After a blockbuster weekend of A-League action, the 2016-17 finals series has been dwindled down to just four teams. They will square off in the semi-finals this weekend and we take a look at both games in our A-League Semi Finals Preview & Betting Tips below.
A-League Round Semi Finals Betting Tips
Sydney FC vs Perth (Saturday, 7.50pm AEST)
Perth made it two in a row against Melbourne City on the weekend as they secured a 2-0 win and a semi-finals berth. Unluckily for them, they’ll meet the most dominant force of the A-League season in Sydney FC in the Semi Final. Sydney earnt the right to have the first week of finals off and play their semi at home, where they are undefeated all year with a ridiculous 10-3-0 record. However, they have been susceptible in big games after they went down 1-0 to Melbourne City in the final of the FFA Cup.
Perth captain Rostyn Griffiths played under Sydney coach Graham Arnold at the Central Coast Mariners so he anticipates plenty of mind games ahead of the big clash. The good thing for Perth is that they were able to cause a massive upset against Melbourne, and it’s only a one game semi-final here and given their track record, anything can happen.
It would be a heartbreaking end to one of the greatest regular seasons in A-League history if the Sky Blues were to get knocked out here. However, when you look at their home record on the season, it’s hard to make a case against them. They have let up just four goals at Sydney Football Stadium in 13 games, and we expect them to earn the victory here.
TIP: Sydney FC to win - $1.44 at Sportsbet
Melbourne Victory vs Brisbane Roar (Sunday, 5pm AEST)
Brisbane FC will have the arduous task of backing up a penalty shootout win over the Wanderers on Friday night with a AFC Champions League clash on Wednesday night against Thai team Muangthong United before travelling to Melbourne for their semi-final clash this weekend. It’s a huge amount of travelling for the Roar, who will clock up close to 15,000km throughout the span of just one week.
The Roar claimed an outstanding victory in penalties over the Wanderers on Friday night in one of the best games in recent A-League history. After a WSW goal in the 47th minute, Brisbane were in all out attack mode to get back in the game before star forward Jamie Maclaren struch in the 55th minute. From there it was an absolute slugfest throughout the rest of regulation and extra time before a 6-5 penalty shootout was the ultimate decider.
Melbourne Victory have had an up and down season that was highlighted by an impressive nine game unbeaten stretch over December and January. They fell away towards the end of the season with some disappointing losses but a lot of that could be attributed to the fact that they had 2nd place on the table locked up with around six weeks to go. Incredibly tough game to pick but I think the miles that Brisbane will have to do throughout the week will hinder them here, especially against a Victory team that has had two weeks to freshen up.
TIP: Melbourne Victory to win - $1.82 at Ladbrokes
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!
