The 2023/24 A-League season has thrown up some massive surprises so far, with last year’s grand finalists Melbourne City and Central Coast sitting ninth and 11th on the table, respectively, after five rounds.
Both teams will be desperate to turn their fortunes around this weekend, while the frontrunners attempt to solidify their position.
Check out our ‘Matchday 6’ preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 6 Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday 1st December, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Both these sides are sitting pretty in the top four, which is surprising considering Brisbane’s woes in recent years.
Admittedly, the Roar have not beaten any team higher than eighth on the table, but their performances have nevertheless been much improved.
This weekend poses a stern test, however, with the Wanderers flying after five matches.
Western Sydney have not lost a match to date, and have conceded just two goals, an incredibly defensive record.
This suggests that the Wanderers should win this game with ease. However, the Roar haven’t lost to Western Sydney in six previous matches, and will have the home advantage here.
As such, I’m tipping a draw to kick off Round 6.
Western United vs Wellington Phoenix
Saturday 2nd December, 5.30pm (AEDT)
This shapes up as a fascinating encounter, with neither side presenting a convincing case on paper.
Western United sit at the bottom of the table after four straight defeats, with a damning goal difference of -8. It’s been a torrid start to the campaign for John Aloisi’s men, especially considering the talent in the squad.
Conversely, Wellington have caught fire at the start of the new season, sitting second with no losses to their name.
The Phoenix boast the second best defence in the league, which spells trouble for United’s faltering attack.
With that being said, all of Wellington’s wins have come at home, and they are known to struggle on the road.
That is reflected in the betting markets – Western United are the favourites heading into this one.
I’m not at all keen on touching the head-to-head market here. Instead, I’m predicting that Wellington’s poor away form will manifest itself in the form of a low scoring affair.
Under 2.5 Goals
$2.23 (2 Units)
Sydney FC vs Perth Glory
Saturday 2nd December, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Sydney have started the new season poorly, but surely a home clash with Perth will push things in the right direction.
The Sky Blues beat the Glory 4-1 last time around, and little has changed since then, with Perth still struggling and Sydney sitting somewhere in the middle.
Sydney provided a glimpse of their ability just a fortnight ago, destroying Adelaide 5-1 in a comprehensive display.
If they can bring similar attacking verve here, then the Glory will be on the back foot from kick-off.
This game is Sydney’s to lose.
Sydney FC to Win
$1.52 (3 Units)
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory
Sunday 3rd December, 3.00pm (AEDT)
The Mariners finally got off the mark in season 2023-24 with a win against Newcastle last weekend, defeating them 3-1 at home.
It’s clearly been a far from ideal start to their title defence, but the Mariners will be hoping that last weekend’s result/performance will kickstart their season.
Importantly, they were able to hit the scoreboard on three occasions, which was more than they had done combined in their four games prior.
Elsewhere, Victory had to settle for a share of the points for the third straight time when they finished 1-1 with Macarthur last weekend.
Victory have had three identical results in a row since starting the season on fire, so they too will be hoping to find some better form this weekend.
Regardless, the Mariners are the class outfit in this matchup and perhaps now they can play with some more freedom after getting the monkey off their back. They’re certainly great value to make it back-to-back wins this weekend.
Central Coast Mariners to Win
$2.60 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne City
Sunday 3rd December, 5.00pm (AEDT)
It’s been a roller coaster start to the season for Newcastle who have had mixed results in all five games to date.
Most recently, the Jets were no match for the Mariners who came into that matchup without a single point accumulated so far this season.
The Jets have struggled on the defensive end in all but one of their five games. They’ve conceded 12 goals from the four games which have either ended in a draw or defeat.
Meanwhile, Melbourne City have failed to recapture their form from previous season so far this campaign, as they enter Round 6 with only one win and four points to their name.
Last weekend the Citizens were unable to penetrate the Phoenix defence, failing to score for the second time in a match this season.
However, City should have no such issues finding the back of the net this weekend against one of the leakiest defences in the competition. Likewise, the Jets will get their chances against a team that conceded six goals in a single game back in Round 2.
Over 2.5 Goals
$1.57 (3 Units)
Macarthur FC vs Adelaide United
Monday 4th December, 7.00pm (AEDT)
Macarthur have enjoyed a bright start to the season and enter Round 6 as one of only four teams yet to taste defeat.
However, they’ve had to settle for a share of the points in each of their last two outings and will be desperate to get back onto the winners list at home this weekend.
Likewise, Adelaide United have had a successful start to their campaign with wins in three of their five games. Their only poor result was two starts back against Sydney.
The Reds have had the most potent offence in the competition thus far, finding the back of the net 14 times, which is four more than the next best.
Although they’re the visitors on this occasion, the Reds still deserve to be favourites on the back of their dominant performances in most outings. They’re the safest selection in what’s a competitive matchup.
Adelaide United to Win
$2.45 (1 Unit)
