A-League MW 24, Tips and Previews
Adelaide v West Sydney
7.05pm May 21st
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Brisbane look good value here considering they are facing the lowly placed Newcastle Jets. The Jets have been woeful this season and are now playing to avoid the wooden spoon.
Both Newcastle and Brisbane suffered defeats last round to the Mariners and Reds respectively.
These results have left Newcastle still anchored to the bottom of the ladder and Brisbane sitting just inside the Top Six. With a game in hand on those below them this game looms as a massive opportunity for the Roar to put themselves firmly in the finals picture.
The last time these two teams met it was a cagey nil-all affair and it’s hard to see this one being any different. Newcastle will want to lock the game down and maybe try and pinch a 1-0 result. I expect them to defend with all they have to keep the Roar out.
The Jets have won just one of 11 home games this season which gives sme no confidence they can get a result here. Happy to back the team not sitting last on the ladder.
SUGGESTED BET:
Roar Win @ $2
Wellington v Western United
2.05pm May 22nd
A massive game for these two teams who are right in the mix for a spot in the finals.
Wellington will play in New Zealand for the first time this season against the much-hated Western United, led by former Nix head-coach Mark Rudan. The Phoenix will be thrilled to be back in front of their home crowd and could get a significant boost from the atmosphere.
The Phoenix are bringing some serious form over the Tasman as they haven’t lost at all from their past seven matches. That run started with a 3-2 victory over their arch-rivals back in early April which has me leaning towards the Kiwi side.
Phoenix fans are going to pack this one out and rightfully so because it’s shaping up to be one hell of a clash.
United have managed to score just 12 goals away from home this season, whilst the amount they’ve leaked on the road is over double that at 25. It makes for awful reading as they head across the Tasman.
Their terrible form away from home, along with the Nix’s long-awaited return to NZ finally happening has me firmly in the yellow and black here.
SUGGESTED BET:
Phoenix Win @ $1.82
Melbourne City v Central Coast
7.10pm May 22nd
This clash sees 1st-placed Melbourne City up against the 2nd-placed Central Coast Mariners in a blockbuster clash.
Melbourne is coming off a thrilling 2-2 draw with Wellington, while the Central Coast are backing up after a nervy, yet entertaining 1-0 finish against Newcastle. Neither result was ultra convincing though.
A win for the Central Coast would see them at least temporarily move four points clear of 3rd.
There is a lot to play for here! The last two times they’ve played they have both won a fixture each with City winning 2-0 and the Mariners winning by 3-2.
City have won 11 of their last 16 contested clashes against the Central Coast although this Mariners team is miles away from what it has been in recent years. City’s home form has been the cornerstone of their Premier’s Plate win. They have lost just one of 11 home matches this season.
However, with the title secured and their eyes just about on finals, I don’t mind being with the value of the Mariners here who have it all to play for.
