The A-league season has raced out to round 4 and Sydney FC has jumped to the top of the ladder and are the only side to remain undefeated after the first three rounds. Continue reading for our A-league Round 4 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets (Friday 7.40pm AEST)
These two sides picked up impressive victories in their last matches as the City were able to dismantle the poor defence of the Central Coast Mariners whilst the Jets were able to defeat the defending champions the Melbourne Victory on the back of the David Carney screamer.
City looked the more dominant side out of these two though with Aaron Mooy causing constant havoc with his dangerous free kicks and through balls to his teammates. Bruno Fornaroli has been on the receiving end of Mooy’s vision and he has made the most of his chances scoring three goals in the opening three games. The Jets will have to be at their defensive best to stop the attacking prowess of City that has been improving every match as they continue to gel. The Novocastrians have only won one match in Melbourne against the City and that was way back in 2010. Their poor run will continue on Friday night with City coming away with a victory.
TIP: City/City HT/FT @ $2.38 with Palmerbet
Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC (Saturday 5.15pm AEST)
The Mariners are really struggling on the defensive side this season as they were caught out after pushing for an attack on nearly every occasion in the last two weeks. They have been lucky that the score lines haven’t blown out but it could be a different story this weekend if the Sky Blues are given the same chances. Their experience and attacking potency up front with Shane Smeltz and Alex Brosque will be licking their lips when looking at the video footage of the Mariners defence.
TIP: Sydney FC @ $2.14 with MadBookie
Brisbane Roar vs Adelaide United (Saturday 7.30pm AEST)
Despite a loss last week, the Roar have still impressed this season as they were close to picking up their third win in three matches but were unlucky in important areas against the Phoenix. They managed to take the lead on two occasions and they look like a very strong side in attack but will need to improve on their defence behind the ball.
Meanwhile, Adelaide United have a big issue as no player on their team has been able to register a goal in the opening three matches with their two goals coming from own goals from their opposition. They have been creating chances and they need a player to step up and find the back of the net or their struggles will continue.
The potency of the Roar in attack will get them home in this one as Adelaide were vulnerable on the break against the Glory last weekend.
TIP: Roar @ $2.10 with WilliamHill
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Perth Glory (Sunday 5pm AEST)
The Glory had a simple game plan against Adelaide last weekend and it paid big dividends for the side as they picked up their first win and first points of the season. They put every player behind the ball in defence and once they forced the turn over they pushed hard in attack and scored three goals against the run of play. On the road they will likely stick to that plan but it could be a different story with the Wanderers offering more in attack and have a more creative option in Mitch Nichols.
The Wanderers haven’t had things go their way this season and despite being winless they could have easily headed into half time with the lead against Sydney FC if the linesman had of ruled correctly that Jaushua Sotiri was onside when his header was put into the top corner of the Sky Blues net. In front of their loud home crowd the Wanderers will pick up the three points in this one.
TIP: Wanderers @ $1.90 with Sportsbet
Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix (Monday 7.30pm AEST)
The defending champions only have one win in their opening three matches and suffered a shock loss to the Jets in Newcastle on Friday night. It is no need to panic so early in the season and the Victory will bounce back this weekend against the Phoenix who has a horrible record against the Melbourne side. The Phoenix has never won in Melbourne and has lost 5 of the seven meetings at Etihad Stadium.
The Victory have been creating chances and have dominated the three matches this season but with sides taking a defensive approach into the games it forced their men up front to be constantly under pressure as soon as they receive the ball. However, as the team adjusts to this they will be able to take advantage of this and as they are at home they will get the win.
TIP: Victory/Victory HT/FT @ $2.30 with Crownbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
