Round 15 of the 2023/24 A-League season will kick off on Friday night, with the ladder leaders travelling up north for a crucial clash against Brisbane Roar. That’s just one of six exciting fixtures set to play out over the course of the weekend!
Check out our Matchday 15 preview and A-League betting tips below.
2023-24 A-League: Round 15 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Wellington Phoenix
Friday 2nd February, 7.45pm (AEDT)
The out-of-form Brisbane Roar will face a tough test this weekend, taking on the table topping Wellington Phoenix at home.
Brisbane have lost four of their last five fixtures and have the second worst goal difference in the league (-13), primarily due to conceding a whopping 35 goals at an average of over two per game.
Sure, the Phoenix haven’t exactly been in top form either, but they have still managed to go four games unbeaten, consolidating their position as frontrunners.
Furthermore, Costa Rican international Youstin Salas has signed a loan deal to play for Wellington for the remainder of the season, strengthening their midfield and subsequently, title hopes.
Back to this game, it’s difficult to understand why Brisbane are favourites, especially considering that the Phoenix demolished the Roar 5-2 back in October.
Even though Wellington generally perform better at home, I’m still backing them to get the job done here.
Wellington Phoenix to Win
$2.87 (2 Units)
Perth Glory vs Melbourne City FC
Friday 2nd February, 9.45pm (AEDT)
Perth will be out to build on their recent upturn in form when they host Melbourne City on Friday night in WA.
The Glory have taken four points from clashes with Western Sydney and Macarthur, lifting them away from bottom spot after a lean run of results.
However, Melbourne City are always a formidable opponent, and they will be intent on pushing further into the top six with a win on the road.
City snapped a two-game losing streak with a tight win over Adelaide last weekend and have welcomed Marco Tilio and James Jeggo in recent days to bolster their squad ahead of a title push.
The pair make up for the loss of Hamza Sakhi, who has left the club for personal reasons.
The men from Melbourne should have too much quality in this one, but their inconsistency this campaign has me second guessing. As such, I’m going to predict a draw.
Western United vs Sydney FC
Saturday 3rd February, 5.00pm (AEDT)
Western United have had the season from hell, and it may well get even worse on Saturday night.
United have won just two games this campaign, and managed just a single point from their last five matches, with a goal difference of -18.
On the other hand, the Sky Blues have won 3/5 recent matches and now sit just outside the top six, setting them up for a late season charge.
That charge should begin on Saturday, given the gap between these sides and the differing stakes for each.
As such, back Sydney.
Sydney FC to Win
$1.85 (2 Units)
Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne Victory
Saturday 3rd February, 6.00pm (AEDT)
Inconsistency from week to week continues to be an issue for the Jets who are yet to string together back-to-back wins so far this campaign.
They were unable to back up their 3-1 win against the Roar with another positive result in Round 14, as they were defeated at home by a far superior Phoenix outfit (2-1).
Elsewhere, Melbourne Victory had to settle for a share of the points for the third straight game when they tied 1-1 with Sydney last weekend.
Although wins have been eluding them of late, the Victory remain undefeated for the season which is an incredible feat.
Victory have been the much better of the two clubs in this matchup this campaign and deserve to be a lot shorter in the market. They should be able to get over the top of the Jets in this one.
Melbourne Victory to Win
$2.05 (2 Units)
Adelaide United vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 3rd February, 7.45pm (AEDT)
Since their hot start to the season, Adelaide United have struggled to build any sort of meaningful momentum and find themselves in the bottom half of the table as a result.
The Reds were unable to find the back of the net against Melbourne City last start in their 1-0 defeat, which was a disappointing way to back up their win in the seven-goal thriller against Sydney the game prior.
In contrast, the Mariners are firing on all cylinders and are now heavily fancied to back up their title from a season ago.
The Mariners are now on a 10-game unbeaten run and have picked up seven crucial wins along the way.
Clearly the Mariners are the form team in this fixture and should be closer to odds-on favourites in my opinion. They’re a solid bet at the money line.
Central Coast Mariners to Win
$2.45 (1.5 Units)
Macarthur FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 4th February, 5.00pm (AEDT)
Macarthur have produced a decent level of football over the past rounds but haven’t necessary reaped the rewards.
They’re unbeaten in five league matches although four of them have been draws, including last outing against the Glory which finished all square at 2-2.
In contrast, there have been no draws in the Wanderers past eight league matches. They’ve traded wins with losses along the way, and haven’t been able to secure consecutive wins since Rounds 4 and 5.
The inconsistencies of the Wanderers will breed some confidence in Macarthur who are in desperate need of converting a good performance into three points. They’re juicy value to get a win at home this weekend.
Macarthur FC to Win
$3 (1 Unit)
