The A-League continues this weekend with a Melbourne Derby headlining Matchweek 2. Auckland travel to Western Sydney after a winning start, while Sunday sees Wellington host Central Coast before Adelaide begin their league campaign against Sydney FC. Here’s our look at three matches across the weekend.
A-League 2026-27 Matchweek 2 Best Bets
| Match |
Best Bet |
Odds |
| Western Sydney vs Auckland |
Auckland FC to Win |
$2.55 (1 unit) |
| Wellington vs Central Coast |
Wellington Phoenix to Win |
$1.83 (2 units) |
| Sydney FC vs Adelaide |
Adelaide United to Win |
$3.10 (1 unit) |
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Auckland FC
CommBank Stadium, Saturday 24 October, 5:00pm AEDT
Western Sydney opened their season with a 0-0 draw against Sydney FC. Both sides had opportunities to win it, so the clean sheet shouldn’t disguise the fact the Wanderers gave up chances as well. Brandon Borrello has been included in the extended squad after missing the derby. His return would be a welcome boost for a side that couldn’t make the most of its opportunities last week.
Auckland started with a 3-1 win over Melbourne City, but the scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story. City were competitive and went into half-time level before Auckland pulled away after the break. It was an encouraging start under Pedro Moreira, particularly against opposition capable of keeping the ball for long periods. This is another test away from home, where Auckland are unlikely to have everything their own way.
Auckland won three of the four league meetings between these clubs over the previous two seasons, including both trips to CommBank Stadium. Western Sydney’s 3-1 preseason win over Auckland is a reason for caution, as is the change of coach at both clubs. Still, Auckland have made the stronger start to the league season, and we narrowly favour them here. With little separating the teams in the market, we’re backing the visitors for a small stake.
Our Best Bet
Auckland FC to Win
$2.55 (1 unit)
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners
Hnry Stadium, Sunday 25 October, 1:00pm AEDT
Wellington started with a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory and have another home game to build on that result. The Phoenix finished with nine shots to Victory’s five despite having less possession, which offers some substance beyond the winning scoreline. Victory were playing their third game in eight days, so we shouldn’t get carried away, but Wellington can take confidence from restricting their opportunities.
Central Coast twice led Newcastle before settling for a 2-2 draw. There were positives for John Hutchinson, who was pleased with his side’s confidence in possession, but the Mariners couldn’t hold either advantage. They now face a Wellington side that beat them 3-1 in their most recent meeting last season.
The Phoenix don’t need to dominate possession to win this match, but they will need to repeat the defensive discipline they showed against Victory. Central Coast were competitive enough last week to make this a proper contest, although home advantage and Wellington’s encouraging start put us on the Phoenix. Having another game at Hnry Stadium gives them a good opportunity to settle into the season, and they’re our strongest selection of the weekend.
Our Best Bet
Wellington Phoenix to Win
$1.83 (2 units)
Sydney FC vs Adelaide United
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 25 October, 3:00pm AEDT
Sydney will be looking for more in attack after their goalless derby draw. They had promising periods against Western Sydney but didn’t create enough clear opportunities to take control of the match. It’s only one game under Patrick Kisnorbo this season, so there’s room for improvement, but they’ll need to offer more going forward to justify favouritism here.
Adelaide are making their first league appearance of the season, having already played competitive football in the AFC Champions League Two. Their 2-1 win over BG Pathum United in Bangkok made it two wins from two in that competition. Adelaide improved after half-time, with both Airton Andrioli and Craig Goodwin highlighting their better use of possession. They’ve also had more than a week to recover, so the overseas trip hasn’t left them facing a short turnaround.
The Reds won both league meetings with Sydney last season, each by a 2-1 scoreline. That alone isn’t enough to back them, but their competitive preparation and results in Asia give us reason to think they can trouble the Sky Blues. Sydney deserve respect at home, although their opening performance leaves enough questions about their attack to make the visitors worth considering. It’s the away price that appeals here, with a one-unit stake reflecting what should be a competitive game.
Our Best Bet
Adelaide United to Win
$3.10 (1 unit)
Odds are indicative and may change. 18+ Gamble Responsibly.
