Three weeks in to the 2022/23 A-League season and we’re starting to learn about the identities of these clubs.
It should be no surprise to many that the likes of Melbourne City are in the mix for silverware (again) and they will be facing stiff challenges from the usual parties.
However some of the clubs that are out to defy preseason expectations will see Round 4 as an opportunity to make their case.
It all gets underway in Western Sydney with the Wanderers at home against the high flying Jets before a newer edition of a Sydney derby headlines Saturday’s action.
We’ve got our A-League Tips and Previews for all six fixtures below so read on and see where we’ve found the value in the A-League markets.
We’ve got a pair of unbeaten sides kicking off Round 4 as the Wanderers host the Jets.
Western Sydney won their first two matches before being held to a draw by Brisbane last weekend.
That record is in large part down to a stout defensive record which has seen Marko Rudan’s side concede just once in 270 minutes of football.
As for the Jets, they have won both matches so far thanks to a superior strike force which has seen them put up five goals in wins over Perth and Wellington.
Perhaps most impressively, their 3-1 win over the Nix came without their Georgian marksman Beka Mikeltadze.
Considering the Wanderers gave up more than a few chances to the Roar last weekend, this has all the makings of a high scoring fixture if both sets of strikers have their shooting boots on.
Three of the last five between these two have seen at least three goals scored and that is the play to take for this one.
It’s an early start for the Saturday fixtures with Brisbane hosting Melbourne Victory at Redcliffe.
With a 2:00pm local time kickoff on what is forecast to be a hot and sunny day, those preseason fitness work will be put to the tests for both clubs.
Brisbane finally scored their first goal of the season through marquee man Charlie Austin and will feel somewhat aggrieved to not have had another one or two against the Wanderers last week as they were forced to settle for a second draw.
The Victory were second best in the Melbourne Derby and will now be without Josh Brillante after his red card against City.
His absence will be felt in a big way as it should allow Jay O’Shea a bit more room to operate and pull the strings for the Roar.
Not to mention Tony Popovic’s men will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat, however they do not have a good record at Moreton Daily Stadium.
In their two trips to the venue they have lost once and drawn and with the weather set to be somewhat oppressive, it might act as the great equaliser.
It’s an early season desperation derby of sorts with both clubs chasing their first win of the new campaign.
Western United took a step in the right direction last week picking up a draw against Macarthur for their first point, but John Aloisi still has work to do.
As for the Mariners they were stunned by Perth at home going down 2-1 and Nick Montgomery will be looking for some sort of response from his squad here.
There are still plenty of questions over the Western United defence and if the Mariners attack showcases its talent, then it should lead to a win for the home side.
It was a second draw of the season for Macarthur last week but they kept their unbeaten run under Dwight Yorke in all competitions alive, stretching the streak to eight matches all up.
Given they were able to grind out a point without captain Ulises Davila there was a lot to like about last week’s performance and they will have to do it without him against a determined Sydney FC side.
The Sky Blues were unable to capitalise on a man advantage against Adelaide and were forced to settle for a point.
This looks like a fixture where the market has overcorrected because of Macarthur’s reported absences and the Bulls are a much better shot than their current $2.90 quote.
It’s a case of two very different storylines for the strikers at both of these clubs.
Sanity prevailed in the end and Adelaide’s Hiroshi Ibusuki will be free to play in this match after his red card against Sydney was overturned.
As for Perth, they were without Bruno Fornaroli as his battle with coach Ruben Zadkovich continues and based on the Instagram comments on Sunday, the Uruguayan born Socceroos player won’t be involved in this one either.
Not that his absence was felt too much by the Glory players as they stunned the Mariners for their first win of the season.
However one win is not enough to sway most opinions and Perth is still a side very much in development.
Adelaide on the other hand is looking to mount a legitimate challenge and are good value even at their current price.
It’s not the most ambitious play but it’s a solid one to start the Sunday off with.
The reigning premiers have gone three for three to start the new season and are showing very few signs of slowing down.
Defensively they have only conceded one goal, and that was a late consolation for Western United in the season opener before holding the Roar and Victory scoreless.
Wellington has gone close twice picking up a pair of draws thus far but it’s tough to see their first win of the campaign coming from here.
Where there is value in this market is backing a City win and both teams to score considering the latter has hit in all three Wellington games so far.