There were plenty of interesting results in Round 13 of what’s turning into a thrilling 2023-24 A-League season. Round 14 is sure to be must-watch television as well with plenty of key matchups on the cards across four days of action.
Check out our Matchday 14 preview and A-League betting tips below.
2023-24 A-League Round 14 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne City FC vs Adelaide United
Thursday 25th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City and Adelaide United cannot be separated at this point of the campaign, both holding a record of 5-3-5.
As a result, neither side sits in the top six, so this is a massive fixture.
City are coming off two losses to title rivals, while Adelaide have been consistent. Importantly, United’s only recent wins have come at home, while they have struggled to take points on the road.
That bodes well for City in this clash, especially considering they managed an 8-1 win at AAMI Park just a few weeks ago.
However, Adelaide dominated the encounters between these teams last year, which were all high scoring affairs.
I’m going predict a similar outcome on Thursday, steering clear of the result markets.
Over 3.5 Goals
$1.82 (2 Units)
Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC
Friday 26th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Another edition of the Big Blue is here, and it should be a high-quality contest.
Curiously, both these teams have recorded six wins so far this season, but the Victory sit four spots above their rivals on the table due to managing seven draws versus seven losses.
In fact, Melbourne remain undefeated to this point, a remarkable achievement considering we’re 13 rounds in.
So, can the Sky Blues ruin the Victory’s unblemished record?
I don’t think so. Melbourne have won both encounters between these teams this campaign by an aggregate of 5-0, and they will enjoy hosting this one on home soil.
That being said, top goal scorer Bruno Fornaroli is still missing, so I’m backing a low-scoring draw.
Western United vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 27th January, 5.00pm (AEDT)
This appears to be a massive mismatch on paper, with the teams sitting 12th and 3rd on the table, respectively.
Western United have easily been the worst performing team this season, with just two wins and one draw from 13 matches and a goal difference of -17.
In comparison, the Wanderers have won six games, although they have lost 3/5 recent fixtures.
The last clash between these teams was in October – Western Sydney won 5-0, and they actually present excellent value to take all three points again on Saturday.
With that in mind, I’m siding with the visitors here.
Western Sydney Wanderers to Win
$2.09 (2 Units)
Newcastle Jets vs Wellington Phoenix
Saturday 27th January, 6.00pm (AEDT)
The Newcastle Jets were able to find a win last start against the Roar, putting an end to a three-game winless run in the process.
It was an important win for the club and brings them within just a couple of points of a finals spot in what’s turning into a highly competitive season.
Elsewhere, the Wellington Phoenix finished all square with Melbourne Victory in Round 13 to make it three games in a row without defeat, securing five league points in the process.
The Phoenix have been the most consistent team in the competition this season with only two losses against their name, which is why they currently sit on top of the pile.
Although the won the previous meeting between these clubs, it’s the Phoenix who deserve to be favourites on Saturday night. Getting near $3 for a Phoenix win is fantastic value here.
Wellington Phoenix to Win
$2.85 (2 Units)
Central Coast Mariners vs Brisbane Roar
Saturday 27th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
It was an extremely slow start to the season for the defending champs, but they’ve well and truly hit their straps now.
The Central Coast Mariners were able to topple Melbourne City once more last weekend, coming away with a 2-1 win in a Grand Final rematch.
Their recent win made it nine straight games without a loss, with picking up 21 of a possible 27 points along the way.
In contrast, Brisbane Roar have lost six of their last seven games and are conceding goals for fun; they’ve let in 23 goals from their last seven fixtures.
It only gets tougher for the Roar this weekend as they travel to take on the reigning champs on their home deck.
This one looks to be the most one-sided fixture of the round and I’m happy to take the Mariners at the match handicap as a result.
Central Coast Mariners -1.5
$2.10 (2.5 Units)
Macarthur FC vs Perth Glory
Sunday 28th January, 5.00pm (AEDT)
After a six-game run without a win, Macarthur were able to come away victorious from their clash against the Roar last weekend.
Macarthur banged in three goals for the second straight week, although weren’t able to keep a clean sheet for the seventh straight fixture.
Similarly, Perth Glory snapped a three-game losing streak in their most recent outing when they defeated the Wanderers 2-1 on the road.
Glory have also found it extremely difficult to keep the ball out of the back of their net, as they’re now on a 10-game run without a clean sheet.
Neither of these clubs are in great form, although Macarthur have been the more consistent of the pair and will also have home ground advantage on their side. They look to be a decent bet at the money line here.
Macarthur FC to Win
$1.85 (2 Units)
