The 2023/24 A-League season is back this weekend after a brief hiatus, with Western Sydney Wanderers leading the way after four rounds.
It’s tight at the top with four sides sitting on eight points, so this weekend’s action should see some changes to the pecking order.
Check out our ‘Matchday 5’ preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 5 Betting Tips
Macarthur vs Melbourne Victory
Friday 24th November, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Both these sides come into this game locked on eight points after recording two wins and two losses in the opening four rounds.
Stinginess at the back has seen the Bulls and Victory concede just five goals apiece over the opening month, however Melbourne have showed more attacking threat, scoring nine times compared to Macarthur’s seven.
While there is little to separate these sides in terms of form, the head-to-head history does lean towards a Victory win here.
Melbourne have won the last four encounters between these teams by an aggregate of 9-4. With that said, there is another stat that interests me – both teams have managed to find the back of the net in each of the last six head-to-head clashes.
As such, I’m backing a tight encounter with goals at each end here.
Both Teams to Score
$1.47 (3 units)
Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City FC
Saturday 25th November, 2.30pm (AEDT)
Wellington are also well placed at this point of the season, sitting third on the table as November nears its end.
The Phoenix have been exceptional at the back so far, conceding just four goals at an average of one per game, but their wins have come against weak opposition – Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory.
On the other hand, Melbourne City have been well below their best, conceding a league-high 11 goals to record just one win from the opening four fixtures.
Despite dominating the regular season last campaign, City have looked particularly vulnerable so far this season, although that hasn’t stopped the punters from jumping on them here.
It’s understandable, as Melbourne have had the wood over Wellington in the past, but I think the Phoenix present great value here given their form line.
As such, a double chance bet on the home side appears solid.
Double Chance: Wellington Phoenix - Draw
$1.80 (2 units)
Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets
Saturday 25th November, 5.30pm (AEDT)
The Mariners and Jets have both underwhelmed thus far, sitting 12th and 7th on the table, respectively.
It’s been a particularly bad start for the reigning champions – Central Coast have lost all four games, scoring just two goals in the process.
Despite the poor start to their title defence, the Mariners are hot favourites for this edition of the F3 Derby.
There are a couple of factors going in their favour – the Jets have failed to keep a clean sheet so far this campaign, and Central Coast have lost just once in the last six meetings between these sides.
With that in mind, I’m tipping the Mariners to open their account for season 2023/24.
Central Coast Mariners
$1.73 (3 units)
Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 25th November, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Western Sydney have been the team to beat thus far, sitting pretty at the top of the table, but the cauldron of a Sydney Derby is a great leveller.
It’s just as well for Sydney FC, who were languishing without a win until they managed a 5-1 thrashing of Adelaide last round, led by Joe Lolley and Jaiden Kucharski who each scored a brace.
That result could well kickstart Sydney’s campaign, but the Sky Blues will have to be at their best to penetrate a Wanderers defence that has conceded just two goals so far.
Derbies have traditionally provided plenty of goals and scorelines this season would dictate that continues, however I have a feeling this will be a gritty affair, so I’m targeting the total goals market here.
Under 2.5 Goals
$2.34 (2 units)
Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory
Sunday 26th November, 3.00pm (AEDT)
Brisbane and Perth, two of the lesser teams of the last few seasons, will clash on Sunday afternoon in an important fixture at Suncorp Stadium.
The Roar have actually overperformed over the first few rounds to chalk up two wins, rendering this game as a must-win if Brisbane are serious about climbing the table.
Perth have hardly disgraced themselves over the first few rounds, but one senses that they still aren’t up to the level of their east coast rivals.
The markets reflect this, with the Roar positioned as heavy favourites. I can’t argue with the punters on this one, as I think Perth will achieve their few successes at home rather than on the road.
Brisbane Roar
$1.61 (2 units)
Western United vs Adelaide United
Sunday 26th November, 5:00pm (AEDT)
I was all over Western United after their opening round win, but its been slim pickings since then with the men in green losing three matches on the bounce.
John Aloisi’s side has failed to score in all three of those losses, so the boss will be sweating on the fitness of striker Nikita Rukavytsa ahead of this fixture.
Now sitting 11th on the table, this clash with Adelaide has huge ramifications for Western United’s campaign, even if it is early in the season.
Adelaide will also be concerned after losing 1-5 to Sydney FC at home, although Nestory Irankunda will return to the line-up for this game after seeing out his suspension.
I definitely think the South Australian side are the better team here, but Western United are in desperate need of a result and, in front of home fans, I can see them salvaging a draw.
