Melbourne Victory vs Newcastle Jets: Can Melbourne Victory secure their playoff place?
Melbourne Victory
Newcastle Jets
On Friday, April 17, we are set for an A-League Round 25 clash between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets. Kick-off is scheduled for 11:35 CET, and I’m offering a betting pick for this encounter.
Melbourne Victory vs Newcastle Jets: Match facts and head-to-head
- Melbourne Victory have conceded in ten consecutive matches.
- At home, Melbourne Victory have lost only once in their previous six matches.
- Newcastle Jets have won one of their last four matches.
- Newcastle Jets boast the best attack in the A-League with 49 goals scored.
- Melbourne Victory have scored in both halves in 42% of their matches this season, while Newcastle Jets have done so in 38%.
- Both teams have won 13% of their league matches this season without conceding.
- A quarter of Melbourne Victory’s matches this season have ended in defeat without scoring, while Newcastle Jets have done so in 8%.
- Newcastle Jets defeated Melbourne Victory by a 5-2 scoreline.
Melbourne Victory vs Newcastle Jets: Match preview
The A-League regular season is nearing its conclusion, and the playoffs that will determine the champion are just around the corner.
Melbourne Victory reached the playoff final last season but were beaten by their fierce rivals Melbourne City. This campaign, they are once again close to securing a postseason place. After 24 rounds, the side have 36 points and sit fifth in the table. Their cushion over seventh place is five points with two rounds remaining. That means even a draw in this match would be enough to mathematically secure their playoff spot.
Newcastle Jets are top of the A-League table and have already guaranteed themselves a playoff berth. From 24 matches, the team have collected 44 points and currently lead the standings. They have also already locked up a top-two finish. The side are three points clear of second place and seven ahead of third. They have won only once in their last four matches, but that has still been enough to maintain a strong position.
Probable line-ups
- Melbourne Victory: Warshawsky, Roderick, Davidson, Rawlins, Lino, Genreau, Jelacic, Valadon, Grimaldi, Velupillay, Nduka
- Newcastle Jets: Delianov, Wilmering, Natta, Burgess, Dobson, Bayliss, Bertolissio, Grozos, Taylor, Gibson, Bertoncello
Prediction
We are in for an intriguing contest in which one of the teams must take points—or win outright—if they want to feature in the playoffs. They are playing at home, so I believe their chances are strong. My suggested pick is a Melbourne Victory win.
