The 2015-16 A-league season is heading into its last few games as the ladder is continuing to tighten up with the top eight teams separated by just 12 points. Continue reading for our A-league Round 22 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Brisbane Roar vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Friday 8pm AEDT)
The Wanderers returned to winning ways last week but it was under controversial circumstances. Their winning goal could have easily been disallowed with a high boot, however it wasn’t to be and they were awarded the three points and have maintained their top spot on the ladder.
The Roar is currently on their worst stretch of the season. They have lost back-to-back matches by three goals with their latest loss seeing them move to third place on the ladder as the Reds leapfrogged them into second. The side’s defence has been picked a part in recent weeks and have leaked 11 goals in their last three matches including six against the Glory two weeks ago. They will need to switch back on and find the solution before this weekend otherwise the Roar could continue to fall down the ladder and all their good work throughout the season will be wasted.
The Wanderers were able to win the match the last time these two sides faced and with the Roar having massive troubles at the back we will be picking the away side to earn the three points at stay on the top.
TIP: Wanderers @ $2.60 with William Hill
Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United (Saturday 5.15pm AEDT)
The Reds incredible run continued last week and they are now sitting in second position on the ladder and are just two points behind the Wanderers. The side will now have its sights set on a minor premiership and it definitely isn’t out of reach as they are the form side of the competition. Their latest 3-0 victory against the Roar was arguably one of their best performances of the season. They have kept a clean sheet in their past two matches and will be a tough team to beat despite heading across the ditch this weekend.
The Phoenix have won two of their last three matches and have all but handed the wooden spoon to the Central Coast Mariners. Their victory against the City showed they have the ability to defend as they kept the leagues best attacking team to just the one goal. However, the Reds are one of the strongest sides at this stage on both ends of the field and they will be superior in this one.
TIP: Adelaide United @ $2.10 with Sportsbet
Melbourne City vs Sydney FC (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
The Sky Blues are going through a massive rough patch and are now winless in their last six matches. The side is sitting in sixth position on the ladder equal with Melbourne Victory and they are in a lot of danger of missing out on the finals series. Their defence was winning them games earlier in the season but that area has dropped off whilst their offence hasn’t improved.
Meanwhile Melbourne City is one of the most inconsistent teams in the competition and you don’t know what side is going to show up on which day. They lost to the Phoenix last week in a match that would have put them in a great position on the ladder. They have the second worst defence in the league but they have countered defence with their offence all season and have by far the best attack with 51 goals this season. This should be a tight match but we will stick with the home side and their attacking nature.
TIP: City @ $1.89 with CrownBet
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Victory has entered a similar slump to Sydney FC and are currently on a five game stretch without a win. They are down on their confidence and they have lost their fear factor when facing opponents. This weekend is a must win for the side as they take on the bottom placed Mariners. They will have an opportunity to build their confidence and find their old goal scoring form as they are facing the worst defence in the league. The Mariners almost kept a clean sheet for the first time this season but it wasn’t to be for the home side as the Jets found a winner in the second half.
The Victory is undefeated in their last eight meetings with the Mariners and the home side has lost its last three games at Central Coast Stadium. This takes away the edge the Mariners has of playing at home and the Victory should earn a comfortable victory.
TIP: Victory @ $1.57 with Palmerbet
Perth Glory vs Newcastle Jets (Monday 8pm AEDT)
The Jets earned their third win in three matches which has seen them move to within two points of the Glory and within four points of reaching the top six. They weren’t overly impressive in their win but they did enough to earn the away victory.
Meanwhile the Glory stumbled against the Western Sydney Wanderers as they missed out on an opportunity to move into a finals position. The side had won its past six matches and we expect them to return to winning ways this weekend as they play on home soil. These two sides faced a little over a month ago and it was a one sided affair with the Glory coming out on top 6-1. The Jets haven’t had a five goal improvement over that period.
TIP: Glory @ $1.60 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!
