We're now a couple of weeks deep in the 2025-26 A-League season which means we have a better idea of the pecking order in the competition. Through two rounds all 12 teams have secured at least one point, while no team has won both games – suggesting we’re in for a tight season. Below, we bring you our best bets for Round 3 and wish you the best of luck if following along!
A-League 2025-26: Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City (Friday 7:35pm AEDT)
Brisbane Roar return to Suncorp Stadium this Friday night facing their toughest challenge yet: the high-flying defending champions, Melbourne City. New Roar coach Michael Valkanis has instilled a welcome dose of steel and intensity into his side, evidenced by their impressive Round 1 win and a fighting, albeit last-minute, loss away to Wellington Phoenix. However, the Roar's new "physical" reputation will be intensely scrutinised against a City side that will look to use their superior ball-playing ability to cut through the press and dominate possession in the Queensland heat.
Melbourne City enters the fixture in ominous form. Following a solid 1-1 away draw in the opening round, Aurelio Vidmar's men delivered a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Perth Glory last weekend, showing their attacking prowess is as potent as ever. They boast a deep squad, including the timely return of key attacker Andrew Nabbout, giving them a significant edge in managing the demands of a tight schedule and the tactical battle against Brisbane's high-octane game plan. City's established system and quality will make them a serious threat on the counter.
While Brisbane will be buoyed by a passionate home crowd hoping to see an upset, the sheer quality and recent dominance of Melbourne City in this fixture is hard to overlook. City has won three consecutive games against the Roar and holds a commanding historical head-to-head record. We predict that the champions’ experience and attacking firepower will ultimately prove too much for the Roar's spirited resistance.
Melbourne City to Win
$1.90 (2 Units)
Perth Glory vs Melbourne Victory (Friday 9:45pm AEDT)
Melbourne Victory holds a dominant recent record against Perth Glory, having won the last four A-League matches in a row against the Western Australian club. Their most recent A-League clash, which took place in February, saw Melbourne Victory secure a 2-0 victory away from home at HBF Park. This strong run of form highlights a significant recent challenge for Perth Glory as they prepare to host their rivals once again.
Further demonstrating this recent advantage, Melbourne Victory has also secured wins in all of their last three A-League encounters played at Perth's home ground, HBF Park. This run of away form underscores their ability to consistently travel west and take maximum points from the fixture. When broadening the scope to the last 10 league meetings, the Melbourne side has five victories compared to Perth's three, with the other two matches ending in draws, solidifying their superior form in the matchup.
The upcoming match sees both clubs desperate for a positive result, as neither has secured a win so far in the current A-League season. Perth Glory comes into the game following a heavy 4-0 away loss, while Melbourne Victory also suffered a significant 5-2 defeat in their last outing, suggesting a potentially high-stakes and open contest as both teams look to reverse their fortunes and reignite their season.
Melbourne Victory to Win
$1.98 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle Jets vs Sydney FC (Saturday 5:00pm AEDT)
McDonald Jones Stadium is set to host a spectacular Round 3 A-League clash as the Newcastle Jets take on fierce rivals Sydney FC. With both teams showing a penchant for attacking football in the early rounds, this fixture promises an abundance of goals. The Jets have been involved in high-scoring contests, including a recent 5-2 win over Melbourne Victory, showcasing a potent frontline but a defence that can be exposed. Sydney FC, while historically dominant in this rivalry, have also had their scorelines fluctuate, suggesting a potential for defensive lapses that the Jets' energetic forward line will eagerly exploit.
The statistical trend points firmly towards a high-scoring affair, with the 'Over 3.5 Goals' line looking very achievable. Recent head-to-head fixtures between the two clubs have frequently produced four or more goals, including a thrilling 3-2 victory for Sydney FC in April and a 2-2 draw earlier in the year. Newcastle's recent form, where they have seen the net bulge at both ends, combined with Sydney FC's attacking talent—featuring their key playmakers and finishers—sets the stage for an open, back-and-forth contest. Expect both sides to commit numbers forward, making for a compelling and chaotic spectacle.
This is more than just a derby; it's a battle of attacking ambition. The pressure is on both coaches to secure an early-season momentum boost, meaning a cautious approach is unlikely. The electric atmosphere in Newcastle will only fuel the Jets' desire to take the game to their opponents, while the Sky Blues possess the quality to punish any gaps left in behind. Fans should brace themselves for a classic, with the scoreboard attendant set to be the busiest person in the stadium—we predict a thrilling end-to-end match with the total goals going over the 3.5 line.
Over 3.5 Goals
$2.02 (1 Unit)
