A-League Round 26 Expert Tips & Predictions

The closing stretch of the 2025/26 A-League season is very much here, with every team looking to come into optimum form over the coming weeks.

It is the Newcastle Jets who top the pile, having stretched their lead to Auckland FC below them to four points, with Adelaide United and Sydney FC lurking in behind them.

In the playoff hunt, Melbourne City have been building momentum and could be coming good at the right time, with the top six beginning to look pretty established.

Down at the bottom of the pile, Western Sydney Wanderers are in terrible form, with Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory also floundering above them.

This is another crucial weekend of games and here are our A-League tips for the week ahead:

Macarthur FC vs Wellington Phoenix

Betting Tip: Macarthur FC to win the match @ $2.00

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Macarthur FC ($2.00)

Wellington Phoenix ($3.30)

Draw ($4.10)

Two teams relying on results going their way to crack the playoffs meet here, as Macarthur FC host Wellington Phoenix. Macarthur have enjoyed an inconsistent but decent campaign and if anybody wobbles above them, they will be keen to strike in 7^th place. For Wellington Phoenix the equation is even more difficult, with a few points to make up but a few wins strung together could force them into the mix. This could be an entertaining one, with both sides sure to go for it and Macarthur FC could get it done at home.

Macarthur FC to win 3-2

Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners

Betting Tip: Newcastle Jets to win the match @ $1.55

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Newcastle Jets ($1.55)

Central Coast Mariners ($5.75)

Draw ($5.00)

A derby between Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners awaits here, with the Jets looking to strike a decisive blow in the title race. With a four point advantage, the Jets know they can move clear of the chasing pack with a win, and all of the pressure will be on them, in front of their home fans. For Central Coast, this does feel like a true free hit, as they visit their rivals, essentially looking to be nuisance. This may be frenetic, but Newcastle Jets should get it done.

Newcastle Jets to win 2-1

Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne Victory

Betting Tip: Melbourne Victory to win the match @ $2.20

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Western Sydney Wanderers ($3.10)

Melbourne Victory ($2.20)

Draw ($3.50)

Western Sydney Wanderers have endured a rough campaign, and things shouldn’t get much easier here, as they host Melbourne Victory. Wanderers have lost their last four games, sit bottom of the pile and are seemingly desperate for this year to end. For Melbourne Victory, holding onto their playoff spot will be key and any slipups are sure to be seized upon. With that in mind, this one could be tight and cagey, but Melbourne Victory should get over the line.

Melbourne Victory to win 2-1

Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar

Betting Tip: The match to finish as a draw @ $3.50

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Perth Glory ($2.70)

Brisbane Roar ($2.50)

Draw ($3.50)

Two sides struggling down at the bottom of the A-League table meet here, as Perth Glory take on Brisbane Roar. Glory have been digging in of late, epitomised by their draw at Sydney FC last weekend but they haven’t shown any consistency all season. For Brisbane Roar, this is a chance to move above glory with a win, but recent results and performances have been relatively poor. This could be a contest low on quality and both sides may settle for a point.

1-1 Draw

Sydney FC vs Auckland FC

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

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Sydney FC ($2.50)

Auckland FC ($2.65)

Draw ($3.60)

A bumper clash between Sydney FC and Auckland FC lies in wait here, as both sides chase a bumper finish to the season. Sydney will be looking to press on from their current position of fourth and show more creative guile than they managed in their draw with Perth Glory last time out. Auckland FC meanwhile also slipped up last time, losing to Central Coast Mariners and both sides will have justification to respond in this one. There is plenty to lose though and both sides may settle for a point.

1-1 Draw

Melbourne City vs Adelaide United

Betting Tip: Melbourne City to win the match @ $1.95

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Melbourne City ($1.95)

Adelaide United ($3.60)

Draw ($3.80)

Two in-form sides meet here, as Melbourne City take on Adelaide United. All looked lost for City a few games ago, but they have strung some results together and have surged up to fifth in the A-League table as a result. For Adelaide, they hold a strong league position of third and they look to be well set for the pending playoffs. Both sides will go for this, and it could go either way on paper, but the momentum feels as if it is with Melbourne City, particularly at home.

Melbourne City to win 2-1

2025/26 A-League – Game Week 26 Tips

We’re backing three results this week as an accumulator with a betting stake of $50:

Melbourne City vs Adelaide United – Melbourne City
Macarthur FC vs Wellington Phoenix – Macarthur FC
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne Victory – Melbourne Victory

Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory & Macarthur FC @ $9.40

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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.