The A-League continues with a packed schedule of fixtures across the country this coming weekend. Check out the ‘Matchday 13’ preview and betting tips for the key games of the week below.
Remember to head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates on the A-League, EPL, Champions League and the ongoing Socceroos World Cup qualifying campaign.
A-League Round 13 Betting Tips
Adelaide United vs Sydney FC
Friday 4th February, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Adelaide and Sydney both enter this one with winning form, having accounted for Newcastle and Central Coast respectively last weekend.
The depleted Sky Blues were particularly impressive, controlling the game against the Mariners despite missing several key players to international duty and injury.
Adelaide’s got out of jail in their 2-1 victory over the Jets, scoring 2 goals in the final five minutes to steal full points away from home.
However, despite putting in the less convincing performance last start, United have had a slightly kinder schedule heading into the Sydney clash and should have the fresher legs. They are also playing at home for the first time in a couple of weeks which is sure to boost morale and have not lost in their last five league matches.
Two advantages that Sydney hold are a strength in depth and an excellent head-to-head record against Adelaide – Sydney has taken 7 points from the last 3 matches between the sides.
On balance, this is a very tight one to call and as such I am going to back the draw.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Western United
Saturday 5th February, 5.05pm (AEDT)
Western United jumped to the top of the table last weekend with a 1-0 win against local rivals Melbourne City followed by a draw against Macarthur, while Western Sydney slumped further towards the bottom of the table after a 3-0 thrashing from Brisbane Roar.
At the time of writing (the Wanderers play on Wednesday night against Perth Glory) the home side for this one has not won in their last four matches and has only taken to the park twice this year due to COVID scheduling changes.
However, the powerhouse club has signalled its intent by employing the services of former Wellington Phoenix and Western United coach Mark Rudan, which could be the catalyst for a turnaround in results.
United have returned to form somewhat in their performances against Victorian opposition last weekend and will be match fit.
They sit top of the ladder for now and will be looking to solidify their position ahead of finals football.
Western Sydney won’t be looking at a finals place, just improvement and points. Often a change in management can revitalise a club, but on the flipside, it can also bring a change of philosophy that takes time to implement.
Wednesday’s match against Perth will be telling, but without seeing that match I will be showing faith in the Wanderers to return a result on Saturday evening.
Melbourne City FC vs Perth Glory
Sunday 6th February, 6.45pm (AEDT)
COVID has struck the A-League again and this time Perth is copping the brunt of its impact. Daniel Sturridge, leading goal scorer Bruno Fornaroli, captain Brandon O’Neill, and new signings midfielder Mitch Oxborrow and defender Jack Clisby were all struck down by the virus earlier in the week and it seems unlikely they will return for Sunday.
As such, it is hard to see how Perth will muster the quality to challenge Melbourne, even though City have produced mixed results since returning for 2022.
City have players returning from international duty and will relish the chance to play in front of home fans on Sunday night.
Furthermore, they have won 3 of the past 4 encounters between these two teams, a stat that bodes well for the upcoming affair.
City should win fairly easily here.
