Round 3 of the A-League season showcases the first ever New Zealand Derby in a massive clash across the ditch between the top two teams in the league. There are plenty of other exciting matches on the schedule too, and expert Jack Tobin has you covered with his best bet for all of them below!
A-League 2024-25: Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Roar vs Sydney FC
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 1st November, 7:35pm AEDT
Fresh off a bye, Brisbane host Sydney FC to kick off Round 3. The Roar will be looking for their first win of the season after a 2-0 defeat in Round 1, while the Sky Blues will be looking to bounce back after losing to Auckland FC in stoppage time last week. Sydney FC have faced an abundance of travel over the last fortnight, going to Japan and New Zealand, and face more travel heading north to the sunshine state.
The Sky Blues recorded 59% possession last week, yet recorded seven less shots than Auckland FC, and it’s been clear over the opening two weeks of the season that Sydney FC are keen to try and dominate possession, and build pressure that way. If Sydney plays a high possession brand once again, it will make defending vastly easier for the Roar.
The Roar’s attack struggled against Auckland FC in Round 1 continuing their struggles from last season where they ranked 10th in the league for goals. The travel clearly affected Sydney and will likely play a role again this weekend with humid conditions expected in Brisbane. This has the potential to be a low scoring affair, so the under total goals market is where we’ll be going in this clash.
Under 2.5 Goals
$2.40 (1 Unit)
Wellington Phoenix vs Auckland FC
Sky Stadium, Saturday 2nd November, 3:00pm AEDT
The first game on Saturday’s slate is one of the most anticipated games of the season, as Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC face off in the first ever New Zealand Derby. It’s been a dream start to life in the A-League for Auckland FC, with two wins from two games after Nando Pijnaker’s 97th minute winner against Sydney FC.
Remarkably the two New Zealand teams sit atop the table after the opening two rounds of the season. Auckland FC are the only team with a perfect record, while the Phoenix moved to second on the table after a 2-0 win against Perth Glory.
Wellington will be eager to get back to Sky Stadium, after having the home record in the A-League last season, winning 10 of their 13 games at home. The Phoenix’s defence looms as the key in this clash, after being the number one defence in the league last season they have started strongly again, conceding just one goal over the first two weeks. Although there’s plenty of well-deserved hype around Auckland, Wellington will be eager to assert themselves as the big brother in New Zealand football, and will be desperate to take first blood in the Derby.
Wellington Phoenix
$2.45 (1.5 Units)
Central Coast Mariners vs Perth Glory
Industree Group Stadium, Saturday 2nd November, 5:00pm AEDT
The defending champions will be out for their first win of the season when they take on bottom of the league Perth Glory. After finishing in last place last season, the Glory have opened their campaign with 6-1 and 2-0 defeats. It doesn’t get easier for Perth as they travel east to take on the Central Coast Mariners, who will be desperate to get their first win of the season.
The Mariners recorded a second consecutive draw, after holding on to claim a point against Adelaide United in a game they were well and truly outplayed in. Adelaide United had 12 shots to the Mariners 6 and the Mariners only recorded 38% possession. The Mariners should be fresher heading into this week, given they don’t have to travel to Asia midweek unlike last week.
The Glory have lost six straight A-League games, and have failed to record a win in their last twelve A-League games. The Mariners defeated Perth 4-2 in their last matchup against the Glory, and they’ll be desperate to get their campaign going with a win. The defending champions will be out to make a statement and this game could get ugly for Perth Glory.
Central Coast Mariners -1
$2.20 (2 Units)
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Adelaide United
Commbank Stadium, Saturday 2nd November, 7:35pm AEDT
Two winless sides will be desperate to get on the board in season ‘24/’25 when Adelaide United head on the road to take on the Wanderers. Western Sydney picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw against Western United last week, while Adelaide United were held to a 1-1 draw against the Mariners, despite having the better of proceedings.
Expectations were low coming into this season for Adelaide United, but claiming a point against Central Coast gave their fans some promise that they can be a competitive outfit in ‘24/’25. However, the Wanderers who are expecting to play finals, a winless fortnight to begin their season is far from ideal. They’ve shown a capacity to win plenty of the ball in the middle of the pitch, however they are lacking penetration and finishing quality in their front third. The Wanderers have had 27 shots across their two games, but have only registered 6 shots on target.
This game won’t be pretty viewing, given the lack of attacking quality on both sides, however the more experienced Western Sydney side will look to grind Adelaide into the ground and churn out a win. Expect a bounce back performance from the Wanderers in a game that is a must win clash.
Western Sydney Wanderers
$2.20 (1 Unit)
Melbourne Victory vs Macarthur
AAMI Park, Sunday 3rd November 4:00pm AEDT
Fresh off a scintillating performance in the Melbourne Derby, Melbourne Victory will look to keep their unbeaten start to the season intact when the host Macarthur. The Bulls return to the scene of a famous Australia Cup win over the Victory just a month later, hoping to knock off Patrick Kisnorbo’s side once again.
Macarthur conceded two goals in three minutes against Newcastle, to throw away a victory after taking the lead inside the first 20 minutes. Macarthur had a chance to level the game in the 88th minute, but Valère Germain failed to convert from the penalty spot. The Bulls had 8 more shots on goal and recorded 64% possession, however Newcastle scored from their only two shots on target.
Melbourne Victory’s first 25 minutes last week was the best football they have played in years, which showed the ceiling they have under the more attacking minded management of Patrick Kisnorbo. Although Macarthur came out on top in the Australia Cup Final, the Victory dominated proceedings with 22 shots to 6 and 66% possession. The Victory will have learnt from the Australia Cup Final, and will pick up a second consecutive win.
Melbourne Victory
$1.60 (1.5 Units)
Western United vs Melbourne City
AAMI Park, Monday 4th November, 7:00pm AEDT
An all-Victorian clash rounds out Round 3, with Western United and Melbourne City going head to head at AAMI Park. Melbourne City were left reeling after a nightmare opening 25 minutes decided the game against Melbourne Victory. City conceded 3 goals inside the first 25 minutes, in what has been a far from convincing opening two weeks after just scraping past Newcastle in Round 1.
Western United have been solid across their opening two games, picking up a point on the road against Wellington, and a point at home against Western Sydney last week. John Aloisi’s side were the lowest scoring team in the league last season, but have scored in both of their games so far this season.
After last week’s horror performance, expect Melbourne City to come out all guns blazing in this matchup. City have won five of the last six meetings between the two sides and they can’t afford to fail to win back-to-back games against Victorian rivals. There’s plenty on the line for Melbourne City in this clash, and they will be too strong for Western United.
Melbourne City
$2.02 (1.5 Units)
