The Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar continue to lead the way in the 2015-16 A-League season with a six-point advantage against their closest rivals. The biggest match of the weekend, however, is the Melbourne derby between the third and fourth placed sides - which we preview in our A-league Week 19 Betting Tips article.
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Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets (Friday 8pm AEDT)
The Jets snapped a two game losing streak in a controversial match against Melbourne City last week. A few calls went their way but it was a positive sign for the side that they held the best attack in the league to just the single goal. They are taking on the equal competition leaders at a venue where they have an incredibly impressive record. The Jets have won nine of the 14 matches played at the Roar’s home stadium and have outscored their opponents 17-7.
However, the Roar picked up an impressive 4-0 victory last week at home against the Mariners and the score line could have easily been a lot more. With Jamie MaClaren back in the line-up the Roar are a totally different side and are much more potent in attack as they have showed scoring seven goals in their last two matches since he returned from Olyroos duty. The Roar will continue their attacking potency and secure a victory against the Jets.
TIP: HT/FT – Roar/Roar @ $1.90 with Crownbet
Sydney FC vs Perth Glory (Saturday 5.15pm AEDT)
The Glory are currently riding a three-game winning streak and are entering what will be their biggest match of the season this weekend as they have a chance to narrow the gap with the top six. They are just two wins out of the finals series with the sides placed 3rd to sixth separated by just a point. This gives the Glory a lot of incentive in this match and since the return of Andy Keogh the side has been a lot more dangerous up front. The striker is scoring and creating chances for his teammates, which has contributed greatly to their three wins in a row.
Sydney FC had an improved performance on the road against Adelaide last weekend and they looked a lot more threatening in attack and created quality chances in an area they had lacked in recent weeks. The side is still missing Alex Brosque but Matt Simon has proved to be a good option as he is strong in the air and constantly puts in a lot of effort. However, we are backing the side in form and predicting the Glory to cause another upset.
TIP: Glory @ $5.00 with Palmerbet
Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
A disappointing loss for City last week was under controversial circumstances with two big rulings going against them, which had a massive impact on the match. A crucial penalty was awarded against them as well as Jacob Melling was sent from the field. The red card will have a lot of implication in this match because Melling will miss the game through suspension. This gives coach John Vant Schip a massive head ache as it shortens his defensive stocks even further. They will be forced to continue their approach of all out attack. However, Socceroo signing Alex Wilkinson will be a huge asset for the club but he hasn’t played in months and won’t have a big impact in this match.
The Victory looked to have sealed the match against the Wanderers last week but as they attempted to hold their narrow lead in the final minutes their defence was broken and they were forced to settle for a draw. In the last match these two sides faced it was City who came out on top, however we see things panning out differently this time with City lacking in defence and sharp shooter Besart Berisha making the most of it.
TIP: Victory @ $2.45 with Sportsbet
Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United (Sunday 3pm AEDT)
Adelaide’s undefeated stretch continued as they played out a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC last weekend. It was an entertaining match and it demonstrated how much the Reds have developed throughout the season. They travel to the Central Coast to take on the bottom placed Mariners who were embarrassed in a 4-0 thrashing by the Roar. The Mariners defence has been an issue for them all season as they are without a clean sheet and have conceded 42 goals in 18 matches.
Their defence is likely to let them down again this weekend as they find it impossible to hold a team scoreless whilst their attack is mediocre at best. Luis Garcia is only capable of doing so much and he won’t be enough to steer his side away from a loss.
TIP: Adelaide @ $1.80 with William Hill
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
This should be an easy win for the Wanderers at home and they will have pencilled in the three points against the struggling Phoenix. A week where the club has been surrounded by headlines due to fans using flares in the crowd would be a slight distraction for the players, however it will be business as usual for them come Sunday. The Wanderers are undefeated in their past three matches whilst the Phoenix have lost five of their last six and have scored just four goals across that stretch. The home side will be far too strong in both attack and defence and pick up an easy three points.
TIP: HT/FT – Wanderers/Wanderers @ $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!
