The nonstop A-League schedule continues with a packed weekend of matches, six fixtures taking place across the country this coming weekend. Check out the ‘Matchday 15’ preview and betting tips for the key games of the week below.
Remember to head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates in the A-League as well as the EPL and the Champions League, which resumes with the knockout stages next week!
A-League Round 15 Betting Tips
Melbourne City FC vs Newcastle Jets
Friday 18th February, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City host the Newcastle Jets to kick off the weekend’s A-League action.
The home side enter this one off the back of a 1-2 loss to fellow contenders Adelaide United, who stole the points late on thanks to an 85th minute Mohamed Traore goal.
City will be kicking themselves because they controlled that game but will be heartened by the fact that Jamie Maclaren just keeps scoring.
On the other hand, Newcastle will attack this fixture on a high having defeated the high-flying Melbourne Victory away from home last week.
The Jets made the most of a red card to Josh Brillante, scoring twice in the second half to overturn a one goal deficit.
Aside from recent form, we have the benefit of having seen the sides line up against each other to come up with a tip. City won that encounter 4-2 just over a week ago, Maclaren starring with a brace on that occasion.
With this is mind, I’m predicting a City win here.
Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC
Saturday 19th February, 5.05pm (AEDT)
Two in-form teams clash in this match at Leichardt Oval.
Wellington has embraced operating out of its home away from home, New South Wales, going unbeaten in four matches.
Their most recent victory was a 3-0 demolition job on Brisbane Roar, however wins against Melbourne Victory and Macarthur are more telling.
Sydney has also performed well in the face of strong opposition recently, leaving them fourth on the table just ahead of the Phoenix.
While this is a home match for Wellington, neither team is really travelling, so that shouldn’t be a factor in this one.
One notable stat is that Sydney has not been beaten by Wellington in their eight previous meetings, so the men in yellow will have to defy history to win on Saturday.
If ever there was a good time to break the drought, now would be it, but I think it will be a struggle to overrun the well-rested Sky Blues.
As such, I’ll be on the draw.
Macarthur vs Adelaide United
Saturday 19th February, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Macarthur and Adelaide United will do battle in a primetime Saturday night time slot, with the home side starting as narrow favourites.
Macarthur’s favouritism does surprise me as they have not won in five league matches, going down to Brisbane Roar just last Sunday.
Conversely, Adelaide have been playing strong football and hitting the scoreboard well – they are currently the second highest scoring team in the league.
There is not a lot of head-to-head history to go off in this one, but on form alone it is hard to see the Bulls turning things around to win.
I’m on Adelaide here.
