A-League Tips Round 23

Adelaide v Melbourne City – (Fri 7:50pm)Finding the back of the net has been a problem all season long for Adelaide and it is likely to cost them a spot in the finals. They have failed to find the back of the net in their last two matches and have scored only 5 goals across their last 7 outings. Only the Mariners have scored fewer goals this season and it spells danger against a City side that have been held scoreless in just one of their last 10. City have won the last 3 encounters between the two clubs and maintained a clean sheet in each of those matches. Blackwood has failed to deliver up front and Absalponsen continues to be used with caution off the bench. City to grab all 3 points.
Best Bet: Melbourne City WIN ($2.60)
Value Bet: Teams To Score Melbourne City Only ($4.75)

Wellington v Newcastle – (Sat 5:35pm)The Jets continue to show that they are a huge threat to Sydney FC’s reign as champions. A 10 man Jets outfit got the better of Sydney in a dramatic 2-1 win and remain the only side to have found the back of the net in every game this season. They have scored multiple goals in 5 of their last 6 and the Overs has been virtually free money in their matches against the Phoenix. There have been 3 or more goals scored in 12 of their last 13 meetings with 4 or more in 10 of the 13. The Nix have the worst defence in the A-League and have conceded 4 goals in 3 of their last 5. It’s a classic case of one o the best attacking sides taking on a side that leaks goals at a remarkable rate. Get right around the Jets.
Best Bet: Newcastle WIN ($1.85)
Value Bet: Newcastle Over 3.5 goals ($6.50)

Sydney FC v Brisbane – (Sat 7:50pm)Sydney are running into trouble at the wrong time of the season – when it counts. The ACL has taken it’s toll on a side that looked indestructible. They have won just 1 of their last 5 across all competitions and are coming off back to back losses against Newcastle and Kashima. Now they return from another long trip to Japan and must contend with a Brisbane side chasing a finals spot. The Roar have been involved in some seesawing battles of late with their last 8 matches being settled by a single goal margin. They have somehow won 4 of their last 5 away games, bagging multiple goals in each of those victories. It is however something they have failed to achieve in their last 5 matches against the Sky Blues. It is the reason why Sydney are undefeated in their last 5 against the Roar – winning the last two at Allianz Stadium by a two goal margin. One thing we have come to learn about the defending champions is that they respond when questions are asked about them. This one will be no exception.
Best Bet: Sydney FC WIN ($1.55)
Value Bet: Over 3.5 goals ($2.60)

Melbourne Victory v Central Coast – (Sun 5:00pm)The Victory have posted 3 consecutive wins on just once this season and have a fantastic opportunity to do it again. Central Coast were outplayed by the Glory last week and there were signs late that they could crack at any time. The Victory have gone back to the quartet of Berisha, Barbarouses, George and Troisi with Antonis proving effective in a slightly deeper role. The Victory are undefeated in their last 15 against the Mariners but the boys from the Central Coast have been able to hold their more fancied rivals to 1-1 draws in the two matches this season. Berisha has 4 in his last 4 against the Mariners and will again prove to be a very tough cover. Melbourne have far more to play for and it will be the telling factor. The Mariners to capitulate in the second stanza.
Best Bet: HT/FT – Melbourne/Melbourne ($2.35)
Value Bet: Melbourne Win Both Halves ($3.75)