A-League Round 22 preview, match odds & best bets

The A-League returns from a bye and round 22 is headlined by a compelling contest between the competition’s form teams – third-placed Wanderers and second-placed Adelaide United. The other key premiership aspirants face easier assignments with Central Coast hosting the Roar at Industree Group Stadium, and Melbourne City facing Newcastle at AAMI Park.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United

Friday, March 31 — 7:45pm AEDT
CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Despite starting at generous odds, Western Sydney ($2.05) flattened Sydney FC 4-0 in round 21. Wanderers dominated throughout and scored at will in an impressive display that augurs well for their finals campaign. Amor Layouni threatened throughout and finished with two goals for his efforts. A win here against fellow contenders will see Western Sydney shorten markedly in premiership betting markets.

Adelaide United ($3.40) were equally commanding in their 5-1 victory over the Phoenix at Coopers Stadium. Scoring duties were shared as United could not miss in front of goal, but special mention must go to Lachlan Barr, who found the back of the net in the 51st minute. Wellington threatened on numerous occasions but only one team could shoot truly, and Adelaide took the opportunity to fill their boots.

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory

Saturday, April 1 — 11am NZTD
Sky Stadium, Wellington

Wellington ($2.45) will relish a return to home soil after their tough night at Coopers Stadium. The Phoenix boast a stellar record at home this season, having been beaten only twice in NZ across 11 matches. We expect them to hit back hard and hold onto their top-five position with another strong showing at Sky Stadium.

Melbourne Victory ($2.75) showed glimpses of their best form against the Mariners in round 21. The 2-0 result over the fourth-placed Central Coast demonstrated that the Victory are a dangerous side when they ignore off-field distractions and play as a cohesive unit. These sides have only met once this season, with Melbourne prevailing 3-1 at AAMI Park in round 15.

Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar

Saturday, April 1 — 5pm AEDT
Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Not much went the way of the Mariners ($1.88) in round 21 and they will be keen to make amends for the loss at AAMI Park. This was only the third time Central Coast have been held scoreless all campaign, and they looked uncharacteristically nervy in front of goal. They beat the Roar 1-2 at Kayo Stadium when these sides clashed in round 15, and will be confident of a repeat performance.

Brisbane ($3.90) eked out a solid 1-0 win over Western United, with a Jay O’Shea strike in the 81st minute enough to secure the points. The Roar were very solid at the back and denied their opponents any real scoring opportunities for most of the contest. Despite the win, Brisbane are still in the wooden spoon danger zone, just two points clear of Melbourne Victory.

Sydney FC v Western United

Saturday, April 1 — 7:45pm AEDT
Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Sydney ($1.78) were no match for their cross-town rivals in round 21, and disgruntled fans were seen streaming from the stands well before the final whistle. The effort was consistent with their hot-and-cold season thus far. The loss leaves Sydney stranded in sixth spot and no certainty to play finals. They should find this contest easier than the tough Wanderers matchup.

Western United ($4.30) toiled long and hard against the Roar but were unable to break down Brisbane’s defensive wall. United got the better of Sydney at their most recent encounter with a 1-0 result in round 13 at North Hobart Oval. A win here would leapfrog United over Sydney on the ladder, not a position widely predicted pre-season.

Perth Glory v Macarthur FC

Saturday, April 1 — 7pm AWST
Macedonia Park, Perth

Perth ($2.10) have a habit of finding very late goals, and they waited until the 97th minute to secure the equaliser against Newcastle. Ryan Williams was the beneficiary of some wild scrambling seconds before the final whistle. The 2-2 result should fill them with confidence heading back to Macedonia Park, where they hold a solid record and enjoy popular support.

Macarthur ($3.30) provided the shock of round 21 when they drew 1-1 with runaway league leaders Melbourne City. The home side hit the front in the 26th minute and only a heart-breaking own goal cost Macarthur all three points and bragging rights. Their home record this season is vastly superior to their returns on the road, so this might prove a tough night in front of a partisan WA crowd.

Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets

Sunday, April 2 — 3pm AEST
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Melbourne City ($1.38) looked lacklustre in their match against Macarthur and were fortunate to emerge with a point. They may be coasting courtesy of their lead at the top of the table, but this advantage has now shrunk to a mere four points. Their last five performances have lacked the impetus of their early-season efforts, yielding one draw, two narrow wins, and two losses. At the peak of their powers, this game would look like an easy City win; however, after their last effort, that is no foregone conclusion.

Newcastle ($7.50) were somewhat unlucky to let the points slide in round 21. Like City, their form has also tapered somewhat in recent weeks, and the Jets are winless in their last four outings. These sides last met in round six, when City prevailed 1-2 at McDonald Jones Stadium in a hard-fought encounter. Newcastle are capable of springing the occasional upset, as evidenced by wins over Adelaide and the Mariners, but it would take a big effort to knock off the premiership favourites here.

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