A-League Round 1 betting tips & best value bets – October 7-9

The A-League returns to fill the inevitable sporting void that opens after the AFL and NRL champions are crowned, and before it’s hot enough for mad dogs, Englishmen, and cricketers to brave the searing summer haze.

Given the condensed nature of last year’s A-League ladder, a closely contested season seemingly awaits. The Melbourne teams – City and Victory – are listed as early favourites to take home the silverware, followed by Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers. The Wellington Phoenix are favourites to collect the dreaded wooden spoon.

Melbourne City vs Western United

Friday, October 7 – 7:45pm AEDT – AAMI Park, Melbourne

Last season’s ladder leaders kick off their campaign with a home match against Western United, who finished third in 2021-22, a mere four points in arrears. The match sees City’s beloved captain Scott Jamieson notch up 300 A-League games, placing him in elite company. Jamieson has led his side to two Premierships and a Championship across his long and storied career.

Western United look pumped and ready for a rematch of last year’s grand final, which they won 2-0. Although they are on the road, confidence is high following a solid pre-season that featured plenty of goals. Keep an eye out for young speedster Nicolas Milanovic and former Roar forward Dylan Wenzel-Halls, who have both been finding the back of the net in lead-up games.

We are tipping Western United to cover the one-goal handicap, paying $2 on Marantelli Bet.

Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets

Saturday, October 8 – 5pm AEDT – Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Central Coast, last season’s fifth-place finishers, should be far too good for the Jets here. The Mariners have installed well-travelled goalkeeper Danny Vukovic as their new captain following the retirement of Matt Simon, and the young squad should benefit from having an experienced, calm head at the back directing traffic.

The Jets have some ground to make up on the top sides and have just announced a trio of captains for the coming season. Matthew Jurman, Brandon O’Neill, and Carl Jenkinson will share the leadership duties, somehow. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic unfolds.

Central Coast to win is the tip.

Brisbane Roar vs Macarthur FC

Saturday, October 8 – 4pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

After a dismal 2022 that saw them collect only six wins and five draws, the Roar will be looking to rebuild. The side has not been particularly active during the off-season with new signings, although Joe Knowles does get another crack at the A-League following a successful NPL season with the Oakleigh Cannons.

Fresh from a win in the Australia Cup, Macarthur will be hoping to hit the new season with early momentum. New coach Dwight Yorke, who scored 123 goals in the English Premier League, seems to have his squad motivated and focused. The signing of defensive midfielder Mario Williams, who has represented the Barbados national team, should bolster their formation.

We are tipping Macarthur FC for the upset here, paying $2.80 with online bookmakers.

Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory

Saturday, October 8 – 7:45pm AEDT – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

After a disappointing 2021-22 season that saw them finish eighth, Sydney will be desperate to play finals again. Slovakian winger Robert Mac has been drafted to add needed firepower, as has Joe Lolley, who formerly played for Nottingham Forest.  

The signing of the globetrotting Portuguese star Luis Nani is expected to give the Victory a goalscoring lift. He slots into an already potent forward unit featuring Chris Ikonomidis and Ben Folami on the wings, and Nick D’Agostino up front. We can expect the Victory’s prolific scoring to continue this season.

We are tipping Victory to get the job done at $2.60, despite being on the road.

Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United

Sunday, October 9 – 3pm NZDT – Westpac Stadium, Wellington

External expectations are low for the Phoenix heading into the new season, although they did play finals last year after finishing in sixth spot. They will be a lot tougher to beat at home than on the road, where they may struggle, and will be looking to start the year brightly with a strong NZ performance.

United are confident they can improve on their top-four finish last season, with some young guns leading the charge including Nestory Irankunda and Zach Clough, who is highly regarded by coaching staff. The Reds start the season with three away games, so they will be looking to grab at least one point here.

We are tipping under 2.5 goals for this game, predicting it might be a dour affair with limited scoring opportunities.

Western Sydney Wanderers vs Perth Glory

Sunday, October 9 – 3pm AEDT – Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta

After an underwhelming year that saw them finish 10th, Wanderers will be hoping to recapture some of their former magic this season. With silverware in mind, Western Sydney have been very active in the pre-season, drafting a range of talent from across the globe. Yeni Ngbakoto has joined from the Congo, Milos Ninkovic from Serbia, and Sulejman Krpic from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Western Sydney fans are unlikely to accept another poor season, so pressure will be high.

Perth finished last season with the ignominious wooden spoon and are confident of surprising their opponents in this campaign. Their pre-season games brought glimmers of hope, but we expect the Glory to struggle against the Wanderers first up.

Western Sydney to win is the confident tip.

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