The closing stretch of the 2026 A-League season is very much coming into view, with some big fixtures on the card over the upcoming Easter weekend.
While the international break is often seen as an unwelcome distraction by some clubs, there will also be plenty of players feeling refreshed and ready to go ahead of this round of games.
The Newcastle Jets remain the team to catch at the top of the league, with a four point gap to the chasing pack in behind them, spearheaded by Auckland FC.
Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Adelaide United all look set to crack the top six, with Macarthur FC currently hanging on to the final playoff spot.
Down at the bottom of the pack, Western Sydney Wanderers are currently occupying the wooden spoon position, but they could still mount a late playoff charge of their own, such is the congestion down at the bottom of the table.
It is another big weekend of games and here are our A-League tips for the next round of 2025/26 fixtures:
2025/26 A League Week 23 Predictions
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Macarthur FC ($2.50)
Newcastle Jets ($2.50)
Draw ($4.00)
High flying Newcastle Jets have been imperious throughout the second half of the season and they will be desperate to get over the line, with Macarthur FC in their sights next. For the hosts, they will also see this one as big game, as they occupy sixth spot in the A-League table and look to edge into the playoff shakeup. Newcastle meanwhile have blown away the field in recent games, and they are a side full of confidence. This could be cagey, but Newcastle Jets look well placed to prevail here.
Newcastle Jets to win 2-1
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Brisbane Roar ($3.10)
Sydney FC ($2.20)
Draw ($3.50)
Brisbane Roar will be looking to engineer a way from the wooden spoon scrap, as they take on Sydney FC in front of their home fans. Roar have been poor for large periods of the campaign, but they know that a couple of decent results could propel them into playoff contention. Sydney FC meanwhile do look to be wobbling at the wrong time, but they are a high quality outfit, who can outgun anybody on their day. Neither side will be brimming with confidence but on paper, Sydney FC should perhaps be winning this one.
Sydney FC to win 3-1
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Adelaide United ($2.95)
Auckland FC ($2.25)
Draw ($3.50)
Two sides locked in the playoff mix do battle here, as Adelaide United host Auckland FC. United have been in the shakeup throughout the campaign, without generating too much consistency but they are unbeaten in their last five games played. Auckland FC are still amongst the favourites to win the A-League title this term, but they have work to do if they are to keep applying pressure to Newcastle Jets above them, with the playoffs looming. Not losing feels more important than winning for both of these sides and a draw could be on the horizon.
1-1 Draw
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Central Coast Mariners ($2.30)
Perth Glory ($3.20)
Draw ($3.60)
Another side that have been steadily improving in recent times are Central Coast Mariners and they will be looking to keep their playoff push on track here, as they host Perth Glory. Mariners currently find themselves in seventh place, but they are a side that is improving and they have some decent players in their ranks. Perth Glory meanwhile are lacking inspiration and form currently, languishing down in 11th spot. Central Coast look to have a bit more about them than Perth Glory currently and they should win this one.
Central Coast Mariners to win 3-1
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Melbourne City ($2.00)
Western Sydney Wanderers ($3.90)
Draw ($3.45)
It very much feels like now or never for Melbourne City, who take on lowly Western Sydney Wanderers here, needing a win desperately to have any hope of cracking the playoffs. Defending champions City have been underwhelming this season, in a lot of aspects but a playoff run could salvage something from an otherwise poor campaign. Western Sydney Wanderers meanwhile continue to toil down at the foot of the table, but they too could climb up the ranks with a win in Melbourne. City need a home win though and they should get back on track here.
Melbourne City to win 3-1
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Melbourne Victory ($1.60)
Wellington Phoenix ($5.50)
Draw ($4.80)
There is a real sense of optimism brewing for Melbourne Victory and they will be looking to keep riding the crest of a wave, as they take on Wellington Phoenix. Victory find themselves firmly in the playoff conversation and while they haven’t been firing on all cylinders, they have been picking up some crucial results. Wellington Phoenix meanwhile are a side that can throw up any result, at any point and they come into this one off the back of two consecutive wins. The odds suggest this will be much easier than it will be but Melbourne Victory look well placed to win at home.
Melbourne Victory to win 2-1
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2025/26 A League Week 23 multi bet
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We’re backing a treble this week, with a betting stake of $50:
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers – Melbourne City
Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix – Melbourne Victory
Central Coast Mariners vs Perth Glory – Central Coast Mariners
