Melbourne City FC take on the Newcastle Jets in the A-League this week, with many predicting an entertaining encounter due to the fact that just four points and one place separate the duo in the standings. Both teams still harbour hopes of claiming a place in the season-ending final series, meaning that predicting the victor at the Rectangular Stadium is a difficult task.
Australian A-League – Melbourne City FC v Newcastle Jets – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne – Thursday 25th January 2018 – 08:50 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 23/10 at Coral |
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Melbourne City
Newcastle JetsMatch Preview
Melbourne City go head-to-head with the Newcastle Jets on Thursday morning, with the home side hoping to move to within just a single point of their opponents in the standings with a win. However, with the visitors having demonstrated throughout the campaign that they are capable of defeating anyone in the A-League, it could well be a close encounter in Melbourne. Despite the home side being the favourites for victory, for those who are still unsure of who to back, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Melbourne City FC. Also be sure to check out our top betting tip below, perfect for those looking to place a wager on this match from the Australian top-flight.
Melbourne City Team News & Form
Melbourne City’s come into this clash off the back of a comfortable 5-0 win over Adelaide United, helping to consolidate their third place position in the standings. Manager Warren Joyce will be looking for the likes of Bruno Fornaroli and on-loan Aston Villa man Ross McCormack to fire his team to victory, with the latter having scored 14 A-League goals so far this season. The home side have scored just 26 goals from their 17 matches so far this season, however they also have the second best defensive record in the division, conceding just 19 goals in the process.
Newcastle Jets Team News & Form
The Newcastle Jets were surprisingly beaten at home by bottom placed Wellington Phoenix last time around, with manager Ernie Merrick undoubtedly looking for a big response from his side this week. The visitors have lost just four times all season, as well as recording ten victories. As well as this, the Jets are the second highest scorers in the A-League, with 37 goals to their name. Andrew Nabbout is the leading scorer for the away side with eight goals to his name.
Head to Head
The two teams have 22 times in the past, with Melbourne City FC having won 10 of such meetings, as well as registering three draws. Melbourne City have won the previous two meetings between the two teams, including a 4-0 success back in March last year.
Melbourne City FC v Newcastle Jets – Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being behind their opponents in the standings, their status as the home team means that it comes as little surprise that it is Melbourne City FC who are the slight favourites with the majority of bookmakers. Those looking to back the home side can get best odds of 11/10 at PaddyPower, while the away side are slightly longer at 9/4 with the Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip Melbourne City FC v Newcastle Jets
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes in Melbourne, which can be found at odds of 4/5 at William Hill.