A-League Semi Finals 1st Leg Expert Tips & Predictions

Six became four in the A-League this week, with both Melbourne sides being bumped out in tight elimination encounters.

Auckland FC and Sydney FC are the beneficiaries, who progress to face Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets, in a battle royale to finish as the 2026 A-League champions.

For Newcastle and Adelaide, they have had a week to prepare for this one, following stellar regular season campaigns, whilst Auckland and Sydney will be eager to take momentum from last week’s exploits.

These two legged ties should make for fascinating viewing and with so much at stake, all four teams will be putting it all on the line.

Here are our A-League tips for the semi-final, first legs:

Auckland FC vs Adelaide United

Betting Tip: The match to finish as a draw @ $3.70

BET NOW

Auckland FC ($1.95)

Adelaide United ($3.80)

Draw ($3.70)

Auckland FC and Adelaide United lock horns here, as the second and third best placed teams at the end of the season in the A-League. Auckland had been in contention alongside Newcastle Jets throughout the campaign, faltering in the final few games and they looked to be in real strife heading into the playoffs. However, their gutsy win over Melbourne City on penalties sees them progress to a mouthwatering last four clash with Adelaide here. For United, finishing second has given them an extra week of rest and they should be very prepared for this one, especially after finishing the regular season so strongly. On paper, there is very little to split these sides and with it sure to bubble over across the two legs, this could be a draw to get things going.

1-1 Draw

Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets

Betting Tip: The match to finish as a draw @ $3.60

BET NOW

Sydney FC ($2.30)

Newcastle Jets ($2.80)

Draw ($3.60)

In a very similar vein, Sydney FC have made the most of their playoff charge, overcoming Melbourne Victory and they now have a two-legged crack at league leaders Newcastle Jets. Sydney’s season has been very stop start but they have maintained a serious threat in most games they play, and they tend to rise to the big occasion. For the Newcastle Jets, the pressure is ramped up, as they look to cash in on their league leaders shield success and turn it into an A-League grand final victory. Overcoming Sydney will be their priority first though and this could be a cagey opening encounter in New South Wales. Newcastle will come with a plan and make life tough for Sydney, making another draw look like the value pick in this one.

1-1 Draw

2025/26 A-League – Semi Finals, 1st Leg Tips

We’re backing two results this week as a double with a betting stake of $50:

Auckland FC vs Adelaide United – Draw
Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets – Draw

Both matches to finish as draws @ $14.20

Bet Now

Sports Writer

Sam Hayes

Combining his sports coaching career with freelance journalism, Sam is a sports betting writer for various online publications.

He is looking to develop both his respective coaching and writing careers, whilst incorporating his other huge passion - travelling the world.

Sam currently lives and works in Milan, Italy and playing/following/writing about cricket, football (soccer), tennis, formula 1 and golf continue to take up much of his spare time.