Round 14 of the 2022-23 A-League season kicked off with a bang, with Sydney FC claiming a much needed 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue.
With five matches to go for the weekend, there is plenty of action left to preview as the A-League table continues to take shape.
Check out our Round 14 preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 14 Betting Tips
Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar
Friday 27th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Friday night’s bottom-of-the-table clash will see the ninth-placed Brisbane Roar travel to 11th-placed Newcastle.
Both teams have been struggling for points of late, with just one win between them from eight matches.
It’s not all bad news though, as the Roar especially are still within striking distance of the top six.
Brisbane have defended well this campaign, but their attack leaves a lot to be desired – 10 goals scored is the worst in the league.
Newcastle, on the other hand, need to tighten things up at the back after conceding 21 goals in their first 13 matches.
The Roar have had the upper hand in recent encounters between these two teams, winning three of the last four head-to-head clashes, and the punters are backing them to do it again.
However, given the lack of scoring power that these two teams have displayed, I’m backing a draw.
Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory
Saturday 28th January, 1.00pm (AEDT)
Wellington has been one of the big overachievers this campaign, sitting fourth at the halfway mark.
The Phoenix have won their last three games and displayed their trademark attacking flair throughout the season, hitting the back of the net 22 times.
Conversely, Perth have struggled again, but a recent upturn in form has left the door ajar for the Glory to challenge for a finals spot.
However, despite recording three wins in their last four matches, Perth are facing another huge hurdle.
Star recruit Salim Khelifi will spend an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury, while striker Adam Taggart is under an injury cloud that could see him miss this game.
As such, Wellington are well placed to put a halt to Perth’s charge with another home win.
Wellington Phoenix
$1.75 (3 units)
Macarthur vs Western United
Saturday 28th January, 4.00pm (AEDT)
Macarthur are in danger of falling out of the top six after three losses in four games, so they simply must defeat Western United this weekend.
It won’t be easy, especially given that manager Dwight Yorke dramatically left the club this week after a build-up of unrest.
Former Socceroos star Mile Sterjovski has the tough task of steadying the ship and will be hoping for a strong performance in his first game in charge.
Both expansion clubs have performed poorly thus far, but the reigning champions have been particularly disappointing.
United have conceded the most goals in the league and been a shadow of the team they were last season, so it’s tough to know how this one will play out.
Macarthur will enter the clash as favourites, and I expect the players will be keen to impress the new boss, but a draw seems the most likely result.
Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 28th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
This promises to be a fantastic game of football.
The Mariners and Wanderers have both impressed in 2022-23, sitting second and third on the table, respectively. Now, they will face off in a contest with huge ramifications for the table.
Central Coast have showcased the best attack this campaign, with 27 goals to their name.
Western Sydney have only scored 14, but importantly they have conceded just 10.
The hosts have taken eight points from their last four matches against the Wanderers, which bodes well for this home encounter.
Considering the history and Central Coast’s fantastic recent form, I’m backing them to get the job done.
Central Coast Mariners
$2.00 (2 units)
Melbourne City FC vs Adelaide United
Sunday 29th January, 3.00pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City will welcome Adelaide United to AAMI Park this Sunday as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
City have lost just one game this season and have an incredible goal difference of 16, which demonstrates their dominance.
Adelaide have been solid, with 19 points from 13 matches, but the reds will struggle to contain the City juggernaut.
While United have matched up well against City in the past, it’s hard to see them inflicting defeat away from home.
As such, I’m confident in tipping the Victorian side.
Melbourne City
$1.58 (3 units)
