It’s a tight tussle at the top of the A-League table, with only one point separating first from third. Can Brisbane continue their surprise charge to the top of the table? Will the logjam between 5th and 10th be separated? There’s plenty of table shaping clashes in Round 8, and we have you covered with our free betting tips!
A-League 2025-26: Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Brisbane Roar
CommBank Stadium, Saturday 13th December, 5:00pm AEDT
Brisbane Roar will be looking for a third straight win when they travel to Western Sydney to take on the Wanderers. The Roar are unbeaten in their last five games, after a 1-0 win away from home against Adelaide United, that certainly validated their credentials as a contender. Western Sydney’s two game winning run came to an end in a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Perth, the Wanderers couldn’t capitalise on the Glory going down to ten men for the last hour.
The Roar’s undefeated run has been largely thanks to their elite defence, which will be a key factor on Saturday afternoon. Brisbane are the number one ranked defence in the league, having conceded just three goals from seven games. The Wanderers have struggled in the front third this season, scoring only six goals, the second fewest in the A-League. Last week’s inability to convert their possession dominance into goals was a prime example of their shortcomings this season, and they face a massive challenge against the league’s best defence.
You simply can’t doubt Brisbane after what they’ve produced over the last five games, they’ve faced challenges home and away, and have risen to the occasion against some of the best teams in the league. Despite an upset over Sydney FC, it’s clear the Wanderers don’t have the quality to match with the best teams. Brisbane Roar will continue their brilliant form and grind out another win on the road.
Brisbane Roar to Win
$3.60 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United
AAMI Park, Saturday 13th December, 7:35pm AEDT
The second game of Saturday’s triple header sees one of the A-League’s oldest rivalries add another chapter, when Melbourne Victory host Adelaide United. Adelaide United are in desperate need of a win after two straight losses has seen them fall from the top three, to now clinging on to a spot in the top six. The Victory have had a horror start to the season, sitting bottom of the table with a 1-2-4 record. Remarkably for Melbourne, a win over Adelaide would have them only one point behind the Reds and back in the race for the top six.
As has been an issue for the Victory for many years, their attacking work has left a lot to be desired. Melbourne Victory have been the worst attacking side in the league, ranked bottom of the league for goals for, registering just four goals through seven games. The big change for last year’s Grand Finalist, is how poor their defence has been. Victory have conceded 11 goals, the second most in the A-League. Having the worst attack and the second worst defence makes it difficult to win games.
Adelaide United will be desperate to bounce back after two straight defeats and will sense an easy kill against a struggling Victory outfit. Melbourne haven’t won a game since Round 3 and their defence is going to be vulnerable against an Adelaide attack that has shown its capacity to be one of the best in the competition. With a top six spot on the line, expect a big performance from the Reds against the worst side in the league.
Adelaide United to Win
$2.80 (2 Units)
Perth Glory vs Sydney FC
HBF Park, Saturday 13th December, 9:45pm AEDT
Who would’ve thought this game would be an important one, when Perth sacked manager David Zdrilic after Round 2? The Glory have now peeled off three consecutive wins to jump into fifth place on the table, after starting the season 0-1-3. Sydney FC got back on the winners list with a 2-1 win over the Mariners, coming from behind after conceding in the opening ten minutes. The league leaders controlled proceedings, recording 69% possession and winning the shot count 11-5.
The Glory were brave in defence last week, holding on to a 1-0 lead despite being down to ten men for the last hour of the game. Perth had only 34% possession and had only two shots on target, with their ability to withstand pressure over the last month being a massive improvement over the past few years. The Glory however will be tested by the best attacking team in the league, who will punish them if they are allowed to dictate proceedings.
Perth have been spirited over the last few weeks, however there’s a big gap in quality between these two sides. The Sky Blues are the number one ranked attack, the number two ranked defence and are ranked fourth for possession. They are the most well rounded side in the league, as you would expect from the league leaders. Sydney have had their way against the Glory in recent seasons, with five wins and three draws from their last eight games.
Sydney FC to Win
$1.91 (2 Units)
