We’re down to the final four as the first leg of the Semi Finals begins this weekend. We had two thrilling clashes, and should be set for another great weekend of A-League football! Below, Jack Tobin takes you through his previews and best bets for both games. Good luck to everyone following along this weekend!
A-League 2025-26: Finals Week 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Auckland FC vs Adelaide United
Go Media Stadium, Saturday 9th May, 4:00pm AEST
Auckland FC booked their ticket to the Semi Final with a thrilling win on penalties against Melbourne City last week. Auckland shouldn’t have let it get to penalties, conceding a goal in stoppage time that took the game to extra time, after controlling proceedings for the majority of the game. The Black Knights will be looking to get off to a strong start when they host Adelaide United in the first leg on Saturday. Adelaide United secured second place with a stoppage time winner in their final game of the regular season, to jump Auckland and earn the week off.
Only one point separated these two sides on the table, with Adelaide having a 12-7-7 record while Auckland were 11-9-6. The Reds had a much stronger finish to the regular season with a 3-2-0 record across their last five games, while Auckland failed to win any of their last five games. These clubs have built their strengths at opposite ends of the pitch, with Adelaide being the second most potent attacking side in the league with 46 goals. While Auckland were the second best defence in the A-League this season, conceding just 30 goals.
Styles make fights and both legs of this fixture will likely be decided in the manner that the game is played out. Adelaide United will want speed on the ball and plenty of transition opportunities, while Auckland will want this to be a slow, controlled game to allow their defence to get set. Expect the Black Knights to be cagey, knowing they cannot afford to go to Adelaide behind the ledger for the second leg. Three of the four meetings between the two sides have ended in a draw, and all signs point towards another one in this leg.
Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 9th May, 7:40pm AEST
It was a smash and grab job by Sydney, stealing the Elimination Final against Melbourne Victory with a 1-0 win on the road taking them to the Semi Final. The Sky Blues lost the possession battle, shot count and shots on target, but capitalised on their best opportunity as Patrick Wood scored the winner in the 80th minute. They face a much greater challenge over the next fortnight against a Newcastle side that has been the best team in the competition.
The Jets have hardly put a foot wrong this season, finishing five points clear at the top of the table to win the Premiers Plate. Newcastle have won eleven of their last sixteen games, including an eight game winning streak across January and February. The Jets have been an attacking juggernaut this season, scoring a league high 55 goals - nine more than the next best team. This is an area of the game Sydney FC have struggled in this area, scoring just 34 goals, ranked 9th in the A-League.
Allianz Stadium hasn’t been a fortress of late, with Sydney FC failing to win their last five games at the venue, including a 2-1 loss to Newcastle in Round 22. Newcastle have won their last two games against Sydney FC, and from an attacking point they simply have too much quality for the Sky Blues to compete with. The Jets have been the best team in the competition this season and they’ll be looking to send a statement early in this matchup, and they’ll be too good for Sydney FC.
Newcastle to Win
$2.75 (1.5 Units)
