The 2024-25 A-League season continues this weekend with Round 16! Action kicks off on Friday night with a blockbuster between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, which is followed by a three-game slate on Saturday and single games on Sunday and Tuesday. As always, we bring you our three best bets for the round for free below!
A-League Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC
AAMI Park, Friday 24th January, 7:35pm AEDT
Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC are set to go head-to-head at AAMI Park in what promises to be an action-packed encounter. Both teams have been inconsistent defensively, setting the stage for a high-scoring clash.
Victory sits seventh on the ladder with 19 points from 13 games. They’ve been strong going forward, averaging 2 goals per game at home, but their defence has been leaky, conceding six goals in their last two home games. Playing on their home turf gives them a slight edge, but they’ll need to step up at the back to stay competitive.
Sydney FC, currently fifth with 21 points from 14 matches, has been involved in some entertaining games this season. They’ve averaged 4 total goals in their matches and have struggled defensively all season. Their ability to find the back of the net consistently has kept them competitive, even when they’ve been exposed defensively.
With both teams favouring attack over defence, this game looks set to deliver plenty of goals. Over 3.5 goals feels like a realistic outcome, as both sides will be pushing hard for a result in this long-standing rivalry.
Over 3.5 Goals
$2.20 (1.5 Units)
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners
Apollo Projects Stadium, Saturday 25th January, 3:00pm AEDT
Wellington Phoenix will host Central Coast Mariners at Apollo Projects Stadium, coming off one of their best wins of the season – a 2-1 victory over Macarthur. While their overall form has been up and down, that win will have given them a significant confidence boost. The Phoenix will be eager to build on this momentum, especially with the Mariners coming to town. Although Wellington has struggled at home, with just two wins from their last seven matches, the confidence from their recent performance could be the spark they need.
Central Coast Mariners, on the other hand, arrive with a 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in their last match. They’ve been solid on the road this season, winning three of their six away games, but they’ve had defensive issues at times. Their attack remains a strong suit, but against a Phoenix side finding some form, they’ll need to be tighter at the back.
Wellington won their most recent encounter with the Mariners – a 3-0 victory on the road in mid-November. They now get the chance to play host and considering their positive performance last start, I think they’re well over the odds and deserve to be the slight favourites on Saturday.
Wellington to Win
$2.80 (1.5 Units)
Macarthur FC vs Melbourne City
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday 25th January, 7:35pm AEDT
Macarthur FC will host Melbourne City at Campbelltown Stadium, hoping to bounce back after their 2-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix. The Bulls have shown attacking promise this season, but their defence has been a bit shaky. They’ll need to tighten up at the back if they want to challenge Melbourne City, especially with their recent run of form.
Melbourne City, on the other hand, have been in strong shape, sitting third on the table with 24 points from 13 matches. They’ve been solid at both ends of the pitch, with a well-balanced team that’s tough to break down. Despite a 3-0 loss to Auckland FC, City has remained consistent overall, and their confidence will be high going into this match.
In their last encounter, Macarthur managed a 2-0 win, but Melbourne City has improved significantly since then. With their solid defence and attacking strength, City should be the favourites to take the win here. Macarthur will need a strong performance at home to cause an upset, but given City’s talent advantage and overall form across the season, they’ll likely come out on top in this one.
Melbourne City to Win
$2.60 (1 Unit)
