The A-League returns with its usual offering this weekend, six games scheduled after a hectic rush of midweek fixtures. Check out the ‘Matchday 16’ preview and betting tips for the key games of the week below.
Remember to head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates in the A-League as well as the EPL and the Champions League, which resumes with the knockout stages next week!
A-League Round 16 Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory
Friday 25th February, 7.55pm (AEDT)
Brisbane Roar will welcome Melbourne Victory into the sunshine state for this weekend’s opening encounter.
The hosts sit at the foot of the table after a horror season thus far, however there are signs of hope as they have won two of their last five matches.
Another case to be made for the Roar is that they favour home conditions heavily, winning three of their previous four matches on familiar turf.
The Victory have been a mixed bag of late, struggling to build meaningful momentum after a strong start to the season.
Melbourne last met Brisbane in November, recording a 3-0 win that day, however a lot has changed since then.
Both teams enter this one with question marks over them and as such I will be tipping the draw.
Sydney FC vs Melbourne City FC
Saturday 26th February, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Sitting 5th on the table without a win in three matches, Sydney have a point to prove.
What better place to do it than at home against blue-adorned rivals?
Melbourne City are a huge hurdle at the moment, though.
Sitting second on the table, City are scoring goals for fun with 29 for the season (8 more than any other team).
That is thanks mainly to Jamie Maclaren, who has formed a lethal partnership with national team counterpart Matthew Leckie.
City are favourites for this one for a reason but I am drawn to Sydney’s permanent class, and growing need to bank points. I’ll take the ‘Sky Blues’ here.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix
Sunday 27th February, 6.45pm (AEDT)
The Wanderers may have failed to turn their results around thus far under Mark Rudan, but the performances have certainly improved.
A renewed sense of hope and fight has seen Western Sydney hit the scoreboard and play better football for their fans, which can only be a good thing for the competition.
They face a tough assignment this Sunday yet again though, Wellington entering this fixture in strong form and on the path to finals football.
Phoenix also have the advantage of a better rested squad, with a week between matches compared to WSW who played midweek.
For that, I love Wellington as an underdog here.
