The A-League returns from the international break with Unite Round, as all teams converge in Sydney for a massive weekend of football. The Sydney Derby and F3 Derby headline Round 5’s action, and we have you covered with our preview of all six games. Check out our free betting tips below and good luck to everyone following along!
A-League 2024-25: Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips
Perth Glory vs Western United
Allianz Stadium, Friday 22nd November, 5:30pm AEDT
A battle of 11th versus 12th kicks off Unite Round as Perth Glory and Western Unite search for their first wins of the season. The Glory come into this game on the back of a 5-0 hiding at the hands of Melbourne City in Round 4, while Western United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Adelaide United, failing to capitalise on scoring in the opening ten minutes.
The Glory are ranked dead last in both attack (1 goal scored) and defence (13 goals conceded), in what has been a brutal start to follow their bottom of the table finish last season. Perth have a goal difference of -12, 7 goals worse than 13th placed Brisbane Roar.
Western United have certainly had the wood over the Glory since coming into the league five years ago. United have won nine of the 12 games between both sides across all competitions, including winning six of their last seven games against Perth Glory. Perth have been in terrible form, and although Western United haven’t been much better, they’ve been vastly more competitive.
Western United
$1.96 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle Jets vs Central Coast Mariners
Allianz Stadium, Friday 22nd November, 8:00pm AEDT
The second game of Friday’s double header sees the F3 Derby take place, with both the Jets and Mariners in desperate need of a victory. The defending champions have been well off the pace this season, with three losses and a draw from their opening four games. Newcastle are coming off a 4-1 defeat against the previously winless Wanderers.
In Round 4 the Mariners had 21 shots to Wellington’s 8, as well as 54% possession, but lost 3-0. Central Coast’s front third game has been remarkably non-functional this season, scoring just one goal this season - the equal fewest in the league. It’s been a significant fall for a team that scored 49 goals last season, which ranked third in the league.
It’s difficult to have any faith in a Mariners side that hasn’t scored since the 26th of October, while the Jets have only won one of their three games so far this season. In four of the combined seven games the Mariners and Jets have played, only one team has managed to score. Given the attacking struggles for both teams, this will be a dour affair with little attacking fluency.
Both teams to score: No
$2.20 (1 Unit)
Brisbane Roar vs Adelaide United
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 23rd November, 5:00pm AEDT
Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United kick off Saturday football, as the Reds look to continue their positive start to the year against a struggling Brisbane outfit. After finishing eighth last season, Adelaide United are fifth on the table, yet to lose a game with two wins and a draw. The Roar have had a horror start to the season, being the only club without a single point, sitting 13th place.
Adelaide were full value for their 2-1 victory over Western United in their last outing, winning the shot count 18-8, whilst having 55% possession. The Reds have scored seven goals from three games this season, continuing their attacking form from last season, where they remarkably scored the equal most goals in the league - despite finishing 8th.
Brisbane have only scored in one of their three games this season, and have struggled against the Reds across the last four years. The Roar have a 2-2-6 record across their last ten A-League fixtures against Adelaide United, and with what Ruben Zadkovich has dished up this season, it’s difficult to see them turning things around this week.
Adelaide United
$2.30 (1.5 Units)
Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 23rd November, 7:35pm AEDT
For the second time in the first five rounds of the season, we have a Sydney derby as the Sky Blues host Western Sydney Wanderers. Sydney FC are coming off a shock loss to Macarthur, conceding a 96th minute goal to go down 2-1, which has seen the Sky Blues fall to seventh place on the table.
After a horrific performance in Round 3, the Wanderers bounced back with a brilliant performance in a 4-1 win over Newcastle. Nicolas Milanovic spearheaded the performance with a hattrick, but it was a competent defensive performance that would have pleased fans. The Wanderers have conceded eight goals across four games, which is the second most in the league.
The Sky Blues have had the better of this rivalry in recent seasons, winning three straight games against the Wanderers. Sydney’s 2-1 win in Round 1 was built on a strong midfield performance that gave Klimala, Costa and Lolley plenty of opportunities to be dangerous in the front third. Western Sydney’s defence held up against the Jets last week, however it’s a whole new ball game against the attacking quality that Sydney FC present.
Sydney FC
$1.72 (2.5 Units)
Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 24th November, 1:30pm AEDT
Sunday’s slate of action kicks off with a rematch of last season’s Semi Final, as Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix face off. The Victory come into Unite Round atop the league after a unbeaten 3-1-0 start, with their last outing a comfortable 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar. Wellington Phoenix got back in the winners list in Round 4 with a 3-0 win on the road against Central Coast, in a remarkably efficient performance.
The Phoenix sit fourth with a 2-1-1 and won’t have any fears going to Sydney, given how good they have been on the road this season, with two wins from as many games. Wellington have excellent defensively this season, conceding just three goals, which has them ranked as the third best defence in the league. Melbourne are ranked second, having conceded only two goals.
The Phoenix will be desperate for redemption after the Victory ended their season at home in extra time of the Semi Final second leg. The Victory have started this season strongly, and have played out a lot of close games against Wellington in recent seasons. Three of the last four games between the Phoenix and Victory have been level after 90 minutes, and the draw looms as great value in this clash.
Macarthur vs Auckland FC
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 24th November 4:00pm AEDT
Auckland FC will be looking to continue their fairy-tale start to life in the A-League when they take on Macarthur in the final game of Round 5. Auckland FC are the only team in the league with a perfect record, winning their first three games before having the bye in Round 4. Macarthur ended their two-game losing streak with a stunning 2-1 victory against Sydney FC, courtesy of a 96th minute winner from Marin Jakolis.
Auckland have been the best defence in the A-League through the first four rounds of the season, still yet to concede a single goal. On paper Macarthur look like an attacking juggernaut with a league best 10 goals, however 6 of those came in Round 1 against Perth Glory.
It’s tough to pick against Auckland FC, especially given their quality wins over Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix in their last two games. Their defence has been outstanding to start the season, and they showed great consistency and discipline through their midfield, which has allowed their attackers to make the most of their chances in the front third. The Black Knights will be well rested off the bye last week, and will be two strong for an inconsistent Macarthur side.
Auckland FC, $2.30 with Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
$2.30 (1 Unit)
