Round 12 of the A-League season throws up some huge clashes, with all top four teams playing against each other. It’s going to be a crucial round of action in the race for top spot and places in the top six, and BeforeYouBet has you covered with our best bets for Round 12!
A-League 2025-26: Round 12 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Auckland FC
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 9th January, 7:35pm AEDT
Brisbane Roar head into Round 12 knowing that any slip-up at Suncorp Stadium could see them drop out of the top six by the end of the weekend. The Roar currently sit in fourth and have shown real grit in tight contests this season, after what has been a few tough seasons towards the bottom of the ladder. However, the Roar are starting to falter with just one win from their last five games and having lost three of their last four games.
Auckland FC arrive as the competition’s benchmark side, sitting two points clear at the summit and boasting one of the most balanced statistical profiles in the league. They have the second ranked defence in the league (10 goals against), third for goals (16) and fifth for possession (51.77%). Even when not at their most fluent going forward, Auckland have shown an ability to control matches and grind out results, which fans have become accustomed to since they joined the league last season.
Brisbane have been a good team at home this season, however Auckland have the best away record in the A-League and are yet to lose an away game this season. Brisbane have been found out over recent games for their lack of attacking prowess, where they are the second lowest scoring team in the A-League this season. Auckland will be desperate to get back on the winners list and keep their place at the top of the A-League.
Auckland to Win
$2.30 (1 Unit)
Macarthur vs Sydney FC
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday 10th January, 7:35pm AEDT
Macarthur host Sydney FC in a crucial fixture on Saturday night, in a battle of second versus third. Both sides will be looking to bounce back after being held to draws in their last game, and there will certainly be plenty of spice in this all Sydney clash. The Bulls have been one of the more unpredictable teams in the competition, reflected by their 5-4-3 record and their goal difference of 0, scoring 14 goals and conceding 14. At their best they can pile on goals as they showed against Newcastle recently, however they can also go through very quiet patches.
Sydney FC are still in second place despite only playing 10 games and are clearly a championship contender. They are the best defensive team in the league having conceded just seven goals, whilst also ranking in the top five for goals scored. They have genuine star power in all positions and have the best goal difference in the league, a great indicator of a team’s consistency. The Sky Blues have all bases covered and have been very hard to beat this season.
One of the most consistent teams in the league coming up against a side that varies how they play from week to week, it’s much easier to have faith in what Sydney FC will bring to this game. The Sky Blues have enjoyed playing the Bulls in recent times, winning three of their last four games against Macarthur. The last two meetings between the two sides have ended in 2-0 victories to Sydney FC and this game will follow a similar story.
Sydney FC to Win
$2.25 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets
AAMI Park, Sunday 11th January, 5:00pm AEDT
Melbourne City finally got back on the winners list after a four game winless run, getting back into the top six with a 1-0 win over Brisbane on Tuesday. Newcastle have found some form of the Christmas / New Year period, winning three out of their last four games to move into seventh place, just two points away from the top six. Two of those three wins have come against the Auckland FC and Sydney FC, the two best teams in the A-League. The Jets are showing when they put it all together they are a dangerous team, however consistency is an issue.
Newcastle’s inconsistency is highlighted by the remarkable stat that they are the best attacking team in the league (23 goals scored) and the worst defensive team in the league (23 goals conceded). At their best Melbourne City remain one of the league’s stronger sides in possession and chance creation, but their recent struggles have come from an inability to convert dominance into goals, scoring just five goals across their last eight games.
Melbourne City’s defence has looked very good over their last two games, not allowing a goal against top four sides Sydney FC and Brisbane FC. City have enjoyed playing against the Jets, winning six of their last nine games against Newcastle and many in convincing fashion. Melbourne City will expose a vulnerable Newcastle defence that has conceded plenty of goals this season.
Melbourne City to Win
$1.73 (1.5 Units)
