The penultimate round of games in the A-League takes place this weekend, as some of the sides in the top positions look to solidify their position in the finals series. However, which soccer tips could prove to be the most lucrative this weekend?
Sydney FC vs Adelaide United
The game of the weekend will centre on the side that finishes in second in the regular season. Regardless of the result, neither side will be able to catch Melbourne City, who have already secured their spot at the top of the table. However, the runners-up position will mean a straightforward run of games in the finals.
Sydney FC are currently the side with the advantage coming into this weekend’s game, as they are in second spot. Only defeat will keep the battle going until the final day of the season, and that would appear unlikely when you consider that Sydney have lost five games all season. They come into the business end of the season, having lost the joint-fewest games in the league this term. They would have been nearer to Melbourne City, but draws at pivotal stages of the campaign have cost them. No side in the A-League have drawn more games this season. Sydney do come into this game having won their last three, which includes the 1-0 win that they picked up against Western Sydney Warriors last weekend. Bobo scored the only goal of the game just past the hour mark.
Only a victory for Adelaide United will keep them in the hunt for second spot this weekend. Their form has taken a bit of a hit over recent weeks, as they have picked up just two wins from their last five in the league. They were able to get a second win in three outings last time out, as they beat Melbourne Victory 1-0 away from home. Craig Goodwin struck the winner just before half-time. However, it looks to be an unlikely target that they will be able to finish in second. Instead, they will be more prepared for a match in the Elimination-finals in a couple of weeks.
It should be an interesting battle between two of the leading sides in the A-League. However, it looks unlikely that Sydney FC will be beaten. They have been in good form over recent weeks, and we expect them to pick up the draw they need to seal second spot.
Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets
Central Coast Mariners had been the side to catch at the summit throughout much of the season, but their form has dipped considerably over recent weeks. However, they still have a chance to finish in third, which would mean a showdown with the side that finishes in sixth in the opening round of the finals.
Defeat for Adelaide could open the door for them this weekend, as the Mariners are currently in fourth position and are just two points behind Adelaide. The Mariners, at the very least, will need to improve following recent disappointing performances, as they have won just once in their last five games. That run of form has seen them drop from first to fourth. They have won just once in their last seven coming into this fixture, and were beaten for the second game in five last time out against Melbourne City. The Mariners will need to respond this weekend.
The Newcastle Jets will be the opponents this weekend, and the Mariners couldn’t pick a more perfect opposition to be coming up against. Newcastle have been in disappointing form throughout the season, and it never looked likely that they would be competing for a finals spot from early in the season. The Jets have won just three games in 23 this term, while they have also lost 15 times. They have scored just 19 goals in the league, and are pointless in their last two.
This is a perfect opportunity for the Mariners to get back to winning ways, and we find it hard to believe that they would spurn it. It should be a comfortable win for the home side.
Western Sydney Warriors vs Brisbane Roar
One side that will be hoping to take a step towards the finals this weekend will be the Brisbane Roar. Only a victory will do in order to keep up the advantage that they have over Perth Glory, while the Western Sydney Warriors may also be trying to chase down the Roar.
Brisbane have their own destiny in their hands. Victory in their final games this season will seal at least a sixth-place finish, while they could still jump a couple of places depending on other results. Sixth will be the minimum target, as it would seal their place in the finals. Their recent form hasn’t been as strong as they would have been hoping, as they have won just two of their last five games in the A-League.
Western Sydney Warriors have put themselves into a strong position to challenge for a qualification spot over recent weeks, as they come into this game just three points behind in Roar. Victory would give them a chance going into the final day of the season. However, their form has been disappointing recently. They have lost three of their last five and have picked up just two victories.
There are big stakes for both clubs coming into this fixture, and it could make for interesting viewing. The Roar should have just about enough to get over the line, and they should claim a narrow win.
