A-League Week 1 Tips 2026 | SGM Bets & Predictions!

The A-League kicks off with a Sydney Derby, and both sides have plenty to prove. Sydney made the semis last season, while the Wanderers have been running riot in the preseason, including absolutely sausaging Central Coast.

Western Sydney will be hoping to carry that form into the real stuff, but Sydney at home won’t be an easy task. Expect both sides to find the net in what should be a cracking opening contest.

Auckland kick off their title defence against Melbourne City in what should be one of the better games of the round. The reigning premiers have been tough to beat at home, although Western Sydney gave them a touch-up in the preseason.

City have looked decent themselves, knocking off Newcastle and Oakleigh in their preparation. Could be a nail-biter, but we’re backing Auckland to just sneak in.

After a fairly ordinary campaign last year, Macarthur get the home ground tick against Perth in a season that might show more promise, but probably won’t. The Bulls managed to knock off Newcastle in the preseason before getting done by the Wanderers.

Perth have been just as unpredictable, beating Adelaide before getting spanked in the rematch. Neither side screams premiership contender, but Macarthur should have enough to get the job done at home.

Newcastle head into the F3 Derby after winning last year’s Premiership, and they’ve continued banging in goals throughout the preseason. The Jets recently put five past Wellington, while Central Coast have been getting absolutely smoked by anyone with a half-decent attack.

The Mariners were flogged by Western Sydney before Sydney FC also gave them a touch-up. Derbies can throw up anything, but Newcastle look a class above heading into this one.

Wellington have had an ordinary preseason, getting dog walked by Western Sydney before coughing up five against the Jets. Not exactly ideal preparation for a Melbourne Victory side that’s made the Australia Cup final.

Victory have looked the goods throughout their campaign and should be confident heading across the ditch. Wellington might put up a fight at home, but their defence has been leaking goals like a broken tap. Victory should get the job done.