A-League Round 10 betting tips, best odds & top value bets

The A-League continues to deliver the summer sports actions with a solid round of action highlighted by a vital match-up between the second placed Wanderers and third placed Macarthur FC. We are tipping some round ten upsets with Phoenix expected to make a bold showing against the top placed Melbourne City, and Perth posing an outside threat to Adelaide United.

Western United v Brisbane Roar

Friday, December 30 — 7:45pm AEDT
AAMI Park, Melbourne

After a poor start to the season, Western United ($2.20) has turned their form around in the last two rounds with solid 1-0 wins over the highly placed Wanderers and Victory. Coaches love clean sheet victories. Western United had looked disorganised defensively prior to their recent improvement, conceding 18 goals in the opening seven matches. They will be keen to keep the current momentum rolling with another disciplined performance here.

Brisbane ($3.20) ground out a tight, yet pleasing 1-1 result against the Wanderers in round nine. The Roar went behind in the 18th minute, but Carlo Armiento found the equaliser in the 62nd. The outcome is typical of their low scoring, draw heavy year to date. They have chalked up five draws from eight fixtures and the Roar are averaging less than one goal per game. A compressed ladder means they can still potentially play finals and a win here will propel the Roar into a top six position if other results fall their way.

Centeral Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory

Saturday, December 31 — 7pm AEDT
Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

The Mariners ($2.40) had a game to catch up in round nine and emerged with a big 3-0 win over the Jets and a respectable 1-0 loss to the high-flying Melbourne City at AAMI Park.

Central Coast have had no problem find the back of the net, pouring in 18 strikes at an average of exactly two goals per game thus far. They have struggled somewhat for consistency, but represent a danger game for the Victory here.

After the chaos engulfing their organisation, Melbourne Victory ($2.75) were predictably distracted in round nine and stumbled against Western United. With ongoing sanctions still affecting the team, it will take a strong mindset to produce their best football. Playing outside Melbourne might be a bonus at this point with the pressure of the pitch invasion still playing on their mind. They will be looking to reverse their recent decline with a better showing here.

Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC

Sunday, January 1 — 3pm AEDT
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Newcastle ($3.25) come out of their round nine double header with a big loss to the Mariners, and a surprise away win over Adelaide United. The Jets have been running hot and cold all season, so the trick is to catch them on the right day. They are the only team in the comp not to register a single draw out of nine games, which shows their willingness to throw men forward in search of outright victory.

Sydney FC ($2) were disappointing against Macarthur in round nine, turning in one of their worst performances of the season. The horror afternoon was capped of with a straight red card to import Joe Lolley in 57th minute for a nasty studs-up challenge, after which they conceded two more goals. Their second straight loss sees them fall to 10th on the ladder, a mere three points above the bottom placed Glory. We are very surprised by the short odds being offered and will not be backing Sydney again until a solid form reversal is evident.

We are taking our chances with the inconsistent Jets here at the big odds

Western Sydney Wanderers vs Macarthur FC

Sunday, January 1 — 5pm AEDT
Commbank Stadium, Parramatta

The Wanderers ($1.83) produced a typical low-scoring performance in round nine and continue to sit second on the ladder, four points behind Melbourne City. Coach Mark Rudan has instilled a very disciplined attitude within the squad, and the boys have a knack for playing tight under pressure and doing just enough. While their fans might be hoping for a more free-flowing style of attack, the Wanderers appear content to bank the crucial premiership points at this stage of the year.

Macarthur ($3.75) trounced the hapless Sydney FC in round nine and will be looking to spring another upset here. Bachana Arabuli was the standout in the 3-0 win with a goal in both halves and might prove a handful for defenders again. By way of contrast, Macarthur have averaged 1.4 goals per game to the Wanderers 0.8 goals. The sides sit second and third on the ladder, so this game is a virtual six pointer. It might be a tight and tactical affair, so we are expecting a low-scoring evening.

Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City

Monday, January 2 — 1pm AEDT
Sky Stadium, Wellington

Wellington ($3) emerged from the tough Perth road trip with a precious point and will relish a return to home turf for this difficult assignment. The Phoenix continue to hit the target, with 17 goals to show for their attacking mindset. They have only been beaten in Wellington once this season while posting big wins over Adelaide and Macarthur at the Kiwi’s beloved Sky Stadium. The last time these sides met, they played out a 2-2 result at AAMI Park, so Wellington will go in full of confidence.

Melbourne City ($2.10) eked out a 1-0 result over the Mariners in round nine with Jamie Maclaren slotting the winner in the 39th minute. They hold top ladder position and look deserved favourites at this stage to take home the A-League silverware. City clearly lead the comp in goal differential and are priced accordingly for this tricky fixture. We have, however been riding the Phoenix and will continue to do so here.

Adelaide United vs Perth Glory

Tuesday, January 2 — 7:15pm ACDT
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

After a big 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory in round six, Adelaide ($1.72) have been most disappointing, drawing 1-1 with Brisbane, losing to Wellington 3-1, and losing again to Newcastle 1-0. These are hardly confidence inspiring results, and we would be happy to lay them against almost any other side. Adelaide are fortunate to remain at Coopers Stadium and to be matched with the struggling Perth side for this fixture as they attempt to get their season back on track.

After a 4-0 round five thumping at the hands of Melbourne City, there has been much to like about the under-rated Glory ($4.33). Their recent run has included a 2-1 win over Western United, a 1-0 loss to Macarthur, and a 1-1 draw against Wellington. Not much is expected from them in this game, but Adelaide are running cold and the spirited Glory squad will be hopeful of springing the upset and stealing the points.

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