Sydney FC have continued their march towards the minor premiership, and Melbourne Victory seem to have a monopoly on second, but there’s still plenty of finals spots up for grabs. As always, we’ll break down who’s going to edge closer and who’s falling back in our A-League expert tips and predictions.
Last week was a decent one on the tipping front for everyone. Everyone except me, that is. Vas has once again surged up to regain a share of the lead with me on 56 points, while The Crowd and Matt are both edging back – albeit ever so slightly – now on 49.
Mike (48) is a further point back, and Janek (44) remains in last spot.
As a split round, the upcoming series of matches is going to be shared over the next two weekends, but we’re still going to tackle all five games in the one go.
As always, be sure to lend your voice to The Crowd in the form below to help every Roarer out-tip the experts. Voting closes at 4pm (AEDT) on Friday, so make sure you check back after then to see the final results.
On to the tips!
Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners
Sydney FC. The Sky Blues are romping home to the Premiers’ Plate and they’ll take another step to sealing the trophy in front of their home fans. The only question is: how many fans will be there to witness it?
Melbourne Victory vs Perth Glory
Victory. Last weekend’s loss to Sydney FC will have been tough to take for Kevin Muscat’s men. They’ll look to bounce back against an unpredictable Perth Glory in what should be a tight contest at AAMI Park.
Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets
City. Melbourne City have flattered to deceive all season, and they’ll head into the home stretch of the season looking over their shoulders. They should have too much firepower for the Jets, but you never know with City.
Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar
Roar. John Aloisi is furious at having been linked with Adelaide United, and his side could go into this clash with an added dose of motivation. The Roar have been in patchy form of late, but they’re likely to claim all three points in Adelaide.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix
Phoenix. It’s been a season to forget for both teams, but despite that, they’re still fighting for a place in the top six. Spotless Stadium hasn’t proved a happy hunting ground for the home team, and they could come unstuck against an inconsistent Phoenix.
Sydney FC, Draw, Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners
Sydney. The Sky Blues are just relentless and although the Mariners are spirited and have come a long way since the start of the season, they won’t be able to match it against their former coach and a couple of their former players.
Melbourne Victory vs Perth Glory
Draw. Victory are still my alternate favourites (is that a thing?) to Sydney FC, although Perth aren’t far behind. The boys from the west are certainly hitting their stride at the right time, but I can’t split them.
Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets
Melbourne. City should be too good for Newcastle here, although there’s still much to like about the Jets’ spirit and determination. But City just have too much firepower across the park.
Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar
Brisbane. The Roar are another team that could well be in the mix on the final day and when Jamie Maclaren is scoring goals they are as dangerous as anyone in the competition. They’ll get up here, I reckon.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix
Wellington. I just can’t tip Western Sydney at home. So… Wellington it is, but without a lot of confidence.
Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar, Draw
Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar, Draw
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners
Sydney FC. A win for the home side will all but secure the minor premiership. The Mariners made a fine comeback against Melbourne City last week, but couldn’t hold on to prevent a home loss, which has severely dented their finals hopes. On form, the Sky Blues are a safe option.
Melbourne Victory vs Perth Glory
Melbourne Victory. The Victory’s minor premiership hopes all but evaporated last week after losing to Sydney FC. With nine points separating them from their crosstown rivals, the Victory should be sufficiently clear to not have any late season nerves. The Glory will be more motivated for a result, given both Brisbane and City are a point ahead, yet away from home, Perth’s struggles are notable.
Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets
Melbourne City. With a two-week break in the offing, both sides should be refreshed heading into what is shaping as a crucial fixture. City need a win to keep the chasing pack at bay, while the Jets’ slim finals hopes will likely dissipate without three points. At home, and having won a tumultuous fixture last week in Gosford, City should be too good.
Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar. The Reds were obdurate in holding out the Wanderers last week on their travels, yet it’s been at home where Adelaide have largely disappointed. The Roar can climb to third if they can win here, and that should almost secure a top six finish.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix
Draw. The match of the (split) round – the Wanderers have two points on their opponents, and will be at home against the Phoenix that are notorious strugglers on their travels. It may largely fall to one side breaking the mental hoodoo, yet with the pressure on, it possibly paving the way for either a feisty or lamentably poor occasion. Yet with not many games left, both sides will be disinclined to risk, making a draw a decent option.
Sydney FC
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners
Sydney. This one didn’t take too much mulling over at all. Sydney have been dominant this year while the Mariners, well, haven’t. At all.
Melbourne Victory vs Perth Glory
Melbourne. A tough one to tip, but the Victory have been the second-best team in the comp all year, while the Glory have been brilliant at times, but overall inconsistent. At home, I’ll back Melbourne.
Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets
City. They’ve lost Fernando Brandan for the year, but City still have too much quality on the pitch, particularly up front, to not make a serious finals push. After last week’s win, they’ll keep the momentum rolling at home against the Jets.
Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar
Brisbane. Adelaide have become less and less terrible the longer the season has gone on, but they’ve still been a long way from what anyone could describe as ‘good.’ I’ll take Brisbane on the Roar.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Wellington Phoenix
Western Sydney. The Wanderers have been dreadful at Spotless Stadium this year, but they’ve shown some signs of decent form in recent weeks. Given Wellington’s inconsistency, I’ll take Western Sydney.
| Round 23 | Mike | Matt | Janek | Vas | Daniel | The Crowd |
| SYD v CCM | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD |
| MVC v PER | MVC | Draw | MVC | MVC | MVC | MVC |
| MLC v NEW | MLC | MLC | MLC | MLC | MLC | MLC |
| ADL v BRI | BRI | BRI | BRI | BRI | BRI | BRI |
| WSW v WEL | WEL | WEL | Draw | Draw | WSW | WEL |
| Last week | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 48 | 49 | 44 | 56 | 56 | 49 |
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