Melbourne City extended their lead at the top of the A-League table after rivals faltered in Round 9.
The chasing pack will look to make up some ground this weekend, as a full weekend of A-League actions rings in the new year.
Check out our Matchday 10 preview and A-League betting tips below.
2022-23 A-League: Round 10 Preview & Betting Tips
Western United vs Brisbane Roar
Friday 30th December, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Western United showed plenty of courage last weekend, defeating Melbourne Victory 1-0 despite playing with 10 men for a whole hour after Topor-Stanley was sent off. The win was United’s third in four matches, bringing them within two points of the top six.
Meanwhile, Brisbane continued their strong run of form against the Wanderers, coming back from 1-0 down to tie the game and score points for the fifth match running. However, they face a tough battle against Western United this week.
The team in green has won five of their last six matches against the Roar and will revel playing at home on Friday night. With renewed form, I think United will be too strong here.
Western United
$2.30 (2 Units)
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory
Saturday 31st December, 7.00pm (AEDT)
Both the Mariners and Victory went down last weekend, losing to Melbourne City and Western United, respectively. Melbourne’s loss was particularly disappointing, as it was against a team with 10 men for the majority of the match. Nevertheless, both teams get a chance to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a win here.
This game will be a battle of defence vs attack. The Mariners have scored the most goals of any team in the league (18), while Melbourne have conceded the fourth least. As such, it’s hard to get a read on the result.
The head-to-head record comes in useful for this one. The Victory have not lost to Central Coast in five previous games, although three of those results were draws. The latter result is what I’m going to predict for this game.
Newcastle Jets vs Sydney FC
Sunday 1st January, 3.00pm (AEDT)
Sydney FC will enter this huge New Year’s Day clash as favourites, despite losing four of their last five matches. Macarthur took full advantage of a Joe Lolley red card to beat the Sky Blues 3-0 last week, a result that leaves their season teetering.
On the other hand, Newcastle are in the top six after a gutsy 1-0 win over Adelaide United. The Jets have struggled to score goals this campaign and will need to find the net against Sydney. I think they can do just that, especially considering Newcastle beat Sydney 2-0 back in March.
I love the home side as an underdog tip this weekend.
Newcastle Jets
$3.30 (2 Units)
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Macarthur FC
Sunday 1st January, 5.00pm (AEDT)
The World Cup break looks to have stalled the Wanderers momentum as they’ve secured only one points from two fixtures since returning. Regardless, they sit in second spot on the table and need only two more wins to match last season’s total of six.
In stark contrast, Macarthur have come out of the break firing with wins and clean sheets in both of their games. Their 3-0 victory over Sydney last start was particularly impressive and it was their highest winning margin for the season.
Macarthur bring the better form into this fixture but will start as the big underdogs. Their best form certainly matches up with the Wanderers and you have to fancy their chances despite being on the road. With that said, taking them to win or draw at even odds looks to be great value.
Macarthur FC or Draw – Double Chance
$1.92 (2 Units)
Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City
Monday 2nd January, 1.00pm (AEDT)
The Phoenix have been a tough team to get a read on this campaign but fixtures involving them have been undeniable exciting. The Both Teams to score market has hit in all nine of their matches, while the Over 2.5 Goals has hit in six of them.
Meanwhile, Melbourne City have managed to keep four clean sheets this campaign, which is a league-best. They kept the Mariners scoreless last weekend in a performance that was impressive under current circumstances. As a result, City have skipped five points clear at the top of the table.
With even luck, City win this fixture at least 7/10 times. They’re by far the better team in this matchup and getting anything over even odds is value.
Melbourne City
$2.15 (1.5 Units)
Adelaide United vs Perth Glory
Monday 2nd January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Adelaide have been sluggish since returning from the World Cup break, losing both of their fixtures and scoring only one goal. The Reds could muster only three shots on target despite having the lion’s share of possession against the Jets last weekend, which they lost 1-0.
Similarly, Perth Glory wouldn’t be pleased with their performances over the past fortnight. They’ve secured just one point from two matches and remain glued to the bottom of the ladder.
The Reds need a winning result to stay in the top six and couldn’t ask for a better opportunity than what’s been presented in Round 10. They have a class edge over the Glory and should be coming away with all three points.
Adelaide United
$1.75 (1 Unit)
