A semi-regular weekend of matches awaits us here as the A-League season kicks back into gear. Check out the ‘Matchday 12’ preview and betting tips for the key games of the week below.
Remember you can head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates on the A-League, EPL, Champions League and the Socceroos continuing World Cup qualification bid.
A-League Round 12 Betting Tips
Western United vs Melbourne City FC
Saturday 29th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
This clash pits Melbourne-based contenders Western United and Melbourne City against each other in what is sure to be a match filled with drama.
Both sides have found the going tough since Christmas, especially United who have managed just two games in the last month due to COVID scheduling mayhem, both resulting in losses.
Most recently they lost 2-1 to Wellington in a game they really should have won – United had double the shots and shots on target while ruling possession.
Western United will be heartened by the fact that they still sit 4th on the table and a string of consecutive matches should sharpen them up.
City may sit second on the table, but cracks have appeared in their performances since a flying start to the campaign. The boys in blue have won just one of their past five matches, playing out three high scoring draws before finally chalking up three points against Central Coast last weekend.
United have won the last two encounters between these teams but City won the previous five, giving them a significant head-to-head advantage.
Despite the frustrating recent results, City still have an intimidating line up on paper and will surely translate their attacking talent into a streak of wins soon. However, I don’t believe it will happen this weekend as Mathew Leckie, Marco Tilio and top scorer Jamie Maclaren have all been called up to the Socceroos squad and will miss the United clash.
Because of this I am going to back the home side in an upset, United to win!
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 30th January, 4.05pm (AEDT)
Central Coast had their hot winning streak extinguished by Melbourne City last weekend but nevertheless they enter this contest with confidence having knocked Sydney off in an FA Cup Semi-final a fortnight ago.
The result was 1-0 that night and the Mariners really took it up to the Sky Blues despite having considerably less match practice under their belt.
Sydney managed a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory last weekend which is no small feat, although they will still be without multiple Socceroos absentees and are waiting on the return of injured attackers Adam Le Fondre and Kosta Barbarouses.
As such I can’t comprehend why Sydney are so heavily fancied and will be backing the draw here.
Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide United
Sunday 30th January, 6.45pm (AEDT)
Newcastle is the latest team to return from COVID oblivion, making its first competitive start since December 19 in this one.
On the other hand, Adelaide have enjoyed a busy schedule that has seen them turn out competitive performances against the frontrunners of the competition – Melbourne Victory and City – before claiming a 3-1 victory over Brisbane.
As they prepare to take on the Jets, Adelaide definitely have the historical advantage having won four of the past five encounters between the teams.
Newcastle will benefit from playing on their home turf but I hate the unknown of an absent form line. As such, I’ll be siding with Adelaide to take the points here.
Adelaide United H2H
$2.90
