The 2016-17 A-league season continues this weekend and the strong sides are beginning to become more clear while there is still a couple of results that has left us scratching our heads. Interesting weekend ahead, so read on for our A-league Round 4 preview and betting tips.
Melbourne City vs Adelaide United (Friday 7.45pm AEST)
City were floating on cloud nine after defeating crosstown rivals Victory 4-1 and were equal competition leaders. However, they came crashing down to earth with a 3-2 loss against Perth on home soil. It was a disappointing loss as crucial errors at the back cost them the three points – something we predicted was inevitable as the side definitely favours their front line. They bounced back strongly with a win in the FFA Cup against Victory again but a lot of their players could be tired for their match just two days later.
The Reds are winless in their opening three games and have just one-competition point. It isn’t a shock as the side lost a lot of their premiership winning players and it was always going to be tough to recover with a new squad. We are predicting a tighter contest because City players are backing up but they will earn the victory on home soil.
TIP: City to win - $1.75 at Sportsbet
Newcastle Jets vs Sydney FC (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The Jets have had a better season than a lot of experts (including us) predicted them to have. It is still early days but to be without a loss in their opening three games is a credit to them. They will face their toughest test this weekend and we believe their luck will be swung as they haven’t been very convincing in their matches but have managed to get the job done.
The Sky Blues on the other hand have been as strong as they have ever been. They are the only side to have won all three matches and are sitting alone on the top of the competition. They have scored nine goals across those games and haven’t conceded a goal. The Jets will struggle to create opportunities whilst the Sky Blues will capitalise on theirs. Sydney FC also have a great record against the Jets and they will improve that this weekend.
TIP: Sydney FC to win - $1.75 at Ladbrokes
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Central Coast Mariners (Saturday 7.50pm AEST)
The Mariners lost their second straight game on the weekend but they managed to keep the game competitive against the Roar. They weren’t able to find their names on the scorers sheet but they had their chances. However, they didn’t have one shot on target and that is a worrying statistic. The side still has a long way to go before they are a real chance and before we predict them to have a result that isn’t a loss.
The Wanderers had a 2-0 lead with 10-minutes remaining and it look as if they would cruise to victory. It wasn’t to be as two late goals saw them settle for a draw against the Jets. They will not be making the same mistake this weekend and they will be able to again hand the inexperienced Mariners side a loss. However, the odds are very short for the Wanderers and we are suggesting that you steer clear of this match as their isn’t much value in predicting the home side to earn the victory.
TIP: No bet
Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory (Sunday 5pm AEST)
These two sides have been very inconsistent this year and it will be a tough match to pick. However, we are leaning towards this match ending in a draw with both teams putting in a strong performance.
The Glory earned a great win over City where they came from behind to earn the three points with Andy Keogh being the hero scoring all three goals to make a great hat trick. However, the side will enter this match on the back of a lot of travel as they were in Melbourne on the weekend and will now head to Brisbane. It will definitely play a part in the second half – especially if the conditions are still hot in the evening.
The Roar managed to earn the three points on the weekend against the Mariners but they have been poor this year. They were the stronger side in the opening match against the Victory but it took a last minute goal to earn the point whilst they were humiliated by the Newcastle Jets a week later. They are a stronger side on home soil and we belive this will contribute to them splitting the points.
TIP: Roar / Glory to Draw - $3.65 at William Hill
Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix (Monday 7.50pm AEST)
The Phoenix are stranded on the bottom of the table and have lost all three of their matches in an awful start to the season. To make matters worse, they are yet to find the back of the net and they were predicted to have one of the better attacking sides in the competition. They have allowed four goals which isn’t a disaster considering their defence was always going to struggle this year.
The Victory are another side that has struggled but they turned things around on the weekend with their first win of the season against Adelaide United. It would have helped to build the confidence of the side but it would have been dampened again after a midweek loss to City in the FFA Cup. The side will be able to earn the win due to the fact they are playing on home soil but it wouldn’t surprise us if they were forced to do it the hard way and in unconvincing fashion.
TIP: Victory to win - $1.62 at Sportsbet
