A-League: Auckland begin with visit from Roar

Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC go head-to-head in a big derby clash on Saturday, while Auckland FC make their A-League debut.

Wanderers and Sydney FC have high hopes for the 2024/25 A-League campaign and, with bragging rights also on the line, there is a lot at stake.

Both teams can be backed at 7.00 to win the A-League grand final and it is important they get off to a strong start.

Meanwhile, it is also a huge day for the A-League’s newest team, Auckland FC, who will play their very first game in the competition against Brisbane Roar.

Steve Corica’s side will be desperate to mark the occasion by getting all three points at Go Media Stadium.

The final game of the day sees Melbourne City travel to take on the Newcastle Jets.

City had an underwhelming 2023/24 by their high standards and will be out to put things right in the campaign ahead.

Mata and Costa to bring the sparkle

. What: Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
. Where: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
. When: 18:35 (AEST) Saturday 19th October, 2024
. How to watch: Channel 10, Paramount+
. Odds: Western Sydney Wanderers 2.75, Draw 3.75, Sydney FC 2.30

Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spain star Juan Mata is set to make his A-League debut for the Wanderers on Saturday night.

Coach Alen Stajic says that Mata will play some part in the game and he can be backed at 4.33 to grab a goal at anytime in the game.

There is every chance this will be an open, high-scoring opening encounter and over 2.5 goals in the game can be backed at 1.50.

Meanwhile, Sydney will also unveil a superstar signing of their own, with Brazilian star Douglas Costa also in line to start.

If honours are to finish even, then a 1-1 draw at CommBank can be backed at 7.50.

Auckland target winning start

. What: Auckland FC v Brisbane Roar
. Where: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
. When: 14:00 (AEST) Saturday 19th October, 2024
. How to watch: Paramount+
. Odds: Auckland FC 2.60, Draw 3.40, Brisbane Roar 2.60

Auckland FC are very much an unknown quantity heading into their inaugural A-League campaign and will be desperate to get off to a winning start.

They have a very experienced coach in the form of Corica, so are in good hands for their debut season.

Max Mata, a New Zealand international, who has arrived on loan from English League One side Shrewsbury Town, will be a key player for them.

The striker can be backed at 7.00 to score the first goal of the game and so the club’s first in the A-League.

The same can be said of Thomas Waddingham for Brisbane, with the 19-year-old 3.20 to score at anytime.

City looking to bounce back

. What: Newcastle Jets v Melbourne City
. Where: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
. When: 14:00 (AEST) Saturday 19th October, 2024
. How to watch: Channel 10, Paramount+
. Odds: Newcastle Jets 3.10, Draw 3.50, Melbourne City 2.20

Melbourne City had a season to forget in 2023/24 and will be eager to bounce back in the new campaign.

It is important to get off to a winning start, but it will not be easy at McDonald Jones Stadium.

City will be out for a convincing win and over 2.5 goals in the game can be backed at 1.57.

Marco Tilio is also back on board with City and is priced at 8.00 to net the first goal of the game, or 3.25 to score at anytime.