The 2015-16 A-league season continues this weekend as we have reached the second last round of the regular season. Continue reading for our A-league round 26 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Western Sydney Wanderers vs Central Coast Mariners (Friday 7.40pm AEDT)
The Mariners suffered their 18th loss of the season last week and have conceded a massive 62 goals in 25 games as they are yet to keep a clean sheet this season. It is hard for us to believe this will change this weekend as they take on the Wanderers who will be desperate to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Victory that has seen them drop to 4th place on the ladder. They have been held scoreless in their last two matches but the Mariners defence has been non-existent all season and they will be able to crack it this weekend.
The Wanderers have came out on top against the Mariners twice this season and they will have an extra edge on their home soil with their loud crowd willing them on. When the Wanderers have taken the lead at home this season, they have gone on to win the match and we expect that to continue as the Wanderers will get out to an early lead and continue to dominate for the rest of the match, however with the Wanderers at such short odds there is no value in this one.
TIP: No bet
Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory (Saturday 5.15pm AEDT)
The Victory finally found their form from earlier in the season, as they were able to defeat the Wanderers on home soil and hold them scoreless. The side hadn’t looked that good in over three months and it is a good sign for Victory fans as they could be peaking at the right time of the season. They now have a firm hold on sixth spot and it would take a disaster for them to drop out of the finals.
The Phoenix has fallen in their last two matches and with only pride to play for during the last two weeks we expect the Victory to come out on top in this one. They have one victory over their last four matches and just one goal in their past two matches. The victory will earn a big win in this one and secure their place in the finals.
TIP: Victory @ $2.20 with Sportsbet
Sydney FC vs Adelaide United (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
The Sky Blues season has all but come to an end after their latest loss to the Roar last week. It has been over two months since they earned their last victory. They have struggled all season to score goals and their defence has fallen away.
Meanwhile Adelaide United earned a big win last week as they put 4 past the Mariners on their home soil. They would have been disappointed at conceding two goals but they were able to overcome the deficit they faced and earn the three points. The win has moved them into third spot on the ladder and a win this weekend could put them on the top. The Sky Blues will continue to struggle this weekend as they have fallen completely out of form in the important part of the season whilst the Reds have continued to grow.
TIP: Adelaide United @ $2.66 with CrownBet
Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Jets have gone four matches without a win and they have scored just four goals in five matches. They weren’t expected to have a strong season this year and they lived up to their expectations by finishing in 8th place.
Meanwhile the Roar have won three of their last four matches and have risen to equal first spot on the ladder. Jamie MaClaren is continuing his successful first season with the Roar and has now tallied 18 goals for the club. He has been a real target up front for the Roar and has taken a lot of pressure off the rest of the team as they have faith in the young striker to finish the opportunities that are presented for him. The Roar and Jets have had two draws previously this season, however we don’t expect it to finish this way at Suncorp stadium as the Roar will be looking to gain momentum as they head into the finals whilst they have turned their home field into a fortress this season.
TIP: HT/FT – Roar/Roar @ $2.00 with Palmerbet
Perth Glory vs Melbourne City (Sunday 7pm AEDT)
The finals series has came early for A-league fans as the two most in form teams in the competition will be facing off an the biggest match of the round. City has risen to top spot on the ladder on the back of their improved defence. Socceroo Alex Wilkinson has vastly improved the side, as they have been able to become one of the stronger sides in the competition. City were without Wilkinson and Aaron Mooy and it would be a huge confidence boost for the side to win without their two stars and in convincing fashion.
The Glory have risen to fifth spot on the ladder and booked their place in the finals series, despite spending almost all of the season in the bottom three places of the ladder. Over the past five matches these two sides have split the points on three occasions. Both teams are currently on a four game winning streak and we are backing the two sides to play out a draw in this one.
TIP: Draw @ $3.60 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!
