Another huge round of A-League Men’s action kicks off on Thursday, with a top of the table clash between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory headlining the weekend’s action.
Check out our ‘Matchday 13’ preview and A-League betting tips below.
A-League Round 13 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Macarthur
Thursday 18th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Brisbane Roar will host Macarthur on Thursday night in a clash that has significant ramifications for the top six.
Sitting eighth and seventh, respectively, Brisbane and Macarthur are on the edge of the finals positions, but both are miserably out of form.
The Roar have won just one of their last five matches, while the Bulls are winless in that same period.
As such, both sides will be desperate to secure all three points here.
The last time these two teams met, back in October, the points were shared in a 1-1 draw. However, Brisbane have performed strongly at home this season and I’m backing them to come out on top this Thursday.
Brisbane Roar to Win
$2.05 (2 Units)
Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory
Friday 19th January, 5.00pm (AEDT)
Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory will meet on Friday in a 1st vs 2nd blockbuster, with the teams vying for early season bragging rights.
Both Wellington and Melbourne sit on 24 points, but they have taken different journeys to reach this point. The Phoenix have arguably been the more dynamic side, while the Victory have been incredibly consistent, unbeaten after the completion of 12 rounds.
So, who will come out on top when the teams face off?
The venue for this game is important to note - Wellington have won 4/5 home matches this season, and they will enjoy playing in front of home fans after a few games on the road.
With that said, the Victory have been solid away from home.
Nevertheless, I’m backing the hosts to get the win.
Wellington Phoenix to Win
$3 (2 Units)
Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets
Friday 19th January, 7.30pm (AEDT)
Two of the lesser sides of this A-League Men’s season so far – Sydney FC and Newcastle – will take to Allianz Stadium on Friday night, with the Sky Blues coming in as hot favourites.
It’s slightly surprising, considering that Sydney sit just one spot above Newcastle on the table, but the Sky Blues have won 3/4 recent matches, while the Jets have managed just one win over that time.
Furthermore, Sydney FC won both the encounters between these teams last year, with an aggregate scoreline of 4-0.
In fact, the Jets have not beaten Sydney away from home since 2020.
Therefore, I’m siding with the Sky Blues.
Sydney FC to Win
$1.65 (2 Units)
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Perth Glory
Saturday 20th January, 7.45pm (AEDT)
The Wanderers pulled off a fantastic underdog win against Melbourne City in their recent outing, defeating last season’s runners-up 1-0.
Still, the Wanderers will not be content as their recent form has been the definition of inconsistent – they’ve traded wins with losses in each of their last six fixtures.
In contrast, the Glory have been ultra-consistent of late, although not in a positive way. They’ve lost three straight games and seven of their past nine.
Keeping the ball out of their net has been a huge challenge for the Glory. They’ve conceded at least two goals in nine straight outings.
The Wanderers are the form team in this fixture and having home ground advantage only enhances their chances of success. They should be winning this one comfortably.
Western Sydney Wanderers to Win
$1.57 (3 Units)
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City
Sunday 21st January, 5.00pm (AEDT)
A Grand Final rematch between the Mariners and City will close out what should be an exciting Round 13.
The Mariners come into this meeting in terrific form having gone undefeated in their last eight league fixtures, picking up five wins from that span.
City were also in fantastic form prior to their last start loss. They were trumped by the Wanderers at home in a 1-0 score line.
Both teams would be pleased with their recent form and that should make for a cracking fixture on Sunday night. Mariners will have home ground on their side and that gives them the slight edge.
Central Coast Mariners to Win
$2.40 (1 Unit)
