There have been some crazy results in the A-League over the last week, with high scoring thrashings a regular occurrence. Looking ahead to this weekend, a Melbourne derby headlines proceedings while Newcastle will look to keep themselves in the finals hunt against the struggling Perth Glory.
Check out our ‘Matchday 22’ preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 22 Betting Tips
Western United vs Wellington Phoenix
Saturday 9th April, 2.05pm (AEDT)
What a difference a week makes. Wellington were seemingly cruising just seven days ago but have since lost 11-0 on aggregate to Melbourne City and Central Coast.
The impact of injuries and COVID has been significant, reducing the offshore side to a rabble of late. As well as losing the previous two so heavily, Phoenix has lost four of its last six. Finals are still on the cards though, and a better performance will be demanded by Ufuk Talay.
Western United, on the other hand, are safely sitting in second despite an indifferent recent run. Three draws have punctuated their results and wins have come against weaker sides.
So, can the depleted Phoenix put up a fight? I’d argue they present some value here, but its hard to bet against the hosts.
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City FC
Saturday 9th April, 7.45pm (AEDT)
It’s Melbourne derby time again and both sides enter this encounter with winning form. City have won three in a row while the Victory have two on the bounce.
That sets this up as an epic edition of the derby then, both teams looking to state their premiership credentials.
All three previous matches between the two teams have been draws and I can’t see either giving an inch on Saturday night.
City’s winning run must come to an end at some point and I think the points will be shared here.
Newcastle Jets vs Perth Glory
Sunday 10th April, 4.05pm (AEDT)
It is beyond me how Newcastle are not shorter favourites here.
Yes, they may have lost to lowly Brisbane Roar last start, but the Jets are a far better side than the shambolic Glory, who are two wins adrift in last place.
Newcastle gets to play in front of home fans here and finals are still a possibility, so their motivation is far greater than Perth’s and they deserve our backing.
