a Wanderers outfit but their defence held strong and they took their limited chances and left Pirtek Stadium with the three points. It will be harder for them this time around with the Victory having a solid defence whilst Besart Berisha has recaptured form and always seems to play his best and have an impact in the biggest matches of the year. We are backing the home side to secure the three points in this one.
TIP: Victory @ $2.05 with William Hill
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!
