Another edition of the ‘Big Blue’ will headline this week’s A-League Men’s action, after last weekend produced a whopping 21 goals.
It’s tight at the top of the table, with the leading three teams separated by just a solitary point, so there is plenty to play for as Christmas nears.
Check out our ‘Matchday 8’ preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Western United vs Brisbane Roar
Friday 15th December, 6.00pm (AEDT)
Things went from bad to worse for Western United last weekend, as they suffered a 4-0 loss to Central Coast.
The stats read terribly for United – they have scored just three goals in seven matches and conceded 16 to hold a goal difference of -13.
As such, manager John Aloisi is under increasing pressure to turn things around in a hurry.
It won’t be easy to do that against Brisbane, who are second on the table after scoring their fourth win of the season.
The 2-0 victory over Adelaide away from home was hugely impressive, and the Roar will be confident that they can continue to climb this weekend.
With that being said, Western United’s miserable run can’t last forever, and I expect them to at least put up a steely defence on Friday night.
Under 2.5 Goals
$2.30 (2 Units)
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Adelaide United
Friday 15th December, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Western Sydney and Adelaide United both sit mid table after seven rounds, both having lost their most recent matches.
The Wanderers went down to the Melbourne Victory in a seven-goal thriller, which was surprising considering Western Sydney had conceded just four goals for the whole season up until then.
Therefore, I’m expecting a resolved defensive performance this week.
On the other hand, Adelaide lost their third game in four weeks against the Roar, prompting concerns over their form.
I view last weekend’s results as a blip on the radar for both teams, but I think the Wanderers are best placed to win this one in front of home fans.
Western Sydney Wanderers to Win
$1.82 (2 Units)
Newcastle Jets vs Perth Glory
Saturday 16th December, 6.00pm (AEDT)
Newcastle are back on the winners list after upsetting Wellington away from home, and they should fancy themselves to triumph over lowly Perth this week.
These two teams have conceded the most goals in the league, 14 and 16 apiece, setting this up to be a high scoring encounter.
Interestingly, all three encounters between the clubs this year have resulted in 2-2 draws, which supports the theory presented above.
For those reasons, I’m tipping a tough night for the goalkeepers in Newcastle.
Over 2.5 Goals
$1.57 (3 Units)
Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC
Saturday 16th December, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Melbourne Victory continued their unbeaten start to the season with an entertaining 4-3 win away against the Wanderers last weekend.
Despite being without a loss, Victory still find themselves only as high as fifth in the current standings, due to both the extreme competitiveness of the A-League season, coupled with the fact they’ve had four draws.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC suffered yet another loss in Round 7, going down 2-0 to Macarthur despite being the favourites and having home ground advantage on their side.
Sydney have now lost five of their seven fixtures to date and are only two points ahead of Perth Glory who sit last in the table.
Victory have produced by far the better form this season and should be a lot shorter in the H2H market in my opinion. I’m happy to be on them to win at home.
Melbourne Victory to Win
$2.10 (2 Units)
Melbourne City vs Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 17th December, 5.00pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City could only muster one win from their first five fixtures this season, but have reeled off back-to-back wins over the past two weekends.
City’s apparent return to form has seen them climb into seventh spot on the ladder and remarkably on five points off top spot, such is the tightness of the table at the moment.
Elsewhere, the Mariners have also found some of their better form in recent weeks, collecting seven points from their last three fixtures.
Things weren’t looking so great for the reigning champs when they were 0-0-4 to start the season, but it seems there are better days ahead.
Both clubs have returned to form just in time for this Grand Final rematch. However, City, on their home deck, should have the edge this time around.
Melbourne City to Win
$1.96 (1.5 Units)
Macarthur FC vs Wellington Phoenix
Monday 18th December, 7.00pm (AEDT)
Macarthur’s fantastic start to the season got even better last weekend when they recorded yet another win, this time knocking over Sydney FC 2-0 away from home.
Macarthur are now just one of two sides yet to suffer defeat this campaign, and their 15 points accumulated places them only goal difference off the top of the ladder.
Wellington Phoenix were also undefeated heading into Round 10 but that is no more after they copped a 3-0 hiding by Newcastle.
The Phoenix would still be thrilled with their first seven rounds of the season and currently sit fourth on the table.
Macarthur have been the most consistent team so far and deserve to be shorter in the market than their current price. I’m keen to have a decent crack at them to win on Monday night.
Macarthur FC to Win
$2.30 (2.5 Units)
