The A-League returns from the international break with some big clashes in Round 5. A top 6 clash between Melbourne City and Adelaide United opens the round, while The Big Blue between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC is set to be a blockbuster on Saturday night. Jack Tobin brings you his best bets for the round below!
A-League 2025-26: Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips
Adelaide United vs Melbourne City
Cooper’s Stadium, Friday 21st November, 7:35pm AEDT
This weekend's action kicks off with a big clash in the city of churches as third placed Melbourne City travel to South Australia, to take on sixth placed Adelaide United. The Reds got back on the winners list with a 2-0 win over the Wanderers before the break, to get into the top six. Melbourne City remain as one of only two undefeated teams after their 2-0 win in the Melbourne Derby, despite having half the shots Victory did, and only 35% possession.
Melbourne City are the best defensive outfit in the A-League this season, only conceding one goal through four games. They haven’t dominated possession in all their games, and their defence has stood tall in every game under some serious pressure. To pair with their elite defence, City are a top three attacking side, with seven goals, as they once again shape up to be a title contender.
This is a great matchup between an Adelaide side that is two wins from two, against a City outfit that hasn’t lost on the road this season. Adelaide will need to be at their best from an attacking standpoint, but it’s hard to go past how brilliant the defending champions have been from a defensive standpoint. City will be under plenty of pressure, but they will find a way to grind out another victory.
Melbourne City to Win
$2.30 (1 Unit)
Wellington Phoenix vs Macarthur
Sky Stadium, Saturday 22nd November, 3:00pm AEDT
The first of three games on Saturday sees two sides looking to break into the top six, as Wellington hosts Macarthur. The Phoenix have a 1-2-1 record after their 2-1 defeat in the NZ Derby, where they couldn’t capitalise on Auckland FC going down to nine men after two red cards. Macarthur are also coming off a defeat in their last outing, a 2-0 defeat against Sydney FC and holding a 1-1-2 record through four games.
Macarthur have struggled badly in the front third this season, with only three goals scored from four games, the third fewest in the A-League. Their attacking record doesn’t stand up for a side looking to go on one of the toughest away trips in the league and come away with three points. Wellington did a lot right against the best side in the league, but just couldn’t finish their work. If they bring the same effort against Macarthur, they don’t have the quality to withstand their goal scoring opportunities.
The Phoenix have well and truly had the better of this matchup since Macarthur came into the competition. Wellington have eight wins, two draws and three losses from thirteen games against the Bulls. The Phoenix will be desperate to get back into the top six, so expect plenty of intensity from the home side in this fixture. Wellington will be far too strong at home, and will get their attacking game back on track against Macarthur.
Wellington Phoenix to Win
$2.45 (1.5 Units)
Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory
Leichhardt Oval, Saturday 22nd November, 7:35pm AEDT
It’s a Saturday night blockbuster between the two most iconic clubs in the A-League, as Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory face off at Leichhardt Oval. The Sky Blues are in red hot form, with three straight wins having them in second place on the table, just one point behind league leaders Auckland. Victory have struggled to start the season, with just one win from four games, after losing the Melbourne Derby, despite winning the shot count 14-7 and having 65% possession.
Sydney FC have been excellent to start the season, ranking second for goals scored (9) and also have the fourth best defence in the league (3 goals against). On the other hand, Victory are ranked 10th for defence (7 goals against) and ninth for goals scored (4). Sydney’s ability to stretch Melbourne Victory’s defence looms as a massive factor in this clash, especially if the Sky Blues can control the possession battle.
These two sides have played near polar opposite football this season, and Sydney FC should come into this clash full of confidence. Sydney have two wins from two at Leichhardt this season and are yet to concede a goal at home. The Sky Blues being at $2.05 is outstanding value, and probably the safest bet of the weekend given what these teams have provided this season. Sydney FC will win comfortably.
Sydney FC to Win
$2.05 (2 Units)
