The 2024-25 A-League season continues this weekend with Round 20! Action kicks off on Friday night with the Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets, before Super Saturday presents a huge four-game slate. Finally, the round concludes on Sunday night when Western United host Adelaide United. As always, we bring you our three best bets for the round for free below!
A-League Round 20 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Jets vs Brisbane Roar
McDonald Jones Stadium, Friday 21st February, 7:35pm AEDT
Newcastle Jets will host Brisbane Roar in the opening match of Round 20, with both sides desperate for points at the bottom end of the A-League ladder. The Roar have endured a miserable campaign, sitting last with just one win from 15 matches. Their only victory came three games ago in a 4-3 thriller against Sydney FC, but scoring has otherwise been a major concern. In seven of their last eight outings, Brisbane have failed to net more than once, highlighting their attacking struggles.
The Jets, meanwhile, have sparked some life into their season with back-to-back wins against top-three opposition. Despite sitting 11th, they’ve given themselves something to play for in the run home. Their recent performances have been a major improvement, particularly in attack, where they have now scored at least twice in four consecutive matches. This newfound confidence in front of goal makes them a dangerous opponent, especially at home.
With Brisbane’s continued struggles and Newcastle finding their best form of the season, the Jets should be strong favourites to take all three points. Their recent momentum and attacking output suggest they will have too much firepower for the Roar, who have lacked quality in both boxes.
Jets to Win
$2.00 (2.5 Units)
Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix
Go Media Stadium, Saturday 22nd February, 3:00pm AEDT
Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix square off in the third New Zealand Derby of the season, with Auckland looking to maintain their dominance over their domestic rivals. The A-League newcomers have won both previous meetings, securing a 2-0 victory in the first clash before edging out the Phoenix 2-1 in the most recent encounter. Their inaugural campaign has been nothing short of outstanding, as they sit five points clear at the top of the ladder with just two losses from 16 matches.
Wellington, on the other hand, find themselves struggling in 10th place and six points adrift of the top six. Their form has been mixed, winning only one of their last five games, but they’ve also suffered just one defeat in that stretch. Auckland, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four, as they continue to set the pace at the summit of the league.
Defensively, both teams have been solid in recent weeks, which has led to a trend of low-scoring encounters. Four of Wellington’s last five matches have gone under 2.5 goals, as have four of Auckland’s last seven. With that in mind, another tight and cagey affair could be on the cards in this derby.
Under 2.5 Goals
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City
AAMI Park Saturday 22nd February, 7:35pm AEDT
Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City meet in the headline fixture of Round 20, with both sides battling for position in the top four. Victory currently sit third on the ladder, while City are fourth but with a game in hand. Victory have been in strong form, winning three of their last four matches, with a 3-0 loss to Newcastle Jets the only blemish in that stretch. Meanwhile, City recently endured a rough patch, losing three straight games without scoring a single goal, but they steadied the ship with a narrow 1-0 win over 12th-placed Perth Glory last time out.
Recent history favours Victory in the Melbourne Derby, as they are unbeaten in their last six meetings against City, winning three of those. That dominance, combined with their more consistent form in recent weeks, gives them a clear edge heading into this clash. City will need to find an attacking spark if they are to turn the tide, but their struggles in front of goal remain a concern.
With Victory in better touch and boasting the upper hand in this rivalry, they will be confident of extending their unbeaten Derby run. Expect a high-intensity contest, but Victory should have the edge once again.
Victory to Win
$2.15 (2 Units)
