Round 3 of the 2023/24 A-League Men’s season was full of action, with red cards and a manager sacking dominating the headlines.
The thrills won’t let up this week, with early frontrunners Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix facing off in a massive Friday night clash.
Check out our Round 4 preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 4 Betting Tips
Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix
Friday 10th November, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Melbourne Victory’s faultless start to the season came to an end last weekend as they drew 1-1 with Adelaide.
Despite lining up with 10 men for most of the second half, the Victorian side dominated the stat lines and would likely have come out on top if not for the red card. It goes to show that Melbourne are one of the teams to beat at this point, but so are Wellington.
The Phoenix beat Brisbane 5-2 to jump into the top four, an Oskar Zawada hat-trick sealing the result in New Zealand.
This week’s opponent will provide a far greater test for Wellington though, as the Victory are in form and have had the wood over the Phoenix in recent times, winning the last three encounters between the teams.
That history combined with Melbourne’s home advantage leads me to believe that they should come out on top here.
Melbourne Victory to Win
$1.72 (2 Units)
Western United vs Newcastle Jets
Saturday 11th November, 3.30pm (AEDT)
Western United and Newcastle have both started the season in indifferent fashion, sitting ninth and 10th on the table, respectively.
After a promising win in Round 1, United have been disappointing, losing their next two games to Western Sydney and Macarthur. Last week’s result was particularly flattening, with the deciding goal coming in injury time.
On the other hand, Newcastle are yet to record a win and gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Western Sydney last weekend.
As such, both teams will be keen to turn their fortunes around. I’m still bullish on Western United’s chances this season, and they should enjoy hosting this fixture in front of home fans.
For that reason, I’m backing the men in green and black to secure three points.
Western United to Win
$1.95 (2 Units)
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Perth Glory
Saturday 11th November, 5.30pm (AEDT)
While these teams sit in similar positions on the table, this matchup appears to be a lopsided one, and Western Sydney are heavy favourites.
The Wanderers have scored seven goals over the last fortnight, taking four points over that time, while Perth took full advantage of an opposition red card to beat reigning champions Central Coast 2-0.
Despite that result, the Glory are still one of the lesser teams in the competition, and Western Sydney should figure among the top six come seasons end.
Perth have won the last two fixtures between these sides, but they have not won in Sydney since 2020.
With that in mind, it seems a safe bet to back the Wanderers on Saturday night.
Western Sydney Wanderers to Win
$1.60 (3 Units)
Adelaide United vs Sydney FC
Saturday 11th November, 7:45pm (AEDT)
Adelaide’s sizzling start to the season cooled off a tough last week when they played out a 1-1 draw away to Melbourne Victory. Still, with how Victory have started the season it seems that could be a handy point.
The Reds defence has stood up extremely well in the early part of this season, conceding only one goal to date. Just as impressive has been their offence as they’ve scored a league-high 10 goals.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC’s start to their campaign has been anything but hot. They’ve lost all three games and are yet to find the back of the net.
These teams are trending in opposite directions and having home ground advantage only strengthens Adelaide’s advantage. They should be securing another three points.
Adelaide United to Win
$1.88 (3 Units)
Melbourne City vs Macarthur
Sunday 12th November, 3.00pm (AEDT)
After a shocking start to the season, Melbourne City clicked into gear with a 2-0 win over Sydney in Round 3.
It was a terrific response from City after their embarrassing 6-0 loss against Adelaide the Week prior. Unfortunately, they were unable to back it up midweek when they lost 1-0 in the AFC Champions League.
Elsewhere, Macarthur head into this clash as one of five teams undefeated through three rounds. They’ve won two and drawn once, which is a surprisingly promising start.
Despite City not being quite at their best just yet, they have a clear talent advantage over Macarthur and also have home ground advantage. I expect them to show their class here.
Melbourne City -1.5
$2.26 (2 Units)
Central Coast Mariners vs Brisbane Roar
Sunday 12th November, 5.00pm (AEDT)
The title hangover looks to be in full force early in the season for the Mariners who have lost all three of their matches to date.
They were lacking the finishing touch against the Glory last weekend where they were unable to find the back of the net despite having more chances than their opponents.
The Mariners have only scored once this season so far and desperately need to find some rhythm and form in the attacking third.
Brisbane Roar undid all their great work in the opening two rounds with a horrible performance last start against the Phoenix. They were all over the shop defensively, giving up five goals.
Although my faith in the Mariners is running out, I still think they have the potential to turn things around this weekend. They catch a Roar side lacking confidence after last weekend’s defeat, and it’s now up to them to capitalise at home.
Central Coast Mariners to Win
$2 (2 Units)
