The A-League rolls on from Thursday night and we’re set for five matches, with several potentially vital results on the line.
We have to wait until the final fixture of the round for Week 18 to reach its peak, but Melbourne Victory vs Perth Glory will certainly be worth hanging around for.
Jets
Last 5 Matches: LLWLW
Ladder Position: 7th
Goal Difference: -3 (GF 20, GA 23)
Phoenix
Last 5 Matches: WDLWL
Ladder Position: 6th
Goal Difference: 0 (GF 24, GA 24)
A interesting match to launch Week 18 of the A-League and a case to be made for both clubs, following on from their respective performances on Matchday 17. The Jets mustered arguably their most impressive performance of the season to easily defeat Western Sydney, while they Phoenix were handed a reality check by the Glory, to the tune of a 3-0 loss. The Phoenix are overs in head-to-head betting for this one and I am happy to be with them.
Roar
Last 5 Matches: LLDDL
Ladder Position: 9th
Goal Difference: -17 (GF 21, GA 38)
Sydney
Last 5 Matches: WWWLW
Ladder Position: 3rd
Goal Difference: +12 (GF 31, GA 19)
One of the bigger mismatches of the weekend will see the Roar host Sydney FC on Saturday afternoon. These are two completely different classes of team and I cannot see why there is still so much value around the Sky Blues in head-to-head betting.
Wanderers
Last 5 Matches: LLLDL
Ladder Position: 8th
Goal Difference: -16 (GF 11, GA 24)
Mariners
Last 5 Matches: WDLLL
Ladder Position: 10th
Goal Difference: -22 (GF 18, GA 40)
Given the position of both of these clubs in overall standings, this looks like being one of the better contests in Week 18 of the A-League. The Wanderers were absolutely flogged by the Jets last weekend, while the Mariners were unlucky not to take anything from the Victory. I give them a real chance of winning this one and am happy to take the value on offer in the head-to-head market.
City
Last 5 Matches: LDWLL
Ladder Position: 5th
Goal Difference: 3 (GF 21, GA 18)
Adelaide
Last 5 Matches: LWDWW
Ladder Position: 4th
Goal Difference: 5 (GF 25, GA 20)
A great opportunity for both City and Adelaide to take potentially vital competition points. Its been a lean few weeks for the home side, while Adelaide pulled off the comeback of the season when they overturned a 3-goal deficit to beat Brisbane last weekend. The Reds leapfrogged City into the top four and can consolidate their position by winning this.
Victory
Last 5 Matches: WWDWW
Ladder Position: 2nd
Goal Difference: +18 (GF 39, GA 21)
Glory
Last 5 Matches: WDDWW
Ladder Position: 1st
Goal Difference: +20 (GF 36, GA 16)
This could be a preview of this season’s grand final and we’re set for an absolute blockbuster when the second-placed Victory host the league-leading Perth Glory on Sunday. Both clubs have been terrific all season and both have genuine claims on winning this one, and the championship come season’s end. I’m happy to sit on the fence.