A couple of big results on the weekend all but wrapped up the top 6 sides that will be competing in the post season in a few weeks’ time. The likes of the Wellington Phoenix in 7th place will need a minor miracle from here to jump back into contention but there is still plenty of possible movement within the top 6. We went 4-1 in our tips this week and will be looking for a similar result as we preview every game in Round 25 of the 2016-17 A-League Season below.
A-League Round 25 Betting Tips
Adelaide United vs Perth Glory (Friday, 7.50pm AEDT)
For a team that looked arguably the worst in A-League history at times throughout the first half of the year, Adelaide have really found some form over the last few months and have even managed to climb off the bottom of the ladder. They have won their last 2 games against Brisbane and Central Coast and another win this week at home against the Glory could see them jump to 8th on the table.
Perth had the tough task of playing Sydney FC this week and even though they were at home for the clash, still went down 3-0 to the premiership favourites. Perth have now lost their last 2 and are sliding down the table after being as high as 3rd just a few weeks ago. They are 6 points ahead of Wellington in 7th place and technically they can still miss finals so they’ll be hunting for a win here.
Adelaide have looked strong in both their A-League and AFC Champions League matches, we expect that form to continue with the home crowd behind them here.
TIP: Adelaide United (draw no bet) - $1.84 at Unibet
Newcastle Jets vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Saturday, 5.35pm AEDT)
The Wanderers claimed a great 3-1 home victory over Melbourne City last weekend and will be looking to carry on some good form in the ACL and A-League into their game against the Jets this weekend. Their 30 goals on the season so far is still the lowest number of any of the top 6 teams, however they generally play fairly strong defence which is highlighted by their league leading 10 draws.
The Jets finals hopes were dashed last week as they went down 5-0 in Wellington. They now sit 9 points behind the Wanderers in 6th place with just 3 games to go. With a -18 goal difference we can say with full confidence there is no way they can play finals football.
Hard to find a case for the Jets here, they’ve lost their last 3 on the trot and just 1 of their last 10 while Western Sydney have been finding some form of late.
TIP: Western Sydney to win to nil - $5 at bet365
Sydney FC vs Melbourne City (Saturday, 7.50pm AEDT)
The game of the round sees Sydney FC host Melbourne City on Saturday night. At this point we’ve said nearly all we can say about Sydney, they’ve done it all in the 2016-17 season and continue to win week in week out. With just one loss on the season so far, they’ve had arguably the most dominant A-League season to date and it’s hard to bet against them against anyone at any ground now. The most amazing stat to me is their 11 goals allowed for the season and their amazing 14 clean sheets through 24 games.
Melbourne City went down 3-1 to the Wanderers last week as star forward Tim Cahill was out with international duty. They’ll get him back this week but will have the hardest test in Australian football as they head to Sydney. Melbourne are in a tight duel for 3rd place with Brisbane and will be desperate for a win here, however, Sydney are a lock in our tips every week, especially at home.
TIP: Sydney FC to win - $1.75 at Sportsbet
Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix (Sunday, 5pm AEDT)
Still 9 points up on Melbourne City and Brisbane, the Victory won’t be too disheartened by their 1-0 loss to the Roar last weekend. They’ll only need to secure one more point over the next 3 games to lock up 2nd place and the first-round bye. Don’t be surprised if Kevin Muscat even starts resting some of his key players here to prepare for the finals, although the first-round bye could mean he holds off on that for now.
Wellington displayed a dominant performance over the Jets last week to the tune of 5-0 with star forwards Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses both getting in on the action. Down 5 points with 3 rounds to go , it’ll be extremely tough for the Phoenix to make the finals but stranger things have happened in the A-League so you can’t write them off just yet.
However, we think after this week you will be able to write them off because the Victory should be too strong at home after an 8 day break.
TIP: Melbourne Victory to win and both teams to score - $2.70 at Sportsbet
Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners (Sunday, 7pm AEDT)
Not much to say about the Mariners here, they’ve lost their last 3 and slid to bottom of the A-League table after an extremely lacklustre back half of the season. Just 1 points behind Adelaide, they’ll be hoping they can get a result here to get out of the dreaded wooden spoon position. They’ll travel to Brisbane Sunday to take on the Roar who captured a great 1-0 win over the Victory last week to continue their fight for 3rd place on the table.
Brisbane have been fairly strong all year at home, losing just 2 games on the season so far. With their current form, it’s hard to pick Central Coast on any given day and travelling to Brisbane is a difficult task at the best of times. Brisbane to win comfortably.
TIP: Brisbane Roar -1 - $2.10 at 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!
