A-League Round 7 slate is a tantalising one for fans, with a New Zealand Derby on the cards, as well as a top four clash between Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar. It’s tight at the top of the table with plenty of movement in the top six last weekend, as we get set for another massive round. Jack Tobin brings you his best bets for the upcoming round below!
A-League 2025-26: Round 7 Preview & Betting Tips
Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix
Go Media Stadium, Saturday 6th December, 3:00pm AEDT
For the second time in a month, we have a New Zealand Derby, after a dramatic clash between Auckland and Wellington in Round 4. Auckland took the three points once again over the Phoenix despite going down to nine men, with their defence standing tall in a thrilling 2-1 win. The A-League’s newest side has a perfect record against their rivals, winning all four games against Wellington so far. Auckland FC will be desperate to bounce back after losing their first game of the season last week, in a shock loss to Newcastle at home. It was a missed opportunity for last year’s premiers, who would’ve moved to top of the table had they won.
Auckland FC have exposed Wellington’s defence in all four meetings between the two clubs, with an aggregate score of 12-3 across the four NZ Derby’s. The Phoenix’s defence has been inconsistent this season, conceding 8 goals from 6 matches, the equal fourth most goals conceded in the league. Auckland on the other hand have conceded the third fewest goals in the competition, showing week after week their ability to stand tall in defence, the biggest contributor to their success since coming into the league.
Wellington will take some confidence after a win over Adelaide United last week, however there has to be some demons around their inability to beat their younger brother. Auckland FC will be seething after dropping a game at home, which was only the second time that has happened since joining the league. Auckland FC have a 10-5-2 record in home games in the A-League, while Wellington are yet to win an away game this season, and only won four away games last season. Auckland FC will continue their dominant run in the New Zealand Derby.
Auckland FC -1
$2.38 (1 Unit)
Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC
Polytec Stadium, Saturday 6th December, 7:35pm AEDT
Central Coast will be looking to claim a scalp and jump into the top six, when they take on league leaders Sydney FC in Gosford. The Sky Blues are coming off a shock loss to the Wanderers in the Sydney Derby, where they were controversially denied a penalty for a handball in the dying stages, which would’ve given Sydney FC the chance to level the game. The Mariners come into this game on the back of a hard fought draw against Melbourne City, where they secured a point despite losing the shot count 16-2 and only recording 42% possession.
Despite last week’s brave performance, the Mariners defence has been very shaky this season. The Sky Blues dominated proceedings when these sides met in Round 2, recording 19 shots en route to a 2-0 that should have come by an even bigger margin. Despite last week’s scoreless performance, Sydney FC are still the number one ranked attacking side in the league with 12 goals, nearly double Central Coast’s output this season.
Sydney FC have won their last two games against the Mariners by an aggregate score of 6-1, and it’s likely this game heads down a similar route. Gosford has not been the fortress in once was, with Central Coast having only won one game at home this season, and just five home games last season. The Sky Blues will be desperate to bounce back and must win to keep their spot at the top of the table, expect a big performance from the league leaders.
Sydney FC to Win
$1.72 (1.5 Units)
Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar
Coopers Stadium, Sunday 7th December, 7:35pm AEDT
Brisbane Roar are emerging as the surprise outfit of season ‘25/’26, jumping into second place on the A-League table. After finishing 12th last season with only five wins, nobody would have predicted Michael Valkinis’ to be where they are, on a four game unbeaten run. Adelaide United’s two game winning streak came to an end after a 2-1 defeat to Wellington Phoenix in Round 6. The Reds have been a tough team to get a read on this season, with three wins and three losses. Adelaide have shown that their best is as good as any team in the league with wins over Sydney FC and Melbourne City, but the gap between their best and worst is wide.
The Roar’s improvement this season has come on the back of a massive improvement in defence. Brisbane ranked in the bottom three for goals against in the last two seasons, but are the number one ranked defence in the A-League currently, having conceded just three goals in six games. Brisbane have recorded a clean sheet in three of their last four games, conceding just one goal in that timespan. They will need their defence to be at its best in a hostile environment.
Adelaide United play a high variance game, they are the second highest scoring team in the league (11 goals) but have also conceded the equal fourth most goals (8). Brisbane will look to continue their defensive style away from home, trying to deny the Reds possession as much as possible. Having already exceeded expectations, Brisbane would certainly be happy with a draw. Adelaide have shown an ability to make the most of limited chances, however Brisbane’s defence will hold solid in a stalemate.
