Round 21 of the A-League season is here and we are set for one of the games of the season as Newcastle and Auckland go head to head in a top of the table clash! With multiple top six clashes on display it should be an enthralling weekend of football. As always, we bring you our three best bets for the upcoming round below!
A-League 2025-26: Round 21 Preview & Betting Tips
Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United
Polytec Stadium, Saturday 14th March, 3:00pm AEDT
Central Coast Mariners return to Gosford for Round 21 needing a result to keep themselves firmly in the finals conversation, but they face one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking sides in Adelaide United. It’s a crucial top six clash with Adelaide United sitting in fourth place and the Mariners occupying sixth on the table. The Mariners have been in red hot form over the past five weeks, winning four of their last five games, and they’re currently on a seven game unbeaten streak.
Adelaide United come into this clash on the back of two wins and two draws in their last four games, still maintaining form that has them as one of the best attacking teams in the competition. The Reds have scored 34 goals, the equal second most in the league, and it is an area of the game they should be able to get on top of the Mariners, who haven’t been the most fluent team in attack this season.
The key for Adelaide will be maintaining defensive discipline, if the Reds hold up from a defensive standpoint, they will have too much attacking potency for the Mariners to overcome. The Mariners resurgence has been impressive, but outside of their 0-0 draw against Newcastle, their wins have come against sides towards the bottom of the table. Central Coast haven’t been a great side away from home, winning only three of their ten games at home this season, and Adelaide will be too strong in this clash.
Adelaide United to Win
$2.15 (2 Units)
Newcastle vs Auckland FC
McDonald Jones Stadium, Saturday 14th March, 5:00pm AEDT
The standout fixture of Round 21 sees league leaders Newcastle Jets host second placed Auckland FC in what is a massive fixture at McDonald Jones Stadium. Newcastle have been the benchmark side of the season so far, sitting top of the table with 40 points and boasting the league’s most prolific attack with 43 goals scored. Their attacking unit has consistently found the net, and the Jets have developed a reputation for high-tempo football that overwhelms opponents through quick transitions and relentless pressure under Mark Milligan.
Auckland FC arrive as the challengers looking to keep their hopes of winning the Premiers Plate alive. The Black Knights are four points behind the Jets, and falling seven points off the league leaders would all but end their hopes of finishing in top spot. Auckland have the most balanced statistical profile in the A-League, ranking as the equal best defence (20 goals conceded) and the equal second best attack (34 goals scored). If there’s a side capable of ending the Jets unbeaten streak, it’s Auckland.
This will be one of the games of the season, Newcastle’s out and out attacking brilliance against the grit and consistency of Auckland. The Black Knights have the second best away record in the A-League, and will be confident that they can cause an upset and move to within a point of the Jets. This should be a cracking contest, Auckland’s defence will hold firm to record a memorable victory.
Auckland FC to Win
$2.45 (1 Unit)
Melbourne Victory vs Macarthur
AAMI Park, Sunday 15th March, 7:00pm AEDT
Melbourne Victory host Macarthur in at AAMI Park with both sides still chasing crucial points in the race for finals football. Victory currently sit fifth on the ladder with 29 points, while Macarthur are in seventh place on 25 points, after losing three straight games. The Bulls are winless from their last five games, and their finals hopes are in major jeopardy with the way they’ve played of late.
Although the Victory have been held to draws in their last two games, the form that Juan Mata is in over the last month has given Melbourne plenty of confidence they can compete with any side. The Spaniard has scored three goals and recorded three assists in his last four games, as the Victory continue to become a more potent attacking team. The Victory are the fourth highest scoring team in the league (30 goals) and match up perfectly against a Macarthur side that is the third worst defence in the competition having conceded 31 goals.
Macarthur have conceded seven goals across their last two games against the Mariners and Wanderers, so it’s difficult to see them turning things around against a top four side like Victory. Melbourne have a 6-2-3 record against Macarthur, and have won two of their last three against the Bulls, which will give them plenty of confidence especially playing at home. It will be an attacking onslaught for the hosts, who will win in convincing fashion against an out of form Macarthur.
Melbourne Victory to Win
$1.82 (1.5 Units)
