Just four weeks remain in the A-League Men’s season and there is still plenty of football to be played.
The race for the Premiers’ Plate is down to the three Victorian clubs with Melbourne City in the box seat with points in the bank, however they are off for the next few weeks due to the Asian Champions League.
As for the rest of the finals teams, it’s anyone’s guess with everyone from fourth placed Sydney FC to 11th placed Brisbane still a mathematical chance of reaching the postseason tournament.
We’ve got 10 matches coming up over the next eight days to preview in Round 23 so check out our A-League Men’s tips and previews below.
MIDWEEK – APRIL 12 & 13
At the third time of asking, the Victory will finally host Brisbane for the second time this season.
Originally scheduled for early January, the Covid outbreak forced a postponement before a hastily rescheduled clash for the end of February was postponed due to the Roar’s inability to safely fly out of Brisbane due to the floods.
Perhaps the Roar will be buoyed by their late show to take a point off the Wanderers on Saturday however it’s tough to back against the Victory in their current form.
On a three game winning streak, a nine game league unbeaten run and having gone 270 minutes without conceding a goal, you have to like them against the Roar at this price.
Sydney’s final domestic match before departing for the Asian Champions League will present a tough test in the form of Adelaide United.
Anything less than three points for the Sky Blues could provide a damaging blow for their already perilous finals hopes and they will come into this game full of confidence after putting five past the Mariners on the weekend.
Adelaide was able to course correct with a hard fought 1-0 win over Macarthur but they really don’t have the firepower to match Sydney if the home side is able to get going in attack.
Defensively the Reds have been quite strong in most games this season though and I like their chances of stifling a Sydney side that has struggled for consistency.
At their current price, they look to be over the odds to get at least a point from this and I’ll back Adelaide in the double chance market.
While they may have come in very different fashion, both of these clubs suffered heartbreaking results on the weekend and will be desperate for a quick turnaround.
Central Coast were not at the races against a rampant Sydney FC while a late brain snap cost the Wanderers what would have been a vital win over Brisbane.
That draw extended their winless run to four matches and with goalkeeper Daniel Margush suspended for this game after his red card, we could see a Central Coast bounce back effort here.
After all, prior to their shellacking from Sydney, they were on a seven game unbeaten run that had produced 15 points and a whole lot of goals.
There is every chance that defeat on the weekend was just a bad day at the office and at this price, the Mariners look to be the value play of the midweek fixtures.
It’s fair to say that this catch-up Distance Derby being played in Sydney midweek sums up the logistical struggles that both of these clubs have gone through this season.
An undermanned Perth Glory are limping to the finish line with an injury depleted squad and the youth players that have been promoted up to the senior team are getting a harsh introduction to the realities of A-League football.
Meanwhile, Wellington were spared a trip to Perth ahead of their homecoming on the weekend as their Jekyll and Hyde form line continued.
Each of their last four games have been decided by multiple goal margins, with a 3-0 win over Brisbane and a 4-1 belting of Western United bookending a 6-0 defeat to Melbourne City and a 5-0 loss to the Mariners.
While the Nix may have one eye on their flight back across the ditch in this match, they should still be able to handle a Perth side that is just ready for their nightmare season to end.
WEEKEND – APRIL 15-17
The Bulls and the Roar will get the long weekend action underway when they face off on Good Friday.
Brisbane’s fitness will be tested as they face their third away game in six days having taken a point off the Wanderers and Victory and while they won’t be too upset with those outcomes, they won’t be dancing in the streets either.
Macarthur went down to Adelaide in their last outing and need to pick up maximum points here to leapfrog Sydney FC.
While both sides are likely to try and go on the offensive at times, they’re both well aware of how damaging a defeat would be and will look to shore up their defence first and foremost.
Combine that with Brisbane’s fatigue, and we could be in for a case of first goal wins.
Perth still has some fight in the players that are taking to the pitch every week, however when you consider the lengthy absentee list and the mental fatigue of a draining campaign, it’s tough to give them much chance in many games this season.
Especially against a Western United side that will be desperate to atone from a very poor showing in their last outing, going down 4-1 to the Jets.
No need to overcomplicate this one, back the home side to take care of business as they push for the premiership.
You know the Victory will be smarting after failing to break down the Roar on Tuesday night and Newcastle may be the team they take those frustrations out on.
However, Newcastle is no easybeat and can certainly go on the attack in a game where they need goals.
This is shaping up as the game of the weekend and a must watch encounter for all football fans.
I don’t have a strong feeling either way in terms of the result but I do think we’re going to see a few goals flying in.
Some games you can back on stats, facts, figures and game footage, other times you just have to back the storyline and/or the occasion.
Wellington returns to their actual home ground for the first time this season and will want to put on a show.
Sure, the Mariners beat them 5-0 earlier this month but this will be a different setup with a (hopefully) vocal crowd behind them at the Cake Tin.
Take the Nix outright.
MIDWEEK – APRIL 19-20
Western United will be flying after hitting Perth for six in Tasmania on the weekend, an impressive effort even against a depleted Glory outfit.
Macarthur will have plenty of confidence themselves thanks to Jake McGing’s late winner over a determined Brisbane outfit on Friday night and should provide a stern test for John Aloisi’s men.
While it might not result in a 6-0 scoreline, Western United are the better side and should be a much shorter priced favourite than they are.
That’s the value play in this market.
Four of the Wanderers last five matches have ended in a draw, and this looks pretty likely to produce the same result.
Neither side can really afford to lose here with their finals hopes dangling by a thread, however neither has really shown anything to give punters the confidence to take them outright.
Newcastle will push all the way and if they can get out to an early lead they might find a way to go on with it however with just two wins from their last five, there’s also a certain level of apprehension around them too.