It was a tough round in the A-League for BYB followers last week as we hit on just 1/6 bets. We’ll be hoping for a big bounce back week in Round 5 as the action gets underway on Friday night.
Check out our betting tips for all six games in Round 5 below and remember to head to our Soccer Tips page for regular updates on the A-League, EPL and Champions League.
A-League Round 5 Betting Tips
Western United vs Adelaide United
Friday 17th December, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Western United has been one of the surprise packets of the season so far, winning three straight games to hold a 3-0-1 record. They sit in third place on the ladder and are coming off an impressive win over the Brisbane Roar at home on the weekend. They will be at home once again on Friday night as they take on the struggling Adelaide United, who are yet to record a win this season.
Granted, Adelaide have had a tough schedule to start the season with a trip to Perth as well as games against both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory. They have picked up draws in three of their games, so to say they haven’t been competitive would be a lie.
There’s no doubt Western United deserve to be favourites here but I actually see a lot of value in Adelaide on the road, particularly with the double chance as insurance. The two teams have faced off four times over the course of Western United’s short history. They have won one each but their last two games have both resulted in 0-0 draw. I like this one to be another low scoring affair, with Adelaide picking up a win or a draw.
ADL Double Chance + Under 2.5 Goals
$2.87
Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory
Saturday 18th December, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Both of the Melbourne based sides have started the season in hot form, giving some extra importance to the first derby of the year on Saturday night. The Victory sit in 2nd place on the table with a 3-0-1 record and are coming off a solid 2-1 win over Adelaide United on the road in Matchday 4. The Victory only maintained 39% possession and played the last few minutes with just 10 men but were able to hold on for the win after Nishan Velupillay put them in front in the 78th minute.
City are just two points behind their cross town rivals on the A-League table, having drawn their Round 2 matchup with Adelaide United. They had a solid 1-0 win over Perth Glory at home on the weekend, picking up maximum points after maintaining 69% possession and firing off a whopping 23 shots.
I’m struggling to comprehend the bookies blind faith in Melbourne City here. They have opened at $1.57, which in my opinion is way to short a price considering how both teams have looked early in the season. Sure they derseve to be favourites but I would have them more at around the $2.00 mark. Absolutely love the value of Melbourne Victory here, especially given the fact you can get $2.30 for the double chance.
Victory Double Chance
$2.30
Macarthur vs Newcastle Jets
Sunday 19th December, 4.05pm (AEDT)
Macarthur have looked the team to beat through the early stages of the 2021-22 season. They have a 3-1-0 record through four games, having already picked up wins over NSW rivals in Sydney FC, Central Coast and Western Sydney. They face a feisty Newcastle team this weekend, hoping to make it a clean sweep of the state rivals.
Newcastle are coming off a fantastic 4-0 win over Wellington on the weekend and will be looking to make it two on the trot. They sit in in 6th place on the A-League table with a 1-2-1 record and can put some pressure on the top four with a win here.
Newcastle and Macarthur FC have faced off just two times since the latter joined the league at the start of last season. Macarthur won their first matchup 2-1 away from home, before securing a 2-2 draw at home later in the season. On form and with the home field advantage, they look too strong for Newcastle this weekend.
Other Tips
Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers – Draw ($3.10 at Sportsbet)
Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory – Brisbane Roar H2H ($2.20 at Sportsbet)
Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix – Sydney FC H2H ($1.90 at Sportsbet)
