With just one win from a combined nine games, the Australian teams left in the AFC Champions League will be desperate for some better results this week as we enter the fourth round of the group stage. We preview the three games involving A-League teams below.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs FC Seoul (Tuesday, 8pm AEST)
The Wanderers are the only A-League team with a win in this year’s group stage so far. They claimed that victory in the reverse leg of their matchup taking place on Tuesday night when they travelled to Seoul FC a few weeks ago. In fact, the Wanderers have faced FC Seoul 5 times in all competitions and remain unbeaten with 2 wins and 3 draws. The Wanderers have been in pretty good form in the domestic competition of late with a 5-2-3 record from their last 10 games. Western Sydney can throw everything they have at this match after wrapping up an A-League finals berth with one round to go.
FC Seoul have been struggling by their lofty standards so far in the K-League. With just 2 wins from their 5 games, they’ll be looking to find some form after losing 3 from 3 in the Champions League group stage as well. Although they have been struggling of late, their pedigree can’t be disputed, they are one of Asia’s powerhouses and shouldn’t be written off, but we think the Wanderers should be a little too strong here.
TIP: Western Sydney Wanderers (draw no bet) - $2.50 at Sportsbet
Jeju United vs Adelaide United (Tuesday 9pm AEST)
Adelaide United have just one draw from their three matches in the AFC Champions League this year. They will have to travel to South Korea for their matchup on Tuesday night against the Kashima Antlers. Adelaide were able to secure a 3-3 draw in the reverse leg of this fixture, but have been in some decent form of late in the Australian domestic competition.
It’ll be a tough test for the Reds, who will be on the road for the 2nd game in a row after a 1-0 loss to Melbourne City on the weekend. Jeju currently sit atop the K-League, undefeated through their 5 games on the season so far. They should be too strong for the Aussie team here but at $1.29 there is no meat left on the bone.
TIP: No bet
Brisbane Roar vs Kashima Antlers (Wednesday 7pm AEST)
The final Australian game of the week will feature Brisbane Roar hosting Japanese side Kashima Antlers on Wednesday night. Kashima top Group E with two wins and a loss so far. One of their wins was in the last round of play as they secured a 3-0 win over the Roar in Japan.
Brisbane may have one eye on the domestic competition here as they are in a tight tussle for 3rd spot with Melbourne City. Kashima sit 3rd on the J1 League table with 4 wins through their first 6 games of the season. One of the better sides in all of Asia should be too strong for Brisbane here, even at home.
TIP: Kashima Antlers to win - $1.60 at bet365
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!
