The following are previews with betting tips for Week 24 of the 2021/22 A-League Men season.
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Wednesday, April 20
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Western Sydney Wanderers vs Newcastle Jets7:05PM AEDT, CommBank Stadium |
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The Jets travel to CommBank Stadium with an atrocious away record attached, having lost six of their last eight ‘road’ games. Their last victory away from Newcastle came on the 12th of February this year, a 2-1 win against the Victory. However, it’s not like Western Sydney have been much better at home as of late, winning just three of their previous eleven clashes in Parramatta. With the finals looming large over both clubs’ heads and with both out of the Top Six, we should at least play witness to a fairly attacking-orientated clash.
‘Newy’ should claim a critical dub here, if only just. Given the number of ex-Jets Men plying their trade for the Wanderers currently, there’s always an irate aspect to these two sides H2H clashes and Arthur Papas’s men are all there for it in trying to make Western Sydney’s life a living hell. Such as when they last met and triumphed 2-1 in Newcastle, thanks to Angus Thurgate’s booming second-half strike. An affair which saw the pesky Jets claim the result, despite some ugly style of play, ala their 3/12 shooting on target. However, you can expect a heck of a lot more strikes to be converted here given that the ‘Red & Blacks’ last three encounters have produced eleven total goals and Newcastle, twelve.
Betting tips: Look for Newcastle to prevail at $2.70 (Bet365)
Also back there to be over 1.5 goals scored at $1.25 (Bet365)
Friday, April 22
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Macarthur FC vs Melbourne Victory7:45PM AEDT, Campbelltown Stadium |
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Jake McGing’s debut strike for the ‘Bulls’ was a timely one last round, as his ferociously attempted, right-footed 89th-minute winner sealed all three and dramatic points for the ‘Bulls’ at home, in a 2-1 victory against the Roar (his former side). A much-needed win that pushed Macarthur back into the Top Six once again and better yet for them, at the expense of rivals Sydney FC. Whilst for the Victory, they too tasted the divine riches of the A-League, as ex-Juventus man Francesco Margiotta struck the ball into the back of the net on the 90+3-minute mark to gift Melbourne a stern 2-1 victory against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium, much to Tony Popovic & Cos delight. Thus, setting up an electric clash at Campbelltown Stadium to start your weekend off right.
The Victory have conjured up three consecutive away wins as of late and have kept two clean sheets in the process, so the ‘Bulls’ will need to go full throttle in order to have any chance in taking something out of this encounter. That’s where the ‘Mexican Maestro’ Ulises Davila comes in. This campaign he’s fashioned seven divine strikes, two goal assists and twenty-five shot assists. Whilst over Macarthur’s past four clashes alone, he’s found the back of the net three times. The former U20s Gold Medal winner is in the midst of some top, top form and is massively repaying the faith shown to him by Ante Milicic & Co in making him one of the ‘Bulls’ top dogs. A big game is needed from the 31-year-old Attacking Midfielder.
Betting tips: Pick this clash to have over 2.5 goals produced at $1.72 (Bet365)
Also look for both teams to score in H2 at $2.75 (Bet365)
Saturday, April 23
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Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners7:45PM AEDT, McDonald Jones Stadium |
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F3 Derbies rarely disappoint and this latest local rivalry between the Jets and Mariners shouldn’t either! The visitors latest match-up saw them spoil the Phoenix’s homecoming in New Zealand, as they battered them 4-0 in what can only be described as a clinical, five-star performance from Nick Montgomery’s men, as they were firing on all cylinders. With the goals being fashioned via Beni N’Kololo (25th-minute), Jason Cummings (62nd-minute), Moresche (65th-minute) and Matthew Hatch (90+6-minute). Whilst the last time these two enemies went H2H at McDonald Jones Stadium, it certainly did not disappoint, as three brilliantly produced H2 goals saw the Mariners edge the Jets to the tune of a 2-1 encounter. It’s very difficult to judge what will occur in this affair, but one thing that’s 100% guaranteed is quality and entertaining Football.
Ex-Dundee Striker and Edinburgh-born Striker Jason Cummings had a blinder in his sides 4-0 battering of the Phoenix in New Zealand. As the influential Attacker scored one goal off just three attempts. While he also came up with one shot assist and completed twenty-one accurate passes, at a 95% completion rate no less. Whilst prior to that affair, he had scored four goals from five games overall. He’s clearly settling in extremely well in Gosford and given his experience, the 26-year-old could well prove to be the missing piece to the puzzle in the Mariners no doubt jubilant attempts to topple Newcastle in this crucial H2H. As just sitting two-points off a finals spot, they’ll need all their men on deck, including the ‘Cum Dog’ to take this one out.
Betting tips: Choose the Central Coast to claim a tight F3 Derby win at $3.75 (Sportsbet)
Also look for both teams to find the back of the net at $1.57 (Sportsbet)
Sunday, April 24
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Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers1:05PM AEDT, Eden Park |
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Contesting the Wanderers at Eden Park, Wellington might want to do better than that of their 4-0 home smashing at the hands of the Mariners last time out. In what was an un-inspiring performance from the hosts, in front of 18,184 raucous spectators no less. This only added to the ‘Nix’s’ topsy turvy form, as prior to this they posted a last-minute 1-0 win over Perth and a 4-1 smashing of Western United. Before going down 5-0 and 6-0 to the Central Coast and Melbourne City in back-to-back matches. Whilst the Wanderers were just clumsy at CommBank Stadium, as they blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against a ten-man Mariners outfit. As rival Defender Daniel Hall cemented the stalemate 90+5 in as his difficult shot found a way through and into the back of the net. For Wellington and their cause of potentially earning at least one home final, all three-points are an absolute necessity to collect from this matchup.
At ‘home’ this season, the Phoenix have won 7/12 games and have lost just the three times. So Ufuk Talay and his men will be hoping their abysmal result against the Mariners was more so just a blip on the radar compared to being anything actually serious. Whilst 2X All White and booming Attacker Ben Waine should be a prominent figure in this matchup, playing in his native country. The quickly developing youngster has four goals on the season in total and should no doubt shine when presented with a massive opportunity such as this one. He won’t be enamoured with what went down last round, so he may very well score a goal here in what should be a commandingly led rebound Wellington victory.
Betting tips: Pick Wellington to win … just at $2.20 (Bet365)
Also look for the ‘Nix’ to score from the spot at $5.50 (Bet365), given the Wanderers dicey indiscretions lately
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Adelaide United vs Perth Glory5:05PM AEDT, Coopers Stadium |
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The Glory haven’t won a single match at the last fourteen times of asking, whilst in two of their last three games, they’ve gone down 6-0 and 6-1 respectively to Western United and the Newcastle Jets. Against the ‘Green & Black’ they shot just 1/7 on target, while against Newcastle it was 1/4. However, it is their routine defending that appears to be costing them now, more so then ever before. As against the Jets they allowed them to shoot 10/17 on target, while against Western that number was 11/18. There’s no Brandon O’Neil, nor a Daniel Sturridge to help offer some creativity in the front-third. Whilst Brad Jones being out means there’s no competition at the back for Liam Reddy. And that’s only just the start of what is a long and tumultuous causality list for Perth. Up against Adelaide in Adelaide, a location where the ‘Reds’ have won four and drawn two of ten overall games this campaign, they’ll (Perth) undoubtedly find it a tough ask to come out of the clash with much. This match will ultimately be used as a booster for Adelaide’s GD and not too much more.
Really for the Glory currently, this match needs to be about putting some respect back onto their jersey. According to From The Stands, as of only last year Perth had 10,278 members. So, despite Mark McGowan placing the club in an undeniably difficult place with his COVID restrictions, supporters have still stood by the club. Now having had time to reflect upon their recent thrashings, Perth can go out and show their fans that they do really care about the clubs on-field performances and brand. Who cares if they’re a bunch of youngsters! They can still display improvements even when losing. A big rivalry performance against Adelaide could also greatly help strengthen Ruben Zadkovich’s case for a contract extension as head coach of this struggling Perth team.
Betting tips: Back an easy ‘Reds’ triumph to come to fruition at $1.44 (Bet365)
Also look for there to be over 3.5 goals scored at $2.75 (Bet365)
Monday, April 25
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Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory2:05PM AEDT, Moreton Daily Stadium |
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With the Roar’s season basically all but over, their match against the Victory should be primarily used as a way of further developing their young talent in preparation for next season. Henry Hore being one of the first names that comes to mind, with the electrically paced 22-year-old having conjured up five goals this season already. Macklin Freke being another, as despite his relative inconsistences manning the goals for Brisbane, he’s still produced some stellar saves this season and is far from a finished product. Luke Ivanovic too, the ex-Sydney FC player has scored X3 and has registered eight shot assists through sixteen-games played, as he’s been a lethal threat off the bench for Warren Moon’s men. How those stars of the future fare against the Victory’s stars of tomorrow will go a significant way to deciding what happens in this encounter and who takes out the all-illusive win.
Henry Hore up against Nick D’Agostino is the battle we didn’t know we needed, but now all want to see! One isn’t even 23 and has played only nineteen games all up in the A-League. Whilst the other has been torching Australia for a while and recently became one of the newest members of the Socceroos. However, one thing that both illusive Attackers have in common is that they’re each crucial parts of their two sides respective game plans in the front-third of the field. Hore’s pace might put some of the Victory’s older brigade on notice. While ‘Daggers’ has rightfully wrecked a lot of teams this campaign with his eight A-League goals, whilst he also scored two away against Vissel Kobe in the ACL qualification process. Tune in for this blinder of a competition!
Betting tips: When the match odds become available pick Melbourne to win and for Nick D’Agostino to score at any time throughout the match.
Best Bets of the week – Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners
Choose the Central Coast to claim a tight F3 Derby win at $3.75 (Sportsbet)
Also look for both teams to find the back of the net at $1.57 (Sportsbet)