A-League Round 1 Expert Tips & Predictions

The new A-League season is ready to get underway, and it should be another fascinating campaign in Australia’s top division.

With the Socceroo’s preparing for the World Cup next winter, the regular A-League campaign will go a long way towards assembling the squad for the tournament in America, Canada and Mexico.

Defending champions Melbourne City will be the team with the biggest target on their back, having prevailed when it mattered last term, but Auckland FC were worthy winners of the league leader’s shield.

The usual suspects of Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Adelaide United should also be in the mix this year, in what looks to be one of the most open campaigns in recent memory on paper.

Getting off to a good start will be key for all clubs involved and here is a look at our A-League tips for the 2025/26 opening round:

2025/26 A League Week 1 Predictions

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Adelaide United ($2.50)

Sydney FC ($2.60)

Draw ($3.80)

Two sides that will hoping to be in the playoff mix come the end of the season meet here, as Adelaide United take on Sydney FC. Adelaide ended up failing to feature in the playoffs following an up and down year last term and they will be looking for improvements from the outset this time around. Sydney FC meanwhile didn’t make the top 6 either, with inconsistency blighting their campaign and this represents a chance to kick start their new season. Both of these sides are well matched on paper and with not much form to go off, a draw feels a fair shout here

1-1 Draw

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Brisbane Roar ($2.40)

Macarthur FC ($2.80)

Draw ($3.80)

Another pair of well-matched sides open up against each other on match day one, as Brisbane Roar take on Macarthur. Roar endured a campaign to forget last time out with just 5 wins to their name, and they know that improvements need to be made this time around. Meanwhile, Macarthur FC are one of the most enigmatic teams in the division and they will be looking to develop consistency in terms of their results. This should be a good one, with another draw feeling likely.

1-1   Draw

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Western Sydney Wanderers ($2.50)

Melbourne City ($2.60)

Draw ($3.80)

Champions Melbourne City have a very tough opening assignment, as they take on Western Sydney Wanderers. The hosts perhaps under performed a touch last season but they showed their potential at times, and they should be better off for that experience last term. City came good when it mattered, beating Melbourne Victory in the final and they should be full of confidence ahead of this season. It should be a great game, between two good sides but Melbourne City could pinch all three points.

Melbourne City to win 2-1

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Melbourne Victory ($2.40)

Auckland FC ($2.90)

Draw ($3.65)

Two more front runners for the A-League title this season meet on the opening day, as Melbourne Victory take on Auckland FC. Victory showed real consistency to reach the Grand Final last term but came up short when it mattered. Auckland FC can tell a similar story, having romped to the league leader’s shield last term, only to miss out in the playoffs. This is a tricky one for both sides, but home advantage could prove telling for Victory.

Melbourne Victory to win 2-1

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Perth Glory ($1.88)

Wellington Phoenix ($3.80)

Draw ($4.00)

Two sides that floundered throughout last season meet to open up the new campaign, as Perth Glory take on Wellington Phoenix. Glory have shown signs of improving ahead of the new season, with some solid winter acquisitions and they should be in a better place than they were last term. Wellington Phoenix meanwhile are being tagged by many as wooden spoon candidates, but they could spring a few surprises this term. This should be an entertaining one and a draw could be on the cards.

2-2 Draw

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Central Coast Mariners ($3.25)

Newcastle Jets ($2.15)

Draw ($3.75)

Local rivalry will be on the line in this one, as Central Coast host Newcastle, in what should be a tough opening game for both sides. Mariners didn’t hit expectations last term and will be looking to turn things around this season. Newcastle Jets meanwhile were capable of both the sublime and ridiculous last season, and they will want to become more consistent this term. Opening games such as this are often cagey and a draw may well be on the agenda.

1-1 Draw

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2025/26 A League Week 1 multi bet

We’re backing a treble this week, with a betting stake of $50:

Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne City – Melbourne City
Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets – Draw
Melbourne Victory vs Auckland FC – Melbourne Victory