A-League: betting preview, TV details & free tip for Friday's matches

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 6.30am Friday

Best bet

Melbourne City -1 goal on handicap
1pt 6-4 Betfair, Coral, PaddyPower
Back this tip with bet365

Match previews

Top spot looks out of reach for Melbourne City in the A-League but Erick Mombaerts' men are on course for a Finals Series berth and can record a comprehensive win over Central Coast Mariners.

One defeat in their last five league assignments as part of a run which saw them beat Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory has put the visitors second in the standings.

Their transfer business this season has been superb. City drafted in former Hibernian striker Jamie Maclaren as their first designated player and the forward has managed 15 league goals this term.

In January they reinforced their side again with the acquisition of former Athletic Bilbao winger Markel Susaeta and the loan signing of Celtic's Jack Hendry.

They now have the makings of a side who can genuinely compete for a place in the A-League grand final and Central Coast are unlikely to cause too many problems.

The hosts are on a run of nine successive defeats in the league, having won only four of their 21 assignments this season.

Already this month they have suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Western United (6-2) and Wellington Phoenix (3-1) and their tally of 47 goals conceded in 21 league games is alarming.

Melbourne City ran out 3-1 winners when these sides met back in November, winning the shot count 23-16 and seeing 52 per cent of the ball. Backing them to win by at least two goals when the sides reconvene could be the best punting approach.

Brisbane Roar are 11-8 favourites to see off 21-20 shots Newcastle Jets in what could be a close and tentative affair at the Robina Stadium (8.30am).

Roar are in contention for a top-four berth and although the Jets are languishing in the lower reaches of the table, they have claimed wins over Perth Glory and Adelaide in their last two games and should give a good account of themselves.

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