The 2016-17 A-league season continues this weekend and Sydney FC remain the only undefeated team in the league and remarkably they are yet to concede a goal. Continue reading for our A-league Round 5 Preview and Betting Tips.
A-League Round 5 Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City (Friday 7.50pm AEST)
Melbourne City bounced back to winning ways and they were able to do it without their start recruit and socceroo Tim Cahill. The Australian international will likely miss the match with the injury but the side has plenty of firepower up front to make an impact. Bruno Fornaroli is coming off a season where he won the golden boot and he will be dangerous in attack.
Meanwhile Brisbane Roar bounced back to winning ways themselves with a victory over Perth Glory. The side grabbed a late winner on home soil. They will want to put a similar performance together in front of their supporters. The side put in a lot of effort on the defensive end while their offence produced two goals. Striker Jamie MaClaren was called up into the socceroos squad to replace the injured Cahill but it is likely he won’t receive much game time and he will be fresh and ready to back up for the Roar. We are predicting a tight contest with the two sides to split the points.
TIP: Roar / City to Draw - $3.65 at Sportsbet
Wellington Phoenix vs Newcastle Jets (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
A 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne Victory has slumped the Phoenix to an all new low. The side was already stranded on the bottom of the table but this latest loss has added to their embarrassment. The side was able to score their first goal of the year but one in four games is never going to be good enough to be competitive in the slightest. Their ill discipline didn’t help the situation and considering they bolster an attacking line up they need to produce goals and soon.
The Jets fell to Sydney FC on home soil but they put up a valiant effort. They have played with a lot more energy and purpose this season than a lot of people ahd expected considering what happened to the club during the offseason. We are predicting them to head to Wellington with expectations to win but ultimately the Phoenix have hit rock bottom and the only way for them to go is up and they will earn their first win this weekend.
TIP: Phoenix to win $2.05 at CrownBet
Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory (Saturday 7.50pm AEST)
The old rivalry will regain life this weekend with the undefeated Sydney FC hosting the Victory who are full of confidnece after their 6-1 win over the Phoenix on the weekend. When these two sides face off it is always an exciting match with a lot of drama and we are expecting the same this weekend. The Sky Blues haven’t conceded a goal yet as their defence has been rock solid and the side is very structured. Meanwhile their offence has been just as good as they have found the back of the net on 11 occasions which is more than any other side in the competition.
The Victory have the second most goals which is no surprise considering they scored six on the weekend. A lot of those game in the dying stages of the match as the Phoenix capitulated. We aren’t buying into this match as much as some people are as the Victory still have a lot of areas to improve and their opponents were their own worst nightmare. Sydney FC are currently on another level and we will be riding their high for as long as we can.
TIP: Sydney FC to win - $1.90 at Ladbrokes
Adelaide United vs Central Coast Mariners (Sunday 5pm AEST)
The Reds are lower than the Mariners on the ladder and have only one competition point to their name. They are the defending champions but have a completely different side to the one that lifted the trophy at the end of last season. Despite this, they will still head into this match as short priced favourites. We aren’t the biggest fans of the Mariners and we know they are a very inexperienced side that struggles and are winless this season. However, if you are willing to take a risk then jumping on the Mariners @ $6.50 is not a bad bet for the value – other than that though we are steering clear of this match.
TIP: No bet
Perth Glory vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Sunday 7pm AEST)
In the final game of the weekend the Glory and Wanderers were both be looking to turn things around as they are coming off defeats. The Glory were unlucky to not earn a point against the Roar as they created plenty of chances but weren’t able to capitalise whilst a mistake at the back was pounced upon by their opponents.
Meanwhile the Wanderers weren’t very convincing against the Mariners and they didn’t deserve to earn the three points. The side has struggled throughout the year for consistency and it is hard to tell how good of a side they will be. They will be facing a tough road trip this weekend and we don’t think they will be able to cause an upset this weekend.
TIP: Glory to win - $2.00 at William Hill
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!
