We’re getting towards the business end of the 2023-24 A-League season which means every fixture is important. The top two are starting to break away from the pack a touch, although the rest of the top 8 are still tightly bunched. Next up on the cards is Matchday 21 and as always, we have you covered with our best bets for the weekend!
A-League Round 21 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide United
Friday 15th March, 7.45pm (AEDT)
The Jets’ struggles continued in Round 20 where they failed to get over the line against the Glory in an entertaining four-goal affair (2-2).
The Jets are now seven games without a win and have only tasted victory once from their past 11 league fixtures. They sit in 10th spot and only one point ahead of the last placed Western United.
Elsewhere, Adelaide United had their losing streak extended to four matches last weekend when they were defeated at home by Melbourne Victory (2-1).
The Reds are currently on a horror stretch having collected only one point from their last seven fixtures.
Regardless, the Reds have had the wood over the Jets in recent times including a 3-1 win against them earlier this season. And in a tough game to pick, they look to be the better play at north of $3.
Adelaide United to Win
$3.20 (1 Unit)
Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC
Saturday 16th March, 3.30pm (AEDT)
Wellington had their 10-game unbeaten streak snapped in Round 20 when they were taken down by City 1-0 on the road.
The Phoenix have now failed to score in two of their last three league fixtures, both of which were on the road, which would be a slight concern for their coaching staff.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC extended their unbeaten run in league matches to eight with a 1-1 draw against the Roar last weekend.
Sydney have now found the back of the net in each of their last 12 fixtures and have banged in 11 goals from their past four.
Both teams have been in terrific form of the late but it’s Sydney who have been slightly better. I expect their unbeaten run to continue on Saturday with a win on the road.
Sydney FC to Win
$2.20 (1.5 Units)
Brisbane Roar vs Macarthur FC
Saturday 16th March, 4.00pm (AEDT)
Brisbane Roar put in a decent account of themselves in Round 20 when they picked up another valuable point on the road against Sydney in a 1-1 draw.
The concern is the Roar are now 14 league matches without a clean sheet, which is putting enormous pressure on their attackers to get the job done.
In contrast, Macarthur FC have secured two clean sheets from their last five outings, both of which resulted in wins.
However, they were comfortable 3-0 losers against the defending champion Mariners last start and must now head on the road.
Regardless of last weekend’s result, Macarthur have been fantastic all season and will get every chance to claim all three points against the Roar. As long as they can hold up defensively, they represent great value.
Macarthur FC to Win
$3.60 (1 Unit)
Perth Glory vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 16th March, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Perth Glory played their part in their fourth draw from their last seven league fixtures with a 2-2 result against the Jets last weekend.
The positive for the Glory was their ability to hit the back of the net twice after failing to score in each of their two games prior.
Elsewhere, the Wanderers were absolutely demolished last start against City, losing 7-0 on the road.
The Wanderers have now lost three on the spin and have conceded a whopping 14 goals in total while only scoring two themselves.
It’s impossible to back the Wanderers on current form and as such, taking the Glory to win seems the obvious play here.
Perth Glory to Win
$2.50 (2 Units)
