The 2016-17 A-league season continues this weekend and remarkably Sydney FC remain undefeated after 17 weeks. Continue reading for our A-league Round 18 Preview and Betting Tips.
A-League Round 18 Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Sydney FC (Friday 7.50pm AEST)
The Sky Blues fell behind early in their match against the victory but were able to bounce back to remain undefeated. They were dominated in the early exchanges but were able to bounce back through a Filip Holosko header before subsitute Bernie Ibini produced a sublime piece of individual skill and he put Sydney FC in front.
They were able to hold on for the final 25-minutes and were aided by Victory’s James Donachie being sent off.
Meanwhile, the Roar will enter the match on a two game winning streak and will be bolstered by home soil. They were able to hold the competition leaders to a draw in their last meeting at Suncorp stadium but suffered a tough loss on the road. Brett Holman grabbed the last minute winner for the Roar against the 10-men Wanderers side but we don’t think they will be able to have that sort of luck this weekend as the Sky Blues earn the maximum on the road.
TIP: Sydney FC to win – $2.25 with William Hill
Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The Wanderers will head on their second straight road trip and they will feel hard done by after their loss to the Roar. They definitely didn’t deserve the loss but they were lucky to still be level when Scott Neville was shown a second yellow with 10 minutes remaining. The side has a lot of defensive issues and has conceded 26 goals this season.
Meanwhile the Phoenix will be entering this match on the back of a draw. They played in incredibly hot conditions and came back from a goal down to take the lead but eventually they split the points. The Phoenix have improved in their attack in recent weeks and with Roy Krishna returning to form we are predicting the home side to earn the victory.
TIP: Phoenix to win – $2.25 with Sportsbet
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City (Saturday 7.50pm AEST)
Both of these sides will enter the Melbourne derby on the back of losses but it is the Victory side that will have more confidence and momentum. They earned the win when these two sides last met and they have been playing at a much higher standard over the past two months. The team has a firm grip on second position on the ladder and we can’t see them faltering in this one.
City travelled to Coffs Harbour last weekend and were disappointing against the Jets. The side has lost its way over the past month and their only goal came from the penalty spot. They were able to create a lot of chances but they were wasteful and it came back to haunt them. They are down on confidence and while they will be up for the match, Victory will prove too strong.
TIP: Victory to win – $2.30 with CrownBet
Perth Glory vs Newcastle Jets (Saturday 10pm AEST)
The Glory is easily the most inconsistent team this season. Just when you believe they are turning a corner and they begin to climb the ladder, the side flips and plays terribly. In their latest match they fell 2-0 to the Mariners on the road and they were clearly outplayed. The side plays at a higher level on home soil and they will be hoping that is the case again this weekend.
Meanwhile the Jets have climbed into the top six on the ladder after their win against City. They can thank Andrew Nabbout for the win as he found the back of the net with two solid goals, including a long range effort. However, he almost undid his good work by tripping Bruno Fornaroli in the box. However, they held on for the three points. The Jets are a side on the rise but the road trip to Perth will prove the difference as the side only manages a draw.
TIP: Glory to draw with Jets – $3.50 with William Hill
Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United (Sunday 5pm AEST)
The final game of A-league Round 8 will be between the two bottom teams on the ladder. The Mariners were able to climb out of last place with a victory at home last week against the Glory while Adelaide United held Phoenix to a draw.
These two sides have terrible defences with the Mariners conceding the most goals in the league. However, they are a better side in front of goal than the Reds and we are predicting this, and the side playing on their home soil, to prove the difference as the Mariners earn back-to-back wins.
TIP: Mariners to win – $3.75 with Sportsbet
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!
