The 2018-19 A-League season resumes on Friday night after a week off for international break. Getting us underway for Round 5 will be the Wanderers vs Jets game, which will be just the first of five great match-ups this weekend. Like we’ve been doing all season, we’ve provided previews and betting tips for the value games of the round. Good luck to all following!
A-League Round 5 Betting Tips
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Newcastle Jets (Friday 7:50pm AEDT)
The Wanderers have had a solid start to their 2018-19 campaign, but would have a sour taste in their mouth after leaving two points behind in their last outing against the Roar. They lead by two goals after just 17 minutes thanks to new recruit Oriol Riera, only to let that lead slip by the 48th minute on the back of an Adam Taggart strike. The wanders are now 1-2-1 after four games, which has them in fourth position on the table.
The Jets have had a horror start to their season and are winless after their first four games. Coming off a terrific 2017-18 campaign where they finished second on the table, the Jets just haven’t been able to get things going thus far. You could definitely make the argument that they’ve had the hardest draw off all eight teams, however, two points from four games just won’t cut it in such a competitive league.
It’s been a tough start for the Jets, but we think it’s going to get even tougher this weekend when they travel to Sydney. Despite a collapse last time out, we still think the Wanderers are great value at home here.
Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
Sydney FC come into this Grand Final rematch as one of just two teams undefeated after four rounds. They’ve been a dominant force in the A-League for some time now and look to be that again this season. They’re incredibly hard to beat at home and have won their one and only fixture in front of their fans this season, defeating the Wanderers 2-0 in Round 2.
Melbourne Victory have put a bad start behind them to claim two wins from their last two games. Their most recent outing was a 4-1 demolition job of the lowly Mariners, where Keisuke Honda found the net once again. Victory may have won two on the spin, but they will definitely have their work cut out for them to make it three on the trot this weekend.
Whenever you can get Sydney at even odds or better at home, you take it. They’re the most consistent team in the league by far and will be looking for revenge against their arch rivals here.
Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners (Sunday 7pm AEDT)
Perth were touted as most likely to leap into title contention this season and they certainly haven’t disappointed thus far. They join Sydney FC as the only teams undefeated after four games and ahead of reigning Minor Premiers on the table by two points. After drawing their opening round fixture, Glory have gone on to win three on the spin, with arguably their most impressive win coming in their last outing against Adelaide, where they beat them 2-0 on the road.
The Mariners have been one of the easy beats to start the season, as they sit on the bottom of the ladder with just two points from four outings. The most alarming statistic is that they’ve lost their last two games to Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United by three goals each. They’ve certainly got their hands full this weekend when they take on the top-of-the-table Glory.
There is still a bit of value in Glory to win this, but the $2.30 at -1 handicap is too good to refuse for us. We’re keen to keep taking Glory until they get more respect from the Bookies.