For the first time in 15 years, the major Australian football league will be called something different as 'Isuzu Ute' comes on as the naming sponsor of the A-League! That doesn't change the fact that the action gets underway on Friday night in what is set to be an exciting season.
We have you covered with betting tips for every game in Round 1 of the Izuzu Ute A-League below, and remember to check out our Soccer Tips page for regular A-League, EPL, Socceroos and Champions League updates!
A-League Round 1 Betting Tips
Melbourne City vs Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Friday 19th November, 7.45pm (AEDT)
The reigning A-League Champions kick off the season at home as Melbourne City host the Brisbane Roar from AAMI Park on Friday night. Fans will be back in the stands in Melbourne this season, which should make for a great spectacle in the season opener on Friday. Melbourne City pulled off one of the big signings of the off season by securing Socceroos star Mathew Leckie.
Leckie will combine with Andrew Nabbout and Jamie Maclaren to form an extremely dynamic front three, capable of helping City go back to back in season 2021-22. The Roar weren't as busy in the off-season, and will be looking to get back in the finals after finishing fourth on the table last season.
I think there is certainly a bit of a talent gap between these two teams at the moment. Melbourne City rightfully finished atop the league table last year and added one of the best players in Australia to their roster. On the contrary, I think the Roar probably played above themselves last year and were one team that benefitted from the COVID affected season. The City start as favourites here and I see no reason why they won't get their season off to a winning start.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC
Bankwest Stadium, Saturday 20th November, 7.45pm (AEDT)
The Sydney Derby will get a Round 1 installment this season in what should be a blockbuster affair. Sydney FC finished 2nd on the table last season and lost the Grand Final to Melbourne City. They have been a powerhouse of the A-League since it's inception and I don't see them dropping off this year.
The Wanderers highlighted their off-season with the addition of former Jet Dimi Petratos, who should add depth along with signings Tomer Hemed and Rhys Williams. With those additions, I think the Wanderers could be one of the big improvers of the 2021-22 season.
They will be at home for this opening clash agains Sydney, and the Wanderers have arguably the most raucus crowd of any team in the competition. I think at home, they definetely have the tools to get the job done, or at least force a draw.
Wanderers Draw No Bet
$2.29
Western United vs Melbourne Victory
GMHBA Stadium, Saturday 20th November, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Another state derby on Saturday night, this time down in Victoria as Melbourne Victory travel to Geelong to take on Western United. I think it's shaping up to be a tough year for Western United, who waved goodbye to marquee player Bersat Berisha after finishing in 10th place last year.
One team Western Untied did finish above, however, was the Victory, who had undoubtedly their worst season in history, finishing on the bottom of the table with a 5-4-17 record. The Victory made some moved in the off-season, most notably that of Perth winger Chris Ikonomidis.
I think the Victory will be desperate to get their season off to a winning start here and put an awful 2020-21 campaign in the rearview mirror. Back them to travel to Geelong and earn a win here.
Other Tips
Perth Glory vs Adelaide United - Perth Glory H2H ($2.30 at Sportsbet)
Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners - Central Coast Mariners H2H ($2.62 at Sportsbet)
Macarthur FC vs Wellington Phoenix - Draw ($3.50 at Sportsbet)
