The 2015-16 A-league regular season will come to a conclusion this weekend and the top six sides have already been decided but there is still a lot of movement that can take place. Continue reading for our A-league Round 27 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Melbourne City vs Adelaide United (Friday 7.40pm AEDT)
The curse of the top of the table continued last week as City fell from first place to fourth after suffering a loss on the road to Perth Glory. It was an entertaining match that finished 3-2 and it was the first time in six matches that City conceded more than one goal. In a positive for the side they will be playing their last game of the regular season on home soil and they have made their home field a fortress this season and haven’t lost their since round 8 this season. That stretch has included 8 wins and two draws.
Meanwhile Adelaide United has lost just two of their last 20 A-league matches, both of those losses came against each Melbourne side. In their contest a month ago City came out on top with a goal in the last ten minutes and it was the start of their solid defensive stretch beginning. The Reds have earned three clean sheets in their last three away games but we are backing that to end this weekend as City’s attack has been the strongest this season and will crack their opponent’s defence on home soil.
TIP: City @ $2.10 with Sportsbet
Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets (Saturday 5.15pm AEDT)
Although these two sides will miss the finals series, there is still plenty to play for as they have a big history against each other and they will want bragging rights to finish the season.
The Mariners defence hasn’t improved at all throughout the season and over their last four games they have conceded 14 goals. They haven’t kept a clean sheet at all this season and we aren’t expecting them to be a sudden improvement in the final game of the year. They will become the first team in A-league history to not keep a clean sheet in at least one game if they are unable to do so this weekend.
The Jets have lost three of their last four games but they have been in the contest throughout the whole match. They have lost those three games by just one goal and it shows the side doesn’t give up throughout the match. We are backing the Jets to want this victory more as the Mariners will just be looking forward to this season being behind them.
TIP: Jets @ $2.25 with Ladbrokes
Melbourne Victory vs Brisbane Roar (Saturday 7.30pm AEDT)
Brisbane Roar earned a narrow victory against the Jets on the weekend but it was enough to see them move into top spot on the ladder. They face a side they have had two different matches against this season. When the Roar travelled to Melbourne to take on the Victory earlier this year they left on the back of a 4-0 thumping from the defending champions. Meanwhile, they returned the favour and added an extra goal in their last meeting. We don’t expect a similar score line with this match going to be a lot closer.
The Victory will be forced to back up after a three-day turn around and having to return home from Japan. They played out a 1-1 draw against Suwon in a match they were on the back foot for the majority of the time. They will be without sharp shooter Besart Berisha and that combined with the short turnaround will be their downfall, as the Roar will lock up top spot with a win.
TIP: Roar @ $2.00 with CrownBet
Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Sunday 3pm AEDT)
The Wanderers have struggled in the back half of the season but they were able to return to winning ways last week against the bottom of the ladder the Mariners. Their 4-1 victory will have boosted the side’s confidence and the three points has moved them into third place on the ladder. The Wanderers are a dangerous side towards the end of matches and have scored 16 goals in the last 15-minutes of matches this season. That amount is three more than any other side and it is a credit to the team, as they don’t give up with the time winding down.
Meanwhile the Phoenix is out of the finals and will be having an early holiday after this weekend. However, the team will be confident facing the Wanderers on home soil as they have never lost to them in three meetings in New Zealand whilst the Wanderers have won just twice in their last 18 away meetings outside of New South Wales. Although we are expecting the Wanderers to snap that trend and earn a vital three points this weekend.
TIP: Wanderers @ $1.75 with William Hill
Sydney FC vs Perth Glory (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Sky Blues have had a disappointing A-league season and will miss the finals series this year. However, they haven’t taken that poor form into the Asian Champions League as they are currently sitting on the top of their group. The side could play a more free flowing style this weekend, as they have nothing to lose and would love to end their season on a high.
Meanwhile the Glory has an opportunity to jump as high as second place on the ladder after their terrific victory against the City last week. They are currently on a five game winning streak. Their away record has been strong too, winning five of their last eight games and losing just two. The Sky Blues have earned just one point in their last 5 A-league games and that poor form will continue this weekend as the Glory win their sixth straight.
TIP: Glory @ $2.10 with Palmerbet
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!
