The 2015-16 A-league season has just four weeks remaining of the regular season and the stakes are raised as teams look to cement their position in the finals series. Continue reading for our A-league round 24 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Melbourne City vs Brisbane Roar (Friday 7.40pm AEDT)
Both of these sides were able to earn the three points last week but their place in the finals is remarkably not secure despite the Roar being on the top of the ladder.
The Brisbane Roar dismantled the defending champions on home soil as Jamie MaClaren picked up a hat trick and the team put five past the Victory whilst still managing to keep a clean sheet. Their attack was superb as they pushed the ball wide and managed to get it into their strikers who didn’t waste any opportunities.
Meanwhile Melbourne City was able to snap the Reds great run of form and hand them their first defeat since round 8. It was a scrappy match with chances hard to come by but it eventually came for City. The most impressive part of the match for City was they were able to maintain a clean sheet and showed great defence throughout the match. They will need to replicate that this weekend as the Roar have scored eight goals in their past two matches. Throughout the season when the Roar have found themselves on the top of the ladder they have lost the next match, we are backing that trend to continue as City earn the victory with their tremendous attack and new found defence.
TIP: City @ $2.20 with Sportsbet
Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC (Saturday 5.15pm AEDT)
Sydney FC are in the middle of a massive form slump and their latest loss to the Phoenix on the weekend was even more disappointing as they had the opportunity to return into the top six. They entered the match as short priced favourites and failed to live up to their own standards. Luckily for them they get a second chance against a lower team and can attempt to build some momentum this weekend against the bottom placed Mariners. To increase their chances of victory two of their players are suspended including their best player Luis Garcia. The Sky Blues will need to improve their defence and offence this weekend and we are backing them to do so against the wooden spooners.
TIP: Sydney FC @ $1.62 with William Hill
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Adelaide United (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
The biggest match of the round puts the second place Wanderers up against the third placed Reds. The Wanderers will enter this match on the back of a narrow victory against the Jets on the road. They weren’t able to capitalise on all of their opportunities and dominance and it almost cost them as the Jets hit the post with just minutes remaining in the match. However, on a positive note for the side Mitch Nichols was able to return to the form he showed earlier in the season as he was creating opportunities for his team mates whilst constantly getting involved in the match. They need him to continue to lift as they head towards the finals series.
Meanwhile the Reds lost for the first time since round 24 as they were unable to overcome the surprisingly good defence shown by the Melbourne City side. The incredible run had to come to an end and it is probably a good thing for the side that it happened during the regular season as it can be used as a wake up call for the side that rose from bottom place to top spot during their undefeated run. We are expecting the side to continue to play at a high level and earn a point on the road this weekend.
TIP: Draw @ $3.70 with CrownBet
Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory (Sunday 3pm AEDT)
These two sides met a little over a month ago in Wellington and it was Perth who came out on top with a narrow 1-0 victory in a match that could have gone either way. These two sides are coming off big victories with the Glory earning a 4-0 victory against the Mariners on home soil whilst the Phoenix jumped out to an early lead against Sydney FC and they managed to hold on to it quite comfortably.
The Glory has moved into fifth position on the ladder and over the last 10 weeks they have had one of the best attacks in the competition whilst still managed to be strong on the defensive end. They will be too strong for the Phoenix this weekend and continue to put pressure on the sides above them on the ladder.
TIP: Glory @ $2.35 with William Hill
Melbourne Victory vs Newcastle Jets (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Newcastle Jets were unlucky to suffer a loss at home against the Wanderers on the weekend. To be fair, they were outplayed but they created plenty of chances towards the end of the match whilst they put in a solid effort to keep the score to just 1-0 until then. They Jets have had a strong recent record against the Victory despite losing to them in their last contest. They defeated them earlier in the season but it will be hard to pull that off on the Victory’s home soil.
The Melbourne side slumped to one of its worst defeats in the clubs history when it was embarrassed last week 5-0 against the Roar. The defending champions will look to bounce back and secure their place in the top six as it is just holding on by a thread. The side is too strong to lose to the Jets and as they are playing on home soil they should secure the victory, however at such short odds it would be best to avoid this match.
TIP: No bet
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!
