The 2016-17 A-league season enters continues after another interesting week! Let's see what the action kicking off Friday not has in store for us as we offer A-League Round 20 preview and betting tips.
A-League Round 20 Betting Tips
Adelaide United vs Newcastle Jets (Friday 7.50pm AEDT)
The round will start with the Newcastle Jets heading to Adelaide to take on the Reds. The Jets are fresh off a 0-0 draw with Melbourne Victory as they moved into sixth position on the ladder. The side will be forced to have a short turn around after their match was moved from Saturday to Monday due to the heat. It was a sluggish match but still a step forward for a side that was expected to struggle this season.
Meanwhile the Reds suffered their 12th loss of the season and it was by far their worst. It was an embarrassing display as they didn’t turn up for the contest. Their defence was woeful and they were booed by their fans. We don’t expect them to gain much of a home field advantage in this one as the Jets will earn a tough win, due to their short break between games.
TIP: Jets to win – $3.20 with Sportsbet
Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The Phoenix were outclassed on the road last week against Sydney FC, however they put up a strong fight. The side was down 2-0 early but pulled one back just before halftime through Alex Rodriguez. The side has been improving throughout the season and we predict them to be a better side at home than they were in a 3-1 loss to the Wanderers two weeks ago.
City’s week from hell ended with a 2-2 draw against the Roar on home soil. The side would be happy to have the point considering the players they had on the sidelines and they were facing a 2-0 scoreline at half time. The team did well to fight back into the contest and with two goals in three minutes the sides were level. City will be hoping their returning players can lead them to victory in New Zealand but we are predicting the sides to split the competition points.
TIP: Draw – $3.50 with CrownBet
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC (Saturday 7.50pm AEDT)
The Wanderers are searching for their first victory in a derby in five years and they will enter the contest on the back of one of their worst defeats. The side dominated the encounter against the Mariners but somehow left the field as 2-0 losers. They had more than 30 balls into the box but still couldn’t find the back of the net against a side that has leaked the most goals in the past two seasons. It is worrying signs moving forward, especially considering the side is facing the best defence in the competition.
Sydney FC are unbeaten over their opening 19 games of the season and they will be heavily motivated to finish the season as ‘invincibles’. The team has the best attack and defence in the league and we can’t see them not leaving the pitch with the three points.
TIP: Sydney FC to win – $2.10 with William Hill
Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar (Saturday 10pm AEDT)
The Glory cemented their spot in the top six by thrashing Adelaide United on the weekend. The 5-0 victory was the biggest for the club against the Reds and it is a massive positive for the side. However, we won’t be getting carried away because the team has been very inconsitent this year while the Reds didn’t turn up for the contest. Nonetheless it will be a huge confidence builder and they will embrace playing on home soil this weekend.
Meanwhile the Roar will be disappointed they let two competition points go against City. They took a 2-0 lead into the break against a side that was missing nine of their best 11. They ultimately drew the match and we believe they will lead to them entering this game flat and failing to earn a point.
TIP: Glory to win – $2.55 with Sportsbet
Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory (Sunday 5pm AEDT)
The Mariners are on a three game winning streak. Yep, you read that right. It has been a remarkable turnaround for the club, on paper anyway. The side was incredibly lucky to escape with a win against the Wanderers. They received a favourable penalty before Roy O’Donovan grabbed a double in the final minutes to seal the match.
Meanwhile the Victory have slipped a bit off the pace in the last couple of weeks, however we expect them to turn that around this week. The side has a bit of breathing room on the ladder from third position but they won’t want to put themselves under any unneeded pressure heading into the finals.
TIP: Victory to win – $1.60 with William Hill
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!
