Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United – A-League, April 18, 2021

Just three points separate fourth-place Sydney FC and second-place Adelaide United as the two sides prepare to do battle on Sunday, April 18.

The Reds beat the defending champions 1-0 last month, although Steve Corica’s men have taken seven points from a possible nine since then. Both clubs are well placed to seal a top-six finish, but are they genuine premiership contenders?

After checking out the A-League odds and analyzing the teams, I will share my prediction and betting pick for Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United.

Adelaide (4.50) may hold a three-point lead over Syndey (1.73), yet the sportsbooks are clearly favoring the reigning champs to claim all three points on Sunday.

While you can’t really argue with the bookmakers’ viewpoint here, the massive price for the Adelaide win is difficult to ignore. In fact, even the draw odds are hugely attractive.

Before I make my Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United prediction, I need to take a closer look at both sides.

Following an unconvincing start to the season, there is no denying that Sydney FC is now looking like the team that clinched both the premiership and the championship last year.

The Sky Blues have only lost one of their last eight matches, with four wins and three draws coming in that time. They have also kept two clean sheets in their previous three outings, preventing Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory from scoring.

In a repeat of the 2020 Grand Final, the champions were seconds away from beating Melbourne City last weekend. Kosta Barbarouses gave Sydney the lead early in the second half before Jamie Maclaren equalized from the penalty spot in the 98th minute.

The Sky Blues racked up 14 shots against Adelaide last month, yet they could not find a way through. With Barbarouses and Bobo in good goalscoring form, Sydney shouldn’t miss that many opportunities again.

Adelaide enjoyed an impressive six-game winning streak across February and March, scoring a whopping 16 goals along the way. That run propelled the club into the premiership conversation, although the Mariners ended the hot streak at the start of April.

However, the Reds have wasted no time in getting back on track. After sealing a 1-1 draw against the Wanderers, they crushed Macarthur 3-1 on Wednesday.

If you’ve been following the A-League, you probably won’t be surprised the hear that Craig Goodwin got on the scoresheet yet again last time out. After all, the winger has notched five goals and three assists in eight matches since returning to the club.

Tomi Juric also scored in back-to-back games mid-week, meaning he has bagged five goals in his last four appearances.

Looking at the bigger picture, Carl Veart’s men have won seven of their previous nine outings – suffering just one defeat in the process. If they can keep that kind of form going, they will remain genuine premiership contenders.

Sydney FC is the bookies’ favorite to win this one. But in my eyes, the price for the home win offers very little value here. For that reason, the draw is my Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United pick.

The two sides produced a close game last month, with the Reds edging out the Sky Blues on that occasion. Since then, the defending champions have upped their game, so I can see them snatching a draw this time around.