Its finals time in the A League, with Melbourne City entering the post-season matches as hot favourites after claiming the regular season premiership by one single point.
This weekend we get two elimination finals, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, which both promise to be exciting affairs. Check out our ‘Finals Week 1’ preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Finals Week 1 Betting Tips
Western United vs Wellington Phoenix
Saturday 14th May, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Both Western United and Wellington come into the finals out of form, with each winning just two of their last five matches.
Those are worrying records for sides hoping to contend for a title, especially given the other teams in an elimination final this weekend have gone 100% in their last five.
Of these two, Western United are the higher ranked team having finished third, while Wellington managed sixth despite inconsistency throughout the campaign.
In three clashes between United and Wellington this season, the New Zealand based side have taken the maximum nine points, completing a 4-1 drubbing just over a month ago.
That will fill Phoenix with confidence as they prepare to visit hostile territory, as will the return of Gael Sandoval and David Ball who were rested against City last weekend.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to bet against the home side here. As such, I’m predicting a stalemate in normal time.
Adelaide United vs Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 15th May, 4.05pm (AEDT)
As previously mentioned, both these teams came home like freight trains to earn their spots in the final six.
Adelaide finished the narrowly higher ranked team of the two, however Central Coast had a far superior goal difference of 14 as opposed to 7.
Indeed Central Coast scored the second most goals over the regular season and must been treated with the utmost respect for their attacking threat.
Bolstering the hopes of Adelaide is benefit of a home final, set to be held at the venue where United have won four games on the trot.
The teams have taken one win apiece against each other this season, Central Coast winning the last encounter 3-0.
However, Adelaide should be too strong here on home soil.
