Sydney FC into $2.10 for 2017 A-League title after Big Blue win

SYDNEY FC is the $2.10 top elect at Sportsbet.com.au to win this year’s A-League title after recording a solid 1-0 win over second-placed Melbourne Victory on Friday night.

The minor premiership market was suspended following the win after the Sky Blues clinched the Premier’s Plate in a professional performance, which also handed them a clean sweep over their Melbourne rivals on the year.

While it is mathematically possible that they can still be caught, Sydney FC only needs to claim four points from the remaining five games to guarantee the Premier’s Plate in 2017.

Gotta love Friday night @ALeague action @SydneyFC look to step closer to the title with a win over @gomvfc #ALeague #BigBlue #SYDvMVC

— Matt brownlow (@matt_brownlow) March 3, 2017

This is the first time in A-League history that either side has completed a clean sweep in the bitter Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory rivalry.

More importantly for Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold, his team is in prime position to complete the Premier’s Plate, A-League title double.

“There’s still 15 points to go, we’re in a great position, our destiny is in our own hands,” Arnold said.

At the opposite end of the finals picture, the Wellington Phoenix have put their hand up to claim an unlikely finals berth after their 3-3 draw alongside Perth moved the Kiwis within two points of the sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Wanderers were expected to easily account for the wooden spoon-bound Adelaide United, but their 0-0 draw opened the door for both Wellington (two points adrift) and Newcastle (three points adrift).

The Phoenix gave up a two-goal lead against the Glory, and while Phoenix coach Des Buckingham was disappointed his side could finish off the match, he was happy they were able to come away from the last fortnight of play still in the finals picture.

“Whenever you put yourself in a position where you’re two goals in front, especially at home, it’s disappointing to come away with a point,” Buckingham said.

“But I think it’s important we put it in the context of two tough games. I think if you had said prior to the Brisbane game that we would come away from the next two games with four points, everybody at this football club would have taken it.

“We spoke about building some momentum and we showed again some good signs that these players can play.”

The Wellington Phoenix ($2.25 to make finals at Sportsbet.com.au) is less than a win away from a finals position.

Buckingham said his side is right in the mix coming into the latter stages of the season.

“I think they’re still alive,” Buckingham said of his team’s top six chances.

“I think it’s important we go to Western Sydney Wanderers next week and pick up another win, another three points, and we take seven points from what are three very important games.

“We need to put ourselves in that position to kick-on at the back end of this month.”

Wellington is the $3.90 outsider to beat Western Sydney ($1.83 at Crownbet.com.au) on Sunday afternoon.

A-League Premiership Betting Market

Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Sydney FC – $2.10

Melbourne Victory – $3.25

Melbourne City – $11

Brisbane Roar – $13

Perth Glory – $13

Western Sydney Wanderers – $21

Wellington Phoenix – $26

Newcastle Jets – $41

Central Coast Mariners – $67

Adelaide United – $501