The 2015-16 A-league season is heating up with only four points separating the top seven sides after the opening 5 rounds. Round 6 is highlighted by the “big blue” as Sydney FC host Melbourne Victory in a Grand Final rematch. Continue reading for our A-league Round 6 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United (Friday 5.30pm AEDT)
Last week Adelaide were able to put their goal scoring woes behind them as they found the back of the net on two occasions, unfortunately for them it was their defence that let them down though as they conceded four goals and remained winless.
The Phoenix played out a disappointing 1-1 draw and they will be wishing they had better finishing up front as they should have left the Central Coast with all three points.
The Wellington side has the upper hand in recent matches against Adelaide as they won their last two meetings. I expect this trend to continue, as the Reds will be left stranded on the bottom of the table and suffer their fourth straight loss.
TIP: Phoenix @ $2.40 with Sportsbet
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Friday 7.40pm AEDT)
These two sides have had shaky starts to their 2015-16 campaigns but both sit on 7 competition points and are just inside the top 6. The Wanderers will enter the match full of confidence with back to back victories whilst City were able to put four past Adelaide’s defence which means they have scored 9 goals in their past 3 matches and the Wanderers defence will have to be on its game if they want to hold a clean sheet against City.
The Wanderers have a superior history in this match up winning 6 of the 9 games. However, this City side is the strongest they have ever fielded and with Aaron Mooy playing at an incredibly high level, the sky is the limit and the home side will pick up the victory on home soil.
TIP: City @ $2.34 with MadBookie
Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners (Saturday 5.15pm AEDT)
The Jets suffered their second loss of the season and disappointingly for their fans it came after they took the lead in the 73rd minute. A total capitulation in the final 15 minutes saw them concede two goals and the three points to the Wanderers.
They will need better finishing in front of goal this week as two big chances were missed to take the lead earlier in the match, however they should get a lot of chances this week as they take on the Mariners who are struggling in defence. They were able to only concede the one goal against the Phoenix, which is remarkably the least this season. The Jets will be sure to make the most of their opportunities this week as they return to winning ways.
TIP: Jets @ $2.28 with Crownbet
Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
The long awaited Grand Final rematch will see the undefeated Sydney FC hosting the defending champions the Melbourne Victory. This match would have been circled at the beginning of the season by both sides but especially the Sky Blues as they will want to get revenge for their 3-0 loss in last year’s decider. Sydney FC have been able to pick up key victories late in contests this year but they won’t be able to rely on that this week as they will need to be on their game from the beginning.
Despite Sydney FC keeping three clean sheets this season and only conceding the three goals, their defence hasn’t been as strong as it looks on paper. Their has been lapses and opportunities given to their opposition that luckily for them wasn’t capitalised upon. However, if Melbourne Victory are given the smallest sniff then they will make you pay and their quality of playing and attacking mentality will ensure they create a lot of chances themselves as they will pick up their first away victory of the season.
TIP: Victory @ $2.65 with WilliamHill
Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Roar were able to hold on to a scoreless draw last week against the ladder leaders Sydney FC and it was the first time all season they had failed to find the back of the net. However, it is likely they will see a lot of opportunities to make up for that this week against a glory outfit that has only picked up points in one match this season. In the two matches they have played at home they have earned the maximum amount of points whilst the Glory have lost their two matches away from NIB stadium.
Brandon Borrello and Jamie Maclaren have been revelations for the Roar as they have combined for 7 goals in their opening 4 matches. The Glory will need to be at their best to stop these two from being on the scoring sheet, however the Roar will find a way to win regardless.
TIP: HT/FT - Roar/Roar @ $2.50 with Palmerbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!