A-League semi-finals preview, betting tips & top soccer odds

After an exciting first leg of the semi-finals, we now have just two remaining matches to decide who will make the 2024 A-League Grand Final. Below are our free betting tips for both semis.

Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory

Saturday, May 18 – 6:30pm NZDT – Sky Stadium

First leg: 0-0

Heading across to New Zealand, it’s all square after the first leg finished in a 0-0 stalemate.

Although they dominated most of the game, Melbourne Victory failed to score from 20 shots. Meanwhile, the Wellington Phoenix will need to put in a much-improved effort after they failed to register a shot on target.

Back at home, the Phoenix enter as slight underdogs with top soccer bookmakers, despite being unbeaten in their last nine home matches. On the other hand, Tony Popovic’s men have won just one of their past eight away games, including a 1-0 loss to Wellington in April.

All season, the Phoenix have been known for their solid defence and their ability to score goals on the counter, which suggests that their efforts in the first leg are not a major cause for concern.

In the club’s best-ever A-League season, expect a big performance in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC

Saturday, May 18 – 7:45pm AEST – Industree Group Stadium

First leg: CCM 2-1

In a dramatic first leg, it was the Central Coast Mariners who secured a vital 2-1 advantage in a comeback win at Allianz Stadium.

After falling behind in the 25th minute, the Mariners turned the game around with a pair of goals either side of half-time. Sydney FC also earned two second-half red cards and were ultimately lucky to go down by just one goal.

This win resulted in the Mariners breaking a four-match losing streak against Sydney FC, showing they are rightful favourites to go back-to-back for the A-League title at $2.10 with online bookmakers.

Heading up to Gosford, the Mariners are on a nine-match unbeaten run, and they have lost just two games since November. Premiers and AFC Cup winners already this season, Mark Jackson’s men should be far too strong for Sydney FC.

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