The following are previews with betting tips for Week 22 of the 2021/22 A-League Men season.
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Wednesday, April 06
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Melbourne City vs Sydney FC7:05PM AEDT, AAMI Park |
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In what is a rematch of last seasons two Grand Finalists, anything can happen. City are currently looking very perky in 1st place, as they’ve triumphed in 12/22 games so far. However, Sydney head into this match-up off the back of their gusty 3-2 Derby win in Kogarah over the Wanderers, as former Mariners wonder kid Trent Buhagiar secured a brace for the hosts. In eight out of Melbourne’s last 10 games, they’ve fashioned two + goals, while they also did score in all of the 17th (Finn Surman OG), 50th (Matthew Leckie), 59th (Andrew Nabbout), 68th (Curtis Good), 76th (Marco Tilio) and 81st (Marco Tilio)-minutes of their most-recent Cronulla-based clash against the Phoenix. Highlighting that it will take a monumental effort from Sydney to halt them in this exciting H2H.
Player to watch out for – Marco Tilio. The current Socceroo bagged the final two strikes in City’s 6-0 romp of the Phoenix last weekend, to help make it four goals in total on the campaign. Whilst as he did in last season’s Grand Final, against his old employers in the form of Sydney FC, expect him to put in a five-star performance.
Player to watch out for – Trent Buhagiar. In Sydney’s 3-2 home Derby win last round, he registered two goals and one strike assist in what was one of the Forward’s best ever matches in a ‘Sky Blue’ jersey. His pace and creativity frightened the visitors from Western Sydney and will again be critical in helping to displace a stoic Melbourne defence.
Betting tips: Look for there to be over 2.5 goals fashioned at $1.71 (Sportsbet)
Also look for Sydney to score 1+ strikes at $1.33 (Sportsbet)
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Perth Glory vs Melbourne Victory9:05PM AEDT, HBF Park |
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Before eventually going down to Macarthur, Perth had opened up a seemingly unassailable lead inside the matches opening 18-minutes. As for the Victory, they etched out a tight 1-0 win over Adelaide in Adelaide, despite shooting just 1/4 on target the entire match. This has left them in 4th position and just a point off 3rd, with two games in hand (18 vs 20). So, despite contesting this clash at HBF Park, it’s difficult to see the Victory going down in this one. That case only being further aided by the fact that they have won 10 of their last 16 overall clashes against the Glory. With newly recruited Socceroo Ben Folami in tow, along with the likes of experienced ‘Kiwi’ Marco Rojas and former Lazio Midfielder Chris Ikonomidis, the Victory’s attack should eventually, at some point throughout the match, wear down Perth.
Player to watch out for – Giordano Colli. Despite losing 4-2 to Macarthur last round, the 22-year-old was brilliant as he fashioned a stunning free kick goal inside the games first-minute. Featuring in a Glory team that’s unfortunately been weakened due to injuries, he should again get a solid chance to highlight what he’s capable of against the wrath of the Victory.
Player to watch out for – Ben Folami. The Australian representative who is also 22-years-old will be primed for a similar impact to that of his opposing Midfielder/Attacker. Through 16 matches played this season he has conjured up 16 shot assists, in what promises to be a clash filled with young and up and coming ‘Aussie’ talent.
Betting tips: Back the Victory to take this clash out with ease at $1.80 (Bet365)
Also back them to pounce first and score at $1.50 (Bet365)
Friday, April 08
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Adelaide United vs Macarthur FC7:45PM AEDT, Coopers Stadium |
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The ‘Reds’ have won just twice and lost four of their last seven home clashes, as Carl Veart’s side have slipped from 3rd all the way down to 6th. However, and luckily for them, the ‘Bulls’ have prevailed in just 3/11 road clashes this campaign, as they’ve severely struggled when playing away from the serenity of Campbelltown Stadium. Outside of the Toure brothers, Ulises Davila could be the key to unlocking this match. The merciless Playmaker secured one goal and one assist in his sides most recent two-goal victory over Perth, as he was lethal in the front third of the field, tormenting the visitors with every damming touch he had. For the season he now has six goals, two goal assists and 23 shot assists. The former Johnny Warren Medal winner is a massive asset to his sides attack and he could undoubtedly be the key reason that his side outshoots and outscores Adelaide in what has the extraordinarily strong potential to be a high-scoring encounter.
Player to watch out for – Mohamed Toure. With Macarthur having conceded 23 away goals this season, the Guinea-born Winger has the perfect opportunity to haunt the visiting opposition. His pace and vision will no doubt be on display against one of the A-League’s older sides and you only have to look as far as how the young Glory tamed the ‘Bulls’ last round (relatively speaking), to know that it’s in the extreme likelihood of things happening.
Player to watch out for – Al Hassan Toure. The brother of Mohamed helps turn this exciting H2H into an all-in family affair and he won’t be afraid to run from the fight. The former Australia U23s international and 21-year-old has scored twice and assisted twice on the season, as he’s proven to be an integral part of the ‘Bulls’ current 3rd place standing on the ladder.
Betting tips: Look for both teams to find the back of the net and for there to be over 2.5 strikes scored at $1.83 (Sportsbet)
Also look for Macarthur to be winning at either HT or FT or both at $2.40 (Sportsbet)
Saturday, April 09
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Western United vs Wellington Phoenix2:05PM AEDT, Morshead Park Stadium |
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Since going down 3-0 to Sydney on the 19th of March, Western United have regained some commanding goal-scoring form, as they shot 5/12 on target verses the Victory in what was a 1-1 draw. While they also won 3-2 against the Roar and drew 2-2 against the Mariners. Whilst in six of their latest nine games, they’ve scored two + goals, as players such as former Serbian international Aleksander Prijovic (seven goals) have really started to shine. Meanwhile for Wellington, as evidenced against Melbourne, they clearly have some defensive issues they need to go about fixing. John Alosi’s men ooze too much offensive class in this one for them not to claim the win.
Player to watch out for – Jamie Young. The 2017-18 A-League Goalkeeper of the Year was phenomenal for Western United last round against the Mariners. In the dying stages of the game, he commandingly saved what would have been Jason Cumming’s match equalising spot kick. That match he made three total saves and has kept eight clean sheets on the season, their leader from the back is a big game player.
Player to watch out for – Oliver Sail. Last weekend the Phoenix were thrashed in Cronulla 6-0 by City, now the result wasn’t all his fault, but he certainly was a part of it. Facing Western United the task at hand continues to remain difficult, so a more alert performance in goals from the current All White will go a long, long way to making this game a lot more respectable than its predecessor.
Betting tips: Back Western United to take this one out at $1.95 (Bet365)
Also don’t be afraid to pick Aleksander Prijovic to score at any time at $2.10 (Bet365)
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Western Sydney Wanderers vs Brisbane Roar5:05PM AEDT, CommBank Stadium |
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With both sides currently eight-points a piece off a finals berth, it’s pretty much the time for them to either A: Start winning or B: Start prioritising youth minutes over that of their more respective experienced brigades. Particularly in the case of the Wanderers, a lot of Mark Rudan’s men at this stage are playing for their future, given that this isn’t a squad built by the former Western United manager. Players such as James Troisi, Dimi Petratos and Bernie Ibini need to do better, regardless of whether they’re starting or coming off the bench. As for Brisbane, veterans such as Jay O’Shea and Tom Aldred will again be heavily relied upon, as is the norm for Warren Moon’s men.
Player to watch out for – Tomer Hemed. The Israeli international has scored just five goals this campaign for the Wanderers from 16 matches played, while his form has been rather inconsistent, and he is averaging just 61-minutes per match. With Western Sydney’s finals hopes on the line against Brisbane, the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion Attacker will have to channel everything he has for a monster game right here.
Player to watch out for – Henry Hore. The young Roar prodigy once again found the back of the net this past round for Brisbane, as he secured a special strike in the 83rd-minute, as he weaved his way through a bunch of opposing men, to help deliver his side a comprehensive 2-0 home win over Newcastle. The ability he has to move seamlessly and weave in and out of the opposition defence with the ball at his feet should cause the Wanderers a massive, massive concern.
Betting tips: Look for H2 to play witness to over 1.5 goals at $1.91 (Sportsbet)
Also look for their to be no OG’s in the match at $1.03 (Sportsbet)
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Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC7:45PM AEDT, Central Coast Stadium |
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A win is vital for Nick Montgomery’s men, as they are just five-points off 6th, with three games in hand (18 vs 21). And playing at home, it’s a real distinct possibility, as they’ve won three of their last five H2Hs against Sydney FC. Not to mention they’ve won five/and are undefeated in seven of their last eight affairs at home. Whilst offensively they’ve been firing as of late, putting up 10 goals over their last four games, including seven over their last two, which were 3-0 and 4-2 wins over Adelaide and Macarthur, respectively. Over those two games they shot 9/21 and 7/13 on target as they’ve been playing a free-flowing style of Football and one in which has genuinely concerned the opposition, whomever they’ve faced. Despite Sydney’s recent momentum booster via their 3-2 Derby win, the Central Coast should very rightfully start as favourites for this match.
Player to watch out for – Jason Cummings. How the lethal Mariners Striker wasn’t selected for Australia’s recent clashes against Saudi Arabia and Japan is an absolute mystery, as since he arrived in Gosford, he’s fashioned five goals and five assists from 12 games played, helping to keep his side firmly in the race for a Top Six berth. He banged in two goals last weekend against Western United and will no doubt be looking to cause Sydney similar problems in this affair.
Player to watch out for – Anthony Caceres. The 20X capped ACL Midfielder has been a bonafede star for the ‘Sky Blues’ this season, in what has been an up and down campaign overall for the team itself. To his credit he’s recorded four goals, two goal assists and 44 shot assists, as the ex-Melbourne City man will no doubt be called into action, as his team prepares to contest what should be a no doubt tight match-up verses the Central Coast.
Betting tips: Look for a solemn Sydney victory at $2.30 (Bet365)
After last weekends exploits also pick Trent Buhagiar to score any time against his former side at $3.75 (Bet365)
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Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City7:45PM AEDT, AAMI Park |
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We are so incredibly lucky to have witnessed the Melbourne Deby in full swing this season. We’ve already played witness to two incredibly enthralling draws, the latest of which was 1-1. This saw both sides not afraid to attack and early at that, with both strikes coming inside the match’s opening 45-minutes, as City had 60 dangerous attacks overall and the Victory, 56. Whilst the latter draw, which ended at 2-2, saw Nick D’Agostino claim an 81st-minute dagger to wreck City’s chances of all three-points. These two teams are seemingly inseparable from one another and there’s a fair chance that this could be a preview of this seasons Grand Final, such have been the performances of both clubs throughout the current campaign. Regardless of how this edition ends, the Melbourne Derby is and always will be, pure and utter madness.
Player to watch out for – Florin Berenguer. The French-born Midfielder is a simply impossible player to ignore for City given his credentials, which include an A-League Premiership/Championship, as well as having contested 112 matches for Dijon FCO, whilst he also has five goals and five goal assists on the season. He is a vital reason as to why the likes of Australian duo Jamie Maclaren and Andrew Nabbout score so many goals.
Player to watch out for – Marco Rojas. The former Oceania Footballer of the Year is currently having himself a season and a half for the rejuvenated Victory, as he’s fashioned three goals, five goal assists and 19 shot assists through just 17 games played + he won the FFA (now Australia) Cup. Meanwhile in Melbourne’s latest result, he also scored their only goal in their win over Adelaide, as the 30-years-of-age Forward continues to age like fine wine.
Betting tips: Back this match to produce over 2.5 goals at $1.70 (Sportsbet)
Also look for City to score the games first goal at $1.72 (Sportsbet)
Sunday, April 10
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Newcastle Jets vs Perth Glory4:05PM AEDT, McDonald Jones Stadium |
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When these two sides last went at it, it was an incredibly boring 0-0 draw at Perth, a game that was ironically represented by the number of spectators in attendance, just 2577. And out of the 35 shots in total, the two sides could muster up just eight of them on-target in total. This will probably be a fairly boring match to watch, however the Jets need a win in their valiant attempt to play Finals Football, while a win for the Glory would do them some good in their attempts to avoid finishing last. So, there is plenty to play for which should hopefully spice up the affair a bit.
Player to watch out for – Jack Duncan. At times this season the Jets have had their motors turned off and have been extremely lacklustre defensively, that hasn’t deterred the former Perth Glory man though, as he’s still kept four clean sheets and has made 44 saves in total through 16 appearances. There’s a solid chance that this affair could represent clean sheet NO.5 of the season for him.
Player to watch out for – Liam Reddy. The veteran A-League Goalkeeper has appeared in just eight games this season for Perth, so he is understandably rusty, as evident through at least two of the Glory’s four conceded goals last Sunday evening. However, he is still averaging a very solid 3.88 saves per match and will highly likely be called into action multiple times throughout this encounter.
Betting tips: Look for Beka Mikeltadze to score any time at $2.50 (Bet365)
While you can also look for this match to have three goals or under total scored within it at $1.40 (Bet365)
Best Bets of the week – Western Sydney Wanderers vs Brisbane Roar
Look for H2 to play witness to over 1.5 goals at $1.91 (Sportsbet)
Also look for their to be no OG’s in the match at $1.03 (Sportsbet)
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City
Back this match to produce over 2.5 goals at $1.70 (Sportsbet)
Also look for City to score the games first goal at $1.72 (Sportsbet)