A-League Round 25 Preview

After losing to Melbourne City on the weekend, the Phoenix need to win both of their last games to have a chance at making the top six.

They’ll be playing in Christchurch this weekend at Apollo Projects Stadium, and I think they might give the Canterbury fans something to cheer about.

If they get through the Wanderers, they’ll then have to do the same next week away against Macarthur, who might be in a similar position on the table.

Back to this week, though, and Western Sydney are at the bottom of the barrel.

And being so close to the top six, interim manager Chris Greenacre really has nothing to lose. I’d expect the Wellington team to come out firing and try to put this game to bed early.

I must admit, the Phoenix haven’t been scoring goals in a flurry to start the game, but Western Sydney do concede early. One in the first half against Sydney, two against Melbourne City, and then there were three scored in the first half against Adelaide.

Over 1.5 first half goes would be what I’d be keeping an eye on for this one. Over 2.5 ($5.25) gets you some value if you think Greenacre and the Nix are going to come out hot.

Best: Over 1.5 First Half Goals @ $2.25
Value: Both Teams to Score in Both Halves @ $8.50
Goalscorer: Carlo Armiento (First, $8.50, Anytime, $3.40)

It’ll be Auckland’s final home game of the regular season, but best believe they will be back in front of The Port and their home crowd come finals footy time.

If they can hold on to 2^nd place or even match Newcastle at the top and take the number one spot, they’ll automatically line up in the two-legged semi-finals.

It’s a huge game for Auckland FC as they’ll be without their head coach, Steve Corica, who received a one-match ban after being handed a red card in last week’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory.

Auckland have not lost to Central Coast, but the Black Knights are currently on a three-game winless streak.

Not as bad as their opponents, however, who haven’t won in their last five outings.

There have been plenty of goals between these two sides; 16 combined goals in the four meetings between these two sides, with two wins for AFC and two draws.

Based on this, Auckland FC to Win & Over 2.5 Goals seems like a good play to add to your multis at $1.95.

Best: Auckland FC to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.95
Value: Auckland FC to Win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 @ $3.60
Goalscorer: Jesse Randall (First $5.00, Anytime $2.15)