The makeup of the A-League top six is really starting to take shape, with three points now separating the best from the rest.
Western United will be chasing rare consecutive wins this weekend, while Macarthur will host Central Coast in a 2nd vs 3rd showdown.
Check out our Matchday 20 preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 20 Preview & Betting Tips
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Western United
Friday 8th March, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Western Sydney have won just 1/5 recent fixtures, but they will be expecting to turn the tide on Friday against bottom-placed Western United.
The Wanderers have been one of the better defensive outfits, conceding just 27 goals, but they are struggling to score.
Likewise, United haven’t found the back of the net often, managing just 19 goals for the campaign.
However, Western United saluted for a fourth win of the season last weekend, so their confidence will be renewed.
With that said, Western Sydney will enjoy hosting rights in this fixture, and I expect them to take full advantage of that.
Western Sydney Wanderers to Win
$1.67 (2 Units)
Melbourne City FC vs Wellington Phoenix
Saturday 9th March, 5.30pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City are desperately in need of a win, and it won’t come easily this weekend when they host Wellington.
City have failed to win any of their previous five fixtures, including three losses, while Wellington have not lost in that time.
As such, it’s surprising to see that Melbourne are the heavy favourites, especially considering that Phoenix are top of the table.
Furthermore, Wellington beat City 1-0 back in November, so they have the head-to-head edge.
For that reason, I’m backing the visitors to hold Melbourne to a draw.
Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory
Saturday 9th March, 8.15pm (AEDT)
Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory have been sworn rivals for decades, and they will renew hostilities again on Saturday night.
Adelaide have lost 4/5 recent fixtures, putting their finals aspirations in jeopardy, and Melbourne will be a tough test.
Despite the return of Bruno Fornaroli, the Victory have also struggled to wins, recording full points in just 1/5 games.
Melbourne have had the wood over Adelaide recently, losing just once to the Reds since the start of 2022.
With that in mind, Adelaide’s home venue and considering the Victory’s superior line-up on paper, I’m expecting this to be a tight contest that results in a draw.
Perth Glory vs Newcastle Jets
Saturday 9th March, 9.15pm (AEDT)
Perth Would be bitterly disappointed they were unable to come away with anything from their clash against Western United which they lost 1-0.
It was the second game in a row where they’ve failed to score since banging in 11 across the three fixtures prior.
On top of that, Glory had their season-best six-game unbeaten run destroyed in last weekend’s defeat.
Elsewhere, Newcastle also suffered a 1-0 defeat in their recent outing, which was against the defending champion mariners in a catchup game that was postponed in Round 5.
The Jets are now six games without a win and have only picked up three points during that span.
Neither of these clubs would be pleased with their recent result, but it’s Glory who have been in the far better form. Back at home this weekend, expect them to come away with all three points.
Perth Glory to Win
$2.20 (2 Units)
Sydney FC vs Brisbane Roar
Sunday 10th March, 5.00pm (AEDT)
Sydney FC’s stellar form continued in the derby last weekend where they destroyed the Wanderers by four goals to one. The Sky Blues scored two goals either side of the break in a dominant performance.
Sydney have now won three of their last four league fixtures and are also unbeaten in their past seven, which has seen them surge into fifth on the table.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar were able to trump Melbourne Victory in a five-goal thriller in Round 19 (3-2), which was their second win from their past four outings.
Regardless, Roar have been unbackable so far in season 2023-24 and now face the form team of the competition on their home deck.
Simply put, Sydney should be recording another big win on Sunday night.
Sydney FC -1
$2.25 (1.5 Units)
Macarthur FC vs Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 10th March, 5.00pm (AEDT)
The best has been saved until last in Round 20, with a pair of top there clubs set to lock horns on Sunday night, with Macarthur FC hosting the Central Coast Mariners.
Macarthur were able to bounce back from a couple of poor results with a terrific 2-0 win at home against City last weekend, which ensured they remained in third spot on the table.
Similarly, the Mariners were too good for the Jets in their 1-0 win, which made it three identical results in a row for the defending champs.
Only one point separates these two clubs on the table and despite having home ground advantage on their side, Macarthur have been listed as the big underdogs. With that in mind, I’m prepared to have a small play at them in the H2H market.
Macarthur FC to Win
$2.85 (1 Unit)
