A-League Rd 17 betting tips, value plays & best odds

Round 17 of the A-League is highlighted by a clash between fourth-placed Wanderers and second-placed Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium. All eyes will also drift to AAMI Park, where a Melbourne derby will be played under tight security. But the best bet of the round can be found when the resurgent Sydney FC host Brisbane at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening. Read on to see our free betting tips for this weekend’s A-League action.

Western United v Wellington Phoenix

Friday, February 17 — 7:45pm AEDT
UTAS Stadium, Launceston

Western United ($2.50) fought hard at home against Adelaide in round 16, ultimately going down 2-3 in an entertaining match. Goals on either side of the half-time break was not enough for John Aloisi’s squad, but positive signs were evident. The loss drops United into the wooden spoon danger zone, a mere two points clear of the struggling Melbourne Victory. Western United admin will have three points pencilled in for this fixture.

The Phoenix ($2.75) also enter this matchup coming off a tight loss, in this case a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Macarthur. This game will be Wellington’s third game on the road, so the team might be missing the miserable hometown weather, although Launceston might throw up similar conditions. Long stretches away from home can tire a squad and it will be no surprise to see the Phoenix labour somewhat in the second half. If they can score early, Wellington should be able to grind out a narrow result in a low scoring game.

Macarthur FC v Newcastle Jets

Saturday, February 18 — 5pm AEDT
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

After their round 15 capitulation to the Melbourne City, Macarthur ($2.35) bounced back with a satisfying win at the Campbelltown Stadium. Ulises Davila and Moudi Najjar were the goal scorers in a tidy all-round display. The gap between their best and worst football remains the issue for Macarthur, but they showed some grit and fight to bounce back after conceding in the fourth minute of play.

Newcastle ($2.85) got the job done against Melbourne Victory with a 2-1 win that stretches their unbeaten run to five games. The Jets are now playing with noticeably improved composure and confidence as the season progresses. They sit just three points behind the fourth placed Wanderers, so there is plenty to play for. We can expect their attacking style to fare well against the often-porous Macarthur defence.

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar

Saturday, February 18, 5pm AEDT
Allianz Stadium, Sydney

The Sydney ($1.75) resurgence continued in round 16 when the boys in blue dispatched the Wanderers in a clinical 1-0 display. The rejuvenated side have grabbed a full nine points from their last three games and this appears another favourable matchup. This burst of good form has propelled Sydney into fifth spot and a top-three position is within sight if they can keep the roll going. We expect the Sydney momentum to expose the stuttering Roar side here.

Brisbane ($3.75) are trending in the opposite direction to Sydney and have accumulated four losses and a draw from their last five outings. Goals remain scarce with the Roar finding the net only 12 times from 16 appearances this campaign. On a good day, solid defensive structures can save their blushes, but when that falls apart, Brisbane look decidedly second rate.

Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City

Saturday, February 18 — 7:45pm AEDT
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Melbourne Victory ($3.50) came up short again in round 15, and this match will be a battle between the top and bottom sides in the league. Victory have won just one match from their last eight and need to find immediate improvement to avoid humiliation at the hands of their cross-town rivals here.

The Melbourne City ($1.85) goals continued to flow in round 16 and the league leaders have now booted 13 from their last three appearances. Scoring duties were shared against the Glory with Jordan Bos, Velon Berisha, Mathew Leckie, and Florin Berenguer all finding the scoresheet. The win lifts City eight points clear at the top of the table and the Rado Vidosic coached squad looks the competition’s clear standout performers.

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

Saturday, February 18 — 7pm AWST
Macedonia Park, Perth

Perth ($3.05) put up a spirit display against Melbourne City with two goals to show for their efforts. They remained in the hunt until a stoppage time City goal and a 2-4 scoreline extinguished their hopes of at least a point. Remarkably, this was the Glory’s first loss at home all season. The side will be keen to bounce back in front of their faithful fans who have created a party like atmosphere at Macedonia Park.

After a minor form slump, Central Coast ($2.20) grabbed all three points in round 16 when they travelled to Kayo Stadium. The much-needed win keeps the Mariners in second ladder position courtesy of a superior goal difference to Adelaide United and two points clear of Wanderers. Perth upset the Mariners at Industree Stadium in round three, so revenge will be on their mind. Both sides have had no issue constructing goals, so this might be a free-flowing affair with plenty of scoring opportunities.

Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers

Sunday, February 19 — 2:30pm ACDT
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Adelaide ($2.20) maintained their recent good form in round 16 with an away win that pushes them to equal second on the ladder. They have not tasted defeat since round 11, producing three wins and two draws. They created three clutch second half goals to haul in Western United and will be hoping to ambush an opponent who is stinging from a derby loss and under pressure to maintain their spot in the top six.

Wanderers ($2.70) have been riding their luck all season, winning by the narrowest of margins while averaging just one goal per game. This might have finally caught up with them and the numbers suggest they are still have further to fall. They were undone by a surging Sydney side and face another stern test here against a red-hot opponent. We expect them to struggle again against a side that knows how to win.

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