The A-League roared back into life after the World Cup break last weekend, bringing with it some shock results.
Another edition of the iconic Melbourne derby headlines this weekend’s action, as the league gets set for a bumper Christmas and New Year period.
Check out our Matchday 8 preview and A-League betting tips below.
2022-23 A-League: Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar
Friday 16th December 7.45pm (AEDT)
Both these teams have made lacklustre starts to the season, sitting sixth and tenth respectively after seven rounds.
Brisbane have shared the points too many times (four) to make meaningful progress, while three consecutive losses stifled the Jets after a strong start.
Nevertheless, Newcastle sit in a far better position both in terms of the ladder and club morale.
A win against Central Coast last weekend should see them enter this Friday night home clash with some confidence, while Brisbane are in damage control after star forward Charlie Austin’s sudden exit.
The Roar have had the wood over Newcastle in recent years, but I can’t see that trend continuing in this one.
Newcastle Jets H2H
$2.40 (3 Units)
Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United
Saturday 17th December 1.00pm (AEDT)
Adelaide are flying high this season, firmly entrenched in the race for the title, while Wellington have some catching up to do down in ninth.
Defending has been the main issue for the Phoenix, who have conceded the second most goals in the league (13) to this point.
As such, United will really test Wellington’s backline this weekend considering they have 13 goals to their name.
These teams have been well-matched in recent times, playing out three draws in their last four head-to-head contests, so it’s hard to see either team getting an edge from this angle.
Adelaide’s recent form is hard to ignore, but I think Wellington can use the home-ground advantage to salvage a draw.
Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC
Saturday 17th December 5.00pm (AEDT)
This game could be a cracker, with both teams playing good football.
Although Sydney sits four spots above Central Coast on the ladder, the Mariners actually have a better goal difference, demonstrating how even the competition has been so far.
Jason Cummings and Sam Silvera have been the main goal scorers for Central Coast (three apiece), while Sydney’s talented squad has shared the load.
The Sky Blues are in a great position to contend for the championship again in 2022-23, especially after flexing their muscles against Melbourne City last weekend.
Despite this, they won’t enter the game against Central Coast as favourites, even after winning 5-0 the last time these teams met.
While I don’t expect a repeat of that result, Sydney simply have more quality on paper and should win this one.
Sydney FC H2H
$2.60 (2 Units)
Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory
Saturday 17th December 7.45pm (AEDT)
The second Melbourne Derby of the season takes place on Saturday night in what should be an interesting watch.
City will be looking to take a 2-0 advantage in the H2H count this campaign after taking care of Victory by two goals back in late October.
Not only did they win that match, but they’ve also clearly been the better team as a whole this season. They sit on top of the league table, six points ahead of Victory.
However, Derby’s tend to have a knack of tossing up strange results, and generally ladder position doesn’t have a true bearing on the outcome of these fixtures.
Instead, I’ll be looking to play the ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market, which has hit in each of City’s last four matches, as well as in six of the last nine Melbourne Derby’s.
Over 2.5 Goals
$1.75 (3 Units)
Western United vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 18th December 3.00pm (AEDT)
Sunday’s double-header kicks off with what the bookies have pinned as an evenly poised fixture.
Despite being at opposite ends of the table, Western United are only slight underdogs against the 2nd placed Wanderers.
The odds of this fixture indicate that there’s still belief that the defending champions can turn their season around and fight for a top six spot. However, they’ll need to clean up their act defensively if they’re to have any chance of challenging.
In fact, Western United are yet to keep a clean sheet this season and have conceded 2+ goals in all but one of their matches.
The ‘Both Teams to Score’ market has hit in every Western United fixture this season and there’s no reason why that won’t continue this weekend.
Both Teams to Score
$1.62 (3 Units)
Macarthur FC vs Perth Glory
Sunday 18th December 5.00pm (AEDT)
The fixture to conclude Round 8 will see Macarthur FC host Perth Glory on Sunday night.
This certainly isn’t the sexiest match on paper but it’s one that could prove to be vitally important for both clubs.
Macarthur currently sit outside the top six by one point, while Glory are three points adrift.
Poor form for both clubs to this point of the season makes this a difficult match to predict and one that I’m reluctant to put any capital on. However, Macarthur have been slightly better than Perth overall this season and will have an advantage on their home deck.
Macarthur FC H2H
$2.10 (0.5 Units)
