A-league Roar vs. Wanderers odds and free exotic punting tips

Friday, March 4 from 8pm at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Watch on Fox Sports

IT’S first against third on Friday night in the A-League as the Western Sydney Wanderers travel to Brisbane to face the Roar.

Western Sydney bounced back after a disappointing fortnight with a strong 2-1 win over the Perth Glory, with Brendon Santalab again coming on late to secure the three points for his side,

After a long a distinguished career playing in Asia and the United Kingdom, the 36-year-old’s limited role off the bench is paying dividends for Tony Popovic.

Santalab said the super-sub position is one that sits quite comfortably with him.

“This season, my role off the bench is working. It may be different next year but for now I’m very happy playing a role that is fitting for the team,” Santalab said.

“The way Tony Popovic manages me, along with the rest of the squad, is something that has helped with both the team’s and my individual success.”

The win left the Wanderers two points clear of second placed Adelaide United on the top of the table and favourites for the title with Sportsbet at $2.75.

Despite being humbled by the Reds away from home on Saturday, the Roar’s spirts will be boosted considerably by the addition of Socceroo Tommy Oar.

The Roar’s manager John Aloisi said Oar will be a welcome addition to his side.

“Tommy had told us that if was coming back to the A-League we’d be his preferred choice because of the way we play football,” Aloisi said.

“He’s also a Queenslander and this is where he wants to be if he’s playing in the A-League.”

The 24-year-old will play alongside arguably the finest midfield in the league, but Aloisi believes his newest signing will further strengthen their best asset.

Before playing for Dutch outfit FC Utrecht, Tommy Oar was a member of the Brisbane Roar, but left just before they entered their golden period of premiership glory.

Oar is optimistic that the 2016 campaign can be a successful one for his new side.

“Brisbane is where it all started for me, and since I left I’ve watched them have an enormous amount of success.

“I’m looking forward to working hard to hopefully help Brisbane win more silverware.”

Oar may be relegated to a bench role for Friday’s game, but there is little doubt he will be a key part of Brisbane’s finals run.

Turning around their poor run of form will be a priority for John Aloisi.

The Roar have not won since the beginning of February, which was against the bottom of the table Central Coast Mariners.

Match preview

Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Winner: Brisbane Roar – $2.15

First goal scorer: Jamie MacLaren- $6.50

Over/Under goal totals: Over 3.5 goals – $2.63

It is a blockbuster to kick off round 22 of A-League action this Friday night with the Brisbane Roar hosting the Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium.

The last six matches between the two sides has seen a result, with the Roar winning four of those and the Wanderers winning two.

The fixture has been a goal feast in the last three meetings between the sides.

12 goals have been scored, making the Over 3.5 goals bet one of the safer investments of the game.

The Wanderers have been getting results over the last month of football without playing spectacularly well.

Travelling to Brisbane is always a tough prospect, and even though the Roar have not been dominating, beating them at Suncorp is perennially one of the hardest roadtrips in the competition.

The Roar are in dire need of a win after a disappointing month of results, which makes them an incredibly dangerous prospect for the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Expect the Roar to bounce back and draw within striking distance of the minor premiership.