With just two rounds of A-League action remaining before the finals, there is plenty to play for this weekend.
While Melbourne City clinched the title in anticlimactic circumstances last weekend, nearly half of the remaining sides are battling for a spot in the top six, so it’s sure to be a spicy weekend of football.
Check out our full Matchday 24 preview and A-League betting tips below.
2022-23 A-League: Round 25 Preview & Betting Tips
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix
Friday 21st April, 7.45pm (AEST)
The Wanderers locked up finals qualification with a tense win over the Victory last weekend, and now they will host a sliding Phoenix side that is desperate to turn the tide.
Wellington have not won in their last four appearances, dropping to fifth on the table in the process. As such, it’s vital that they put points on the board despite being underdogs in this clash.
On a positive note, the Phoenix took seven points from the three encounters between these teams last year, so history is on their side.
However, Western Sydney have defended far better throughout the campaign, conceding just 24 goals compared to 41, so it’s hard to see Wellington rolling over the hosts in front of a raucous crowd.
For that reason, I’m expecting the scores to be tied at the end of this one.
Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 22nd April, 5.00pm (AEST)
Central Coast are in solid touch heading into another finals campaign, with three wins from their last five games.
Everyone knows that the Mariners are an attacking force to be reckoned with, but it’s been in defence where Central Coast have made real strides this season, conceding just 33 goals.
While Newcastle have also been solid in this department, they have too often faltered in attack, and will need to win at least one of their remaining two games to make the top six.
This is especially tough task given that the Mariners have won 4/5 previous games between these two teams. However, Newcastle will relish playing in front of their fans at home.
Given that there is more on the line for the Jets, I think an upside may be on the cards here.
Newcastle to Win
$3.05 (2 Units)
Western United vs Melbourne City FC
Saturday 22nd April, 7.45pm (AEST)
Melbourne City achieved something incredible last weekend, winning their third straight title. Therefore, it was a shame to see the feat completed with a draw.
Nevertheless, the celebrations will be short lived as City will be desperate to avoid finals disappointment. That makes it fitting that they play Western United this weekend, the team that defeated Melbourne to win the 2022 Grand Final.
This year it’s been a very different story for United, who are still in finals contention but have been a shadow of last year’s outfit.
With a huge goal difference gulf of 38 goals between these two sides, it’s hard to see how Melbourne won’t put the foot to the throat of Western United on Saturday night, consigning them to an unceremonious exit from 2023 contention.
Melbourne City to Win
$1.80 (2 Units)
Melbourne Victory vs Macarthur FC
Sunday 23rd April, 3.00pm (AEST)
The most meaningless fixture of Round 25 will be played on Sunday afternoon, with Melbourne Victory hosting Macarthur FC.
Both clubs suffered 2-1 losses last weekend and that sealed their fate for the season, with both now ruled out of the finals.
Still, both teams will be aiming to win this match and finish the season the right way, although you can’t expect intensity levels to be at an all-time high.
In terms of a betting angle to take in what’s effectively a dead rubber, I expect both Victory and the Bulls to play attacking football as each see this game as rare opportunity to secure a win, which should make for an attacking and high-scoring affair.
Both teams to Score
$1.65 (3 Units)
Perth Glory vs Adelaide United
Sunday 23rd April, 6.00pm (AEST)
Both Perth Glory and Adelaide United were riding lengthy unbeaten runs heading into their respective Round 24 fixtures, but both came away with losses and will be out to avenge them this weekend.
Glory suffered the more demoralising defeat of the two, going down 4-1 against Sydney FC. Defending their goal has been their Achilles heel all season and they’ve still only kept three clean sheets as we approach the end of the home and away season.
Meanwhile, Adelaide were unable to make it 13 straight games without a loss when they suffered defeat against Western United last weekend. The Reds failed to find the back of the net for the first time since the beginning of 2023, although it wasn’t through lack of trying as they mustered 24 attempts at goal.
Perth have won their last two fixtures at home and have been solid in front of their fans all season, but the Reds have a clear talent advantage over them and look over the odds to secure another win. I fancy the away side to get back to winning ways immediately.
Adelaide to Win
$2.25 (2 Units)
Brisbane Roar vs Sydney FC
Monday 24th April, 7.00pm (AEST)
Arguably the most intriguing and important fixture of Round 25 has been saved until last. The Brisbane Roar will play hosts to Sydney FC on Monday night, and whatever the result of this game is will have massive finals implications.
For Brisbane, they simply have to win this game or their season is over. They’re currently sitting 10th and are five points behind Sydney in 6th with only two matches remaining.
On the other hand, a win for Sydney FC would see them clinch a finals berth and potentially see them jump into fifth spot on the ladder. However, a draw or a loss opens the door for the likes of Newcastle, Western United, and Perth to take 6th spot from them next weekend.
It just be a fascinating battle to close out the round and one that I believe represents significant value in the Over 2.5 Goals market. Brisbane will be on the attack knowing they have to win this game, while Sydney are always threatening on the counter. I expect 3+ goals in this one.
Over 2.5 Goals
$1.75 (2.5 Units)
