The 2016-17 A-league season continues this weekend with Sydney FC still the clear leaders but Melbourne Victory are hot on their tale. Both teams will be strong favourites this week, but as we know, anything can happen in the A-League. We take a look at every game in our A-league Round 19 Preview and Betting Tips below.
A-League Round 19 Betting Tips
Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix (Thursday 7.50pm AEDT)
Round 19 kicks off on Thursday night and it should be an easy victory for the home side in this one. The Sky Blues are currently flirting with the possibility of finishing the season undefeated. They were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw in Brisbane last week but ultimately they still are three victories clear at the top of the table.
Meanwhile the Pheonix’s season is continuing to struggle and they suffered an embarrassing 3-1 defeat on home soil. It was a great opportunity for them to push a claim for a finals berth but they weren’t able to create quality opportunities while they lacked confidence at the back. This will be a cruisy victory for the Sky Blues.
TIP: HT/FT – Sydney/Sydney – $2.10 at William Hill
Adelaide United vs Perth Glory (Friday 7.50pm AEDT)
The roller coaster season of the Glory continued last week as they were able to earn a surprise victory on home soil against the Jets. It has pushed them into a strong position to reach the finals series but they will need to continue to win. They will have this match pencilled in for the three points but it won’t be handed to them. The Glory can’t afford to let their opposition back into the match in the same way they did against the Jets.
The Reds are sitting on the bottom of the table and suffered a loss on the road to fellow cellar dwellers the Mariners last week. They were dominated from the beginning of the match and grabbed a late consolation when the outcome was already decided. The side is favourite to win the wooden spoon, a year after claiming the premiership, and we think it will happen.
TIP: Glory to win - $2.94 at CrownBet
Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne Victory (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Jets have proved they are a side you need to play at your best to beat. They have continued to be more competitive this season than expected and they showed great character to fight back into the contest on two occasions against the Glory in Perth last weekend. They will be playing on home soil against the Victory this weekend and they have had recent success against them at home.
The Victory pulled off a great escape against City last weekend but it wasn’t without controversy. There was controversy the last time these two sides met as well and we expect it to be a fiery contest. The side has been on the rise and things are going their way. We believe they will earn a tough draw on the road against a battling Jets outfit.
TIP: Draw - $3.65 at CrownBet
Melbourne City vs Brisbane Roar (Saturday 7.50pm AEDT)
The Roar were strong defensively on the weekend to hold out Sydney FC on home soil. They earned another vital point and hold onto third position on the ladder. The side has flone under the radar this season and continues to do enough to remain in their current position, without being too extravagant or exciting. Thomas Broich rattled the bar in the draw as they have had arguably the best chance of ending the Sky Blues unbeaten run. They face another tough challenge on the road this weekend in a third versus fourth match up.
City looked to be on the verge of a huge win against their crosstown rivals. However, similar to the majority of the Melbourne derbies, late drama unfolded which included two goals for the victory and a red card for Tim Cahill. The punishment for Cahill is still undetermined but they will be without their striker this weekend. City were scrappy in that match up and we are predicting them to come out flat in this one after a tough loss.
TIP: Roar to win - $2.50 at Sportsbet
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Central Coast Mariners (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Wanderers may have finally kick started their season properly on the weekend. They were able to earn a big win on the road in Wellington and if they can bring that form home then they can cement their spot in the finals. The Wanderers have been forced to settle for a draw on nine occasions this season which has kept them in the hunt. Mitch Nichols is beginning to return to his best form as he created a lot of opportunities over the past couple of weeks.
They face a Mariners side that has earned back-to-back victories and pushed themselves off the bottom of the table. Their slim hopes remain alive but they will need to win this weekend. The side is still young, inexperienced and inconsistent and we are predicting the home side to earn the victory.
TIP: HT/FT – Wanderers/Wanderers - $2.05 at 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!
