Last week was peak A-League football, with thrilling football, big upsets and goals everywhere. Five points separate first place from eighth place, in what has been a chaotic season, with a thrilling finals race in store.
We now move onto A-League Round 15 action where Jack Tobin brings us his best bets. And remember, if you're betting on the A-League this season, make sure you Bet Right!
A-League 2025-26: Round 15 Preview & Betting Tips
Adelaide United vs Macarthur
Coopers Stadium, Friday 30th January, 8:05pm AEDT
The second game of Friday’s double header sees a battle of third versus fifth, when Macarthur travel to South Australia to take on Adelaide United. The Bulls moved into third place after Sydney FC’s loss last week, while Adelaide United are in fifth after consecutive wins, now just two points behind second placed Newcastle. With only one point separating these teams, this game is crucial in the makeup of the top end of the A-League table.
This matchup pits two of the most dynamic attacking teams in the competition against each other, in what is set to be a high scoring affair. Adelaide United are ranked second in the A-League for goals (23), while Macarthur are ranked fourth (21). The Reds’ win last week was built on a stunning hattrick from youngster Brody Burkitt, and the come from behind win away from home should build plenty of belief for Adelaide United.
Playing at home will be another big factor for the Reds in this fixture, who have the best home record in the competition at 5-0-2. This fixture provides a massive opportunity to Adelaide United who could be in second place by the end of the round if results go their way. This will be a thrilling clash in the city of churches, but it will be the Reds who will continue their strong home form and pick up a third consecutive win.
Adelaide United
$2.25 (1.5 units)
Newcastle vs Brisbane Roar
McDonald Jones Stadium, Saturday 31st January, 5:00pm AEDT
Newcastle have continued their stunning form to move into second place on the table, after a 4-1 win over Wellington in Round 14. The Jets have won four straight games and are the form team of the competition, with Auckland FC and Sydney FC beginning to struggle. The Jets take on sixth placed Brisbane, who are clinging on to their place in the top six after losing four of their last five games. The Roar surrendered a 2-1 lead in the final 20 minutes at home last week, to lose to Adelaide 3-2 in a heartbreaking defeat.
The Jets are the most exciting team in the league, playing in high scoring games every week. Newcastle are the highest scoring team in A-League with 30 goals - seven more than the next best side, however they are also the second worst defensive side in the competition having conceded 25 goals. Whilst in most leagues you wouldn’t associate such a poor defence with being a title contender, however previous seasons of the A-League have shown that it’s possible to be one of the best sides, being heavily weighted towards offensive output.
Newcastle’s attacking prowess matches up brilliantly against a Brisbane side that has struggled in the final third this season. The Roar has scored just 15 goals this season, the second fewest in the A-League and their defence has fallen off, failing to record a clean sheet in their last seven games. The high octane Jets will continue their hot goal scoring form en route to a big win against an out of form Brisbane side.
Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 31st January, 7:35pm AEDT
Sydney FC are in freefall with just one win from their last five games, after being smashed 4-0 by Melbourne Victory last week. The Sky Blues are now on a two game losing streak and have fallen to fourth on the table, and are now only two points clear of eighth place on the table. Sydney FC get a chance to steady the ship against their arch rivals Western Sydney in the second Sydney Derby of the season. The Wanderers come into the derby on the back of a thrilling 1-0 win over Perth, with Ryan Fraser scoring a stoppage time winner on debut for the club.
The Sky Blues form slump has come on the back of teams figuring out their defence which has been impenetrable for the majority of the season. Sydney FC have conceded 13 goals this season which is the fewest in the competition, however they’ve conceded six goals in their last two games - almost half of the goals they’ve conceded this season. The Wanderers are also a quality defensive outfit, conceding just 15 goals, the third fewest in the competition.
This game looms as a desperate, low scoring affair between two of the best defences in the competition, and two sides that haven’t been the most potent in front of goal. Western Sydney have scored the fewest goals in the A-League this season (11), and if the Sky Blues score first, it is going to be tough for them to work their way into a winning position. This is a must win game for Sydney FC, expect them to rise to the occasion against their crosstown rivals.
Sydney FC
$2.30 (1.5 units)
