After successfully tipping the 2022/23 A-League opener between Western United and Melbourne City, we turn our attention to the second batch of games, slated for Saturday, October 8.
Today, we take a look at Brisbane Roar vs Macarthur FC, Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets, and Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory and provide you with our A-League betting picks and analysis.
Brisbane Roar vs Macarthur FC Betting Pick
- When: Saturday, October 8 – 16:00 AEST
- Where: Moreton Daily Stadium in Brisbane, Australia
- Weather: Sunny, 24°C
Brisbane Roar will kick off the new season at home stadium, where they’ll host the newly crowned FFA Cup champions, Macarthur FC. Even though Brisbane didn’t win the cup, they had a solid run and made it to the final four, largely thanks to ex-QPR Striker Charlie Austin, who is expected to keep his feet hot and be the man to watch in Roar’s squad.
But while most of the focus is on Austin, he won’t have to carry all the weight alone, with Riku Danzaki returning to the club after spending a year in Japan.
While Brisbane Roar have a lot going for them, the Bulls won’t make it easy for them. Admittedly, Macarthur failed to amaze last season, but perhaps that’s exactly what they need to push for better results in 2022/23. And they definitely have the tools for it.
Battling the Roar’s attacking duo will be Al Hassan Toure and Daniel Arzani, who have proven to be just as potent. Toure has already proven to be a capable goalscorer, while Arzani has showcased his ball skill time and time again, suggesting that the hosts will have their hands full trying to stop him.
Comparing the two teams, the Roar look solid, but they are still a bit patchy, whereas Macarthur look like a complete package, ready to start the season the right way. They have a solid defence and a very potent attack, which should be enough for a solid campaign, and it all starts with a strong performance this weekend.
- Prediction: Macarthur FC +0.25, 1.90
Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets Betting Pick
- When: Saturday, October 8 – 17:35 AEDT
- Where: Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia
- Weather: Showers, 19°C
A clash between two underdogs and a match no A-League fan should miss, as Central Coast Mariners meet with their F3 rivals, Newcastle Jets in Gosford.
Mariners enter the 2022/23 A-League season after once more defying the odds last term when they finished above Sydney and Macarthur and locked in a top-six finish. And the story has gotten even more exciting with the return of Danny Vukovic for this season.
Similarly to Vukovic, Brandon O’Neil will look for a fresh start at Newcastle Jets, who, with the rejuvenated roster, just might give him that chance. Admittedly, O’Neil wasn’t a standout player in 2021/22, but in his defence, that campaign was plagued with issues, leading to him playing just ten games, and yet he still managed 11 shot assists and one goal.
If he can replicate that and work with Beka Mikeltadze and Jaushua Sotirio, then we can start talking about Newcastle Jets achieving something remarkable this season.
As with any derby, this one is bound to be a very entertaining affair, mainly because it’s hard to say what to expect. Both teams look vastly different to that of last season, but there’s talent all around, ensuring a great spectacle.
Last time out in Gosford, CCM won 2-0; however, they also let the Jets fire 17 shots, which likely won’t fly this time out. Still, the hosts’ defence looks sturdier for the rematch and barring any shocks; the Mariners should come out ahead of this affair.
Our second of three A-League Betting picks is on Mariners with a -0.25 handicap.
- Prediction: Central Coast Mariners -0.25, 1.88
Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory Betting Pick
- When: Saturday, October 8 – 19:45 AEDT
- Where: Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Australia
- Weather: Showers, 13°C
The day will end with another rival clash between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory in another spectacle that won’t disappoint.
On one side we have the hosts, Sydney FC, who are desperate to bounce back from their disastrous campaign in 2021/22, which culminated with a 1-4 defeat against Melbourne.
On the other side, we have Melbourne Victory, the current second-favourites to win A-League and one of the top teams heading into the new season. Led by former Sydney FC player Tony Popovic, the expectations put on Victory are nothing less than a title, and while it’s hard to doubt their chances to achieve their goals, it all starts on Saturday.
Victory now also fields four-time Premier League winner and UCL champion Nani, which only adds to the expectations. However, while Victory are undoubtedly strong, beating Sydney FC at home was never an easy task.
Moreover, Sydney FC have Jack Rodwell and Alex Parsons, who have yet to make their debuts, but they’re definitely not a duo to ignore. Rodwell, in particular, will be exciting to watch, mainly because he is kind of a wild card.
As history has taught us, anything can happen when Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory clash, and we expect nothing less on Saturday. Still, despite what the home fans would like to see, there is very little to suggest Sydney FC can hold up.
Bet365 offers 2.04 (2.00 on Pinnacle) on Melbourne Victory DNB, which is just too good to ignore.
- Prediction: Melbourne Victory +0.00, 2.04
