A-League R17 preview, betting tips & best odds | Feb 16-18, 2024

After some mixed results last weekend, the A-League title race has been blown apart. The action continues this week with six more matches of top-quality Australian soccer. Here are our free tips and predictions for Round 17 of the 2023/24 A-League season.

Western United vs Newcastle Jets

Friday, February 16 – 7:45pm AEDT – AAMI Park

Following a pair of draws against top-six sides, the Newcastle Jets will be hoping to create a three-match unbeaten streak when they face Western United. Last on the table with the worst attacking record in the A-League, United have rarely shown glimpses of quality this season. Although the Jets sit 10th on the table, a win here would put them just two points outside the top six. Coming in as underdogs with most online bookmakers, Newcastle offer great value.

Sydney FC vs Adelaide United

Saturday, February 17 – 6pm AEDT – Allianz Stadium

With just one loss in their past eight matches, Sydney FC have turned their season around to move into the top six for the first time this season. Facing Adelaide United this weekend, Sydney have a chance to avenge their one loss in 2023 after the exciting 4-3 clash just four weeks ago. While Sydney have been climbing up the table, United have been trending in the other direction, winning just one of their past seven.

Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory

Saturday, February 17 – 7:45pm AEDT – AAMI Park

After suffering their first defeat of the season, Melbourne Victory have now fallen down to fourth place on the table ahead of their derby date this weekend. Both sides enter this match in terrible form, with just one win from the past 10 matches between them. Melbourne City come in off a 5-1 defeat to the Brisbane Roar last weekend, and with Victory still in the title race, Tony Popovic’s side looks the safer bet.

Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar

Saturday, February 17 – 6:45pm AWST – HBF Park

Following their 5-1 win over Melbourne City, all eyes are on the Brisbane Roar to see whether they can do it again in Perth. Undefeated in their past four, Glory are having a mid-season surge as they look to re-enter the race for finals positions. In a clash between the two worst defences in the A-League, the result may be unpredictable, but we can be certain of plenty of goals with Glory going over the 3.5 goals line in eight of their last nine.

Central Coast Mariners vs Western Sydney Wanderers

Sunday, February 18 – 5pm AEST – Industree Group Stadium

After their run of 12 straight matches unbeaten was broken last weekend, the Mariners will be keen to get back to winning ways as they welcome the Wanderers. Despite sitting in fifth spot, Western Sydney have struggled recently with just one win — against Western United — in their past four matches. Following their comprehensive 4-0 win in the AFC Cup during the week, back the Mariners to bounce back.

Macarthur FC vs Wellington Phoenix

Sunday, February 18 – 5pm AEST – Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Sitting five points clear atop the table, it doesn’t get much better for the Wellington Phoenix as they continue to defy expectations. This Sunday, they head to Sydney to face the third-placed Macarthur FC for what looks set to be a thrilling clash between two of the form sides in the A-League. However, with the Phoenix’s defensive quality the main reason behind their success this season, don’t expect many goals.

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