One round of A-League football down and there are a couple of perennial contenders from Melbourne at the top of the table – Victory and City.
Both will look to make top spot their own this weekend, while Central Coast and Newcastle will kick off their campaigns after torrential rain put a pause on their 2022 opener.
Check out our ‘Matchday 2’ preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 2 Betting Tips Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City
Friday 14th October, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City put aside their Grand Final heartbreak from last season to overcome Western United 2-1 last weekend, cementing their credentials as a likely title contender again this season. City were clearly the more productive team in attack in their first fixture, Jamie Maclaren leading the way with a goal.
Brisbane, on the other hand, struggled to penetrate the defence of Macarthur. The Roar were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at home, when wins will be crucial to building confidence after a tumultuous 2021/22 campaign.
Unfortunately for Brisbane, I can’t see them adding to the wins column this week. Melbourne City are an attacking force with too much firepower for the Roar.
Melbourne City H2H
$2.10 (3 Units)
Newcastle Jets vs Perth Glory
Saturday 15th October, 5.00pm (AEDT)
Newcastle have had to wait an extra week to launch their season after rain caused their clash with Central Coast to be cancelled. Heading into this season, the Jets have a reputation as a high scoring team which is vulnerable at the back, so we can expect some goals in this game.
Perth are a different proposition. The Glory have struggled to hit the scoresheet in recent times and that was evident in their 1-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend.
As such, it’s tough to get a read on this game. Newcastle will be itching to make a statement after waiting that extra week and I think the home advantage will also be of huge benefit. Expect their scoring power to get the job done here.
Newcastle Jets H2H
$1.62 (2 Units)
Melbourne Victory vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 15th October, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Both these teams kicked off the 2022/23 season in style – Melbourne Victory with an entertaining 3-2 win over Sydney FC and Western Sydney with a 1-0 defeat of Perth Glory.
It sets up an enthralling clash between the sides in Round 2, with Melbourne entering the game as favourites.
While the Victory have performed better in recent history, they have struggled against the Wanderers, winning just one of the last five games between the teams.
It’s hard to look past Nani’s talents in attack though, and a raucous home crowd. Therefore, I’m tipping the hosts.
Melbourne Victory H2H
$1.75 (2 Units)
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 16th October, 1pm (AEDT)
The Phoenix returned to play in front of their home fans for the first time in a long time last weekend and finished up 1-1 against a good side in Adelaide United. They were certainly fortunate to come away with a point considering they lost the shot count 6-20.
The Mariners had their Round 1 fixture postponed and will finally get their campaign underway on Sunday afternoon. They’ll be looking to improve on what was an impressive 2021-22 campaign where they finished fifth on the table.
The Mariners absolutely belted the Phoenix in their league fixtures last season, defeating them 4-0 and 5-0. They’re the better team on paper again this campaign and should be winning this despite being on the road.
Central Coast Mariners H2H
$2.80 (1.5 Units)
Macarthur vs Adelaide United
Sunday 16th October, 3pm (AEDT)
Macarthur could muster only seven shots on goal (three on target) in their nil-all draw away to Brisbane last weekend. It was a lacklustre opening round performance for them considering the Roar finished second last in 2021-22.
Adelaide United weren’t too red-hot themselves to being their campaign, coming away with one point after their 1-1 draw against Wellington. The Reds missed a couple of clear-cut chances in what should’ve been a win to kick off their season.
Each team defended their home ground with a win in their two meetings last season, but it’s the Reds who should have a distinct advantage this campaign when looking at both squads. They look to be the value in the H2H market in this one.
Adelaide United H2H
$2.80 (1 Unit)
Western United vs Sydney FC
Sunday 16th October, 5pm (AEDT)
Western United succumbed to rivals Melbourne City in a Grand Final rematch in Round 1, losing 2-1 in the season opener. A couple of horrific defensive lapses were their undoing, although they were also outplayed for the majority of the night.
Sydney FC are expected to surge back into contention this season, but did some harm to those expectations in Round 1 when they lost 3-2 to Melbourne Victory. It doesn’t get any easier for the Sky Blues in Round 2 as they now come up against the defending champions. I expect them to be 0-2 after this weekend.
Western United H2H
$2.60 (1.5 Units)
