The run to the finals begins in Campbelltown this Friday as two teams on the outside of the finals picture try to claw their way back in.
Just when it looked like Macarthur was cooked they pulled off a win in the game of the season before the international break, winning in Adelaide 5-4.
Meanwhile, the high flying Jets were brought back to earth in spectacular fashion in their last outing, seeing their seven game unbeaten run end in a 6-2 defeat at home to Western United.
However Newcastle did have the excuse of playing their third game in seven days with a thin squad and a letdown did feel like it was coming.
This will be the fourth meeting of these sides this season and the away team has won all three prior contests, which adds further weight to the Jets’ case.
BEST: Newcastle to Win $2.75 | VALUE: Newcastle to Win and Over 3.5 Goals $5.50
Suddenly up to third place on the ladder, Western Sydney is now well placed to go on a late season run and challenge in the A-League Finals.
While the final score of their 4-2 win over the Victory might have flattered them a little bit, it was their fourth straight win and third one by multiple goals.
Their attack is humming scoring 17 goals in their last five games and the Nix have been porous at the back.
This one could get very ugly if the Wanderers get going.
BEST: Western Sydney to Win $1.90 | VALUE: Western Sydney to Win and Over 3.5 Goals $4.00
Based on recent form, this one might be the toughest game to call this weekend with both sides playing some effective football.
Sydney have been juggling their Asian duties with domestic commitments but they are unbeaten in their last five matches and having a weekend off would have done them a world of good to recharge the batteries.
That should have them well placed to be competitive against a Melbourne City side that did not have any answers in their last outing, ending a four game unbeaten run.
Two of the last four A-League meetings between these sides have ended in a draw and there really is not a lot between them.
While neither side can really afford to drop points and lose ground in the race for the finals, it feels like that pressure might cause both teams to try and go into damage limitation mode.
BEST: Draw $3.60 | VALUE: Draw and Under 2.5 Goals $4.80
It’s time to back away from Adelaide United, that’s five games without a win and seven points from their last eight, they seem destined to drop out of the top six sooner rather than later.
Compare that to the Victory’s form with four wins, two draws and two defeats from their last eight, they are definitely trending in the right direction.
There is never a shortage of drama when these sides face off but in this instance you have to give the edge to the Victory.
They have won three of the last four head to head matches and lost just twice since the start of the 2021/22 season.
Given Adelaide has conceded four or more goals in three of their last seven, don’t be at all surprised if this one sees plenty of goals scored.
BEST: Melbourne Victory to Win $1.85 | VALUE: Melbourne Victory to Win and Over 4.5 Goals $4.80
Two teams heading in opposite directions face off on Sunday afternoon and with the way these teams are defending, the final score could be anything.
The Mariners have conceded 12 goals in their last four matches, while the Glory have let in seven across their last two, which isn’t too bad except for the fact three of those came against the Roar.
We have two bad, out of form teams facing off and there is no reason to feel confident backing either team to win.
Instead, let’s just have a play on the over and hope for some entertaining attacking play… or comical defending, either one is fine.
BEST: Both Teams to Score $1.67 | VALUE: Over 4.5 Goals $5.00
Let’s take a trip back to October 19, 2024.
Auckland FC hosted Brisbane at Go Media Stadium in their first ever A-League match and the newbies were the best bet of the weekend, running away 2-0 winners.
Now they are on their way towards a maiden A-League premiership and an improved Brisbane side should not be able to stop them.
Steve Corica will have spent the last two weeks showing his side what happens when they let their guard down against a bad opponent.
There will not be a letdown this time.
BEST: Auckland to Win $1.91 | VALUE: Auckland to Win and Under 2.5 Goals $4.60