Get ready for a weekend packed with exhilarating football as the Australian A-League and Swiss Super League bring us captivating matchups that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The spotlight shines on Sydney FC as they face a formidable challenge against Macarthur FC in a clash that could redefine their season. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, the highly-anticipated face-off between Young Boys and St Gallen promises to intensify the already heated title race. With strategic insights, expert betting tips, and a closer look at Brighton Women's clash with Leicester in the Women's Super League, this weekend is set to be a football aficionado's dream. Dive into our comprehensive analysis and predictions to stay ahead in the world of football.
Sydney FC v Macarthur FC
Saturday, 8:45am
The Australian A-League is very much in full swing for a new season, with this weekend’s card in the country representing matchday seven. Sydney FC are often associated as being a side to contest the top end of the table, but they currently find themselves sitting 8th in this 12-team league, but a recent managerial change has sparking some improvement. On Saturday they host a Macarthur side that whilst not long in existence have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign. They won the Australia Cup in 2022 and are targeting major improvement after finishing bottom of the standings last season.
As mentioned, Sydney are under new management after recently removing Steve Corica from his post. They now have Ufuk Talay at the helm, a former club of the club over ten years ago and also previously managed Wellington Phoenix in the league. He has overseen two wins from his three encounters in charge, including a 5-1 success at Adelaide United. There has been a very notable offensive improvement since the charge, committing more bodies into attack and playing with a freedom that Corica restricted them from. They had failed to score in their opening three games, but have since reached an xG per game of either just below or well above 2.00, so they are going for it in games.
Macarthur have outperformed their xG by around three goals this season, but they face a Sydney side high up the xGA table, and with them employing a very attack-minded coach, it is leaving them vulnerable defensively on occasions, so something more like a basketball match is anticipated this weekend. Despite the low overall xG, Macarthur have scored five goals across their only two away fixtures, both ending over 2.5 goals with both teams scoring. This has also paid out in two of Sydney’s three clashes under Talay, and the one time it didn’t it should have done based on xG figures.
We’ll back Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals in this one, which is nicely priced at 1.75 with BoyleSports. I suspect the price won’t hold closer to game day, but you never know.
Young Boys v St Gallen
Saturday, 5pm
Early on Saturday evening there is a game which did catch my eye when looking across the various leagues this weekend. It comes from the top flight of Swiss football in the Super League where Young Boys and St Gallen go head-to-head. It puts together a top-three clash and the title race this season already looks to be hotly contested by more than the usual contenders. In truth, it is generally Young Boys who have dominated the league for some time, but Zurich, weekend opponents St Gallen and Servette, along with top of the table Young Boys, are all separated by only three points.
We have also had a midweek round of games in the league, which is a rarity, meaning there is certainly a greater advantage to those with bigger squads during this period. Young Boys too are used to playing in midweek when participating in European competition, something only few others at this level can say. St Gallen aren’t really one of them, and as such I’m keen to take them on here. That may not be a huge statement considering they are playing Young Boys away from home, but you can still get an odds-against price on the home in, which does surprise me.
Young Boys perhaps haven’t been their usual blistering selves this season compared to their usual high standards. Nevertheless, they are undoubtedly still the top dogs in the country in terms of football. St Gallen are a forever improving team and this could be their season to really mount a title challenge, but you have to be concerned about their away record, which is ultimately why they aren’t top themselves. At home, they’ve won eight from eight, but it is only one victory in eight on the road. Young Boys remain unbeaten at Stadion Wankdorf in league action, winning six and drawing twice. I mentioned about how those with bigger squads with more strength in depth will be at a big advantage during this three-game week, so I have to back the hosts.
On Betfair, you can get 2.15 on a Young Boys win here. When do you ever get those kind of odds on them to win a domestic home game? It does seem too good to be true almost, and I can’t figure out why. They do have a Champions League game with Leipzig on Wednesday, but that’s a dead rubber for them. I’m happy to get involved at this price.
Brighton Women v Leicester Women
Sunday, 2pm
fter pausing for the international break, we have Women’s Super League action across the weekend for us to enjoy. The standard continues to improve year on year, and with attendances still on the rise, now is a great time to get involved with betting on this league. I’ve had good success across this season especially, and one match has caught my eye on Sunday. Sure, there is a top-two battle between Arsenal and Chelsea, but Brighton versus Leicester is where my primary focus will be.
It would be fair to say that there is a league within this league, like most top leagues across the major European men’s league in fairness. Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and Man Utd will push for the title, and there are a bracket of clubs below that could easily finish in 5th or even bottom, the margins are fine in that bottom tier. Leicester and Brighton have shown in glimpses this season, especially Leicester, that they can more than compete on their day. Brighton have already taken points off the two Manchester clubs, whilst Leicester drew with Man Utd and knocked Man City out of the League Cup a few weeks ago. This weekend we will see a game where both teams will look to win, and with both favouring a build from the back approach, we could see plenty of high turnovers that will lead to big chances.
This is a league with a 58% both teams to score record across all games so far, and I see no reason for that selection not to pay out once more. Only twice has a Leicester game not done so, whilst it is a 50-50 split focusing on Brighton, whilst both teams are averaging an xG resembling around a goal per game and also each possessing an xGA per game averaging just below 2.00, so expect goals here. Furthermore, Brighton’s home games are averaging 3.25 goals per game, and although lacking goals they will have success pressing high, I’m certain.
A Bet365 bet-builder of Both Teams to Score and Over 2 Goals is generously priced at 1.87, and looks quite an obvious play here.
Weekend Football Tips
- Sydney FC v Macarthur FC – Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals (1.75 BoyleSports)
- Young Boys v St Gallen – Young Boys (2.15 Betfair)
- Brighton Women v Leicester Women – Both Teams to Score and Over 2 Goals (1.87 Bet365)
