2023/24 A-League Round 5 Tips & Preview

2023/24 A-League Round 5 Tips & Preview

The A-League resumes this weekend after international break and if it’s anything like the first month was, we are in for a treat!

Four teams sit on top of the ladder unbeaten but we should see a shake up to that with Macarthur and the Victory taking each other on this Friday night.

I’ve run my eyes over the markets, checked the trends and played a bit of FIFA EAFC 24.

Here is my preview of Round 5 of the 2023/24 A-League Season

MACARTHUR FC v MELBOURNE VICTORY
Macarthur H2H @ $3.15

Fourth hosting second is where we kick off the weekend, Macarthur will take on the Victory at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Friday night.

The bookies are leaning towards the visitors early here.

Melbourne are $2.10 to the Bulls’ $3.15 even though their last two games have been draws.

Macarthur went into the international break with a 3-3 draw with Melbourne City and you’d imagine they would be pretty chuffed with that result over the powerhouse that is City.

Melbourne Victory has lost four of its last five A-League matches as an away favourite and the value looks to be with Macarthur here.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX v MELBOURNE CITY
Wellington H2H @ $3.35

Our first game on Saturday afternoon takes us to Mt Smart Stadium where the ‘Nix will be hosting Melbourne City who have been bloody slow to get out of the gates this year.

Wellington sit 3rd on the ladder currently after wins to the Glory & Roar and a draw with the Victory just before the break.

They’re $3.35 underdogs to the $2.00 City but could we see an upset here?

Based on early season form it could be incredibly likely.

City’s defence has been bloody poor this season, they are the only team in the league with double digit goals allowed in four rounds (11 goals allowed).

Wellington has won three of its last four A-League matches as a home underdog and combine that with City’s poor defence, I think we could see three points stay in NZ.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v NEWCASTLE JETS
Newcastle H2H @ $3.75

We’ve got our first F3 Derby of the year! How bloody good.

Despite currently sitting last, the Mariners are very short favourites to take the three points here. they’re $1.85 compared to Newy’s $3.75 and I don’t know if that’s right.

The Mariners are on a four game losing streak and only have two goals to their name this season.

They’ve won four of the last five derbies but this side doesn’t seem to be on the same level they were last season.

Newy look great value here!

SYDNEY FC v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC
WSW H2H @ $2.75

Speaking of derbies we’ve got ourselves a massive one on Saturday night!

The Sydney Derby is here again, last time these two met it went the way of the Sky Blues 2-1 and the bookies are leaning that way again.

Sydney FC only have one win on the year and are $2.35 to take this one out but WSW currently sit on top of the table with two wins and have only let in two goals all year.

The Sky Blues are 3-2 in the last five derbies but I think the bookies are seriously sleeping on the Wanderers here.

It feels weird to take four underdogs in four tips but the bookies are forcing my hand.

BRISBANE ROAR v PERTH GLORY
Brisbane to Win @ $1.67

Sunday afternoon the Glory head to Suncorp for a clash with the 2-1-1 Roar.

Brisbane are a much more refreshing side to watch this season and are a very short $1.67 to get the win over Perth here.

If you are feeling frisky, the underdog has won four of Brisbane’s last five A-League matches but I’m personally not willing to have a crack on the $4.40 Glory.

I think that stat more reflects the lack of love Brisbane has received.

I can’t take five underdogs in a row. Brisbane to win.

WESTERN UNITED v ADELAIDE UNITED
Adelaide H2H @ $2.45

Rounding out Week 5 we have the 11th placed Western United hosting the 2-1-1.

Adelaide are still my pick to win it all this year even though they went down 1-5 to Sydney FC.

The Reds are $2.45 favourites to get it done at Mars Stadium on Sunday afternoon and that looks like the play to me.

Western United have lost three on the trot and like CCM have only scored two goals this year.

No brainer for me, up the Reds!