<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Round 9 of the A-League is set to play host to plenty of high-stakes matchups. The Melbourne Derby will hog most of the headlines, as a desperate Victory outfit run out against a formidable City side now fully focused on their domestic campaign.</p> <p>Elsewhere, table-topping Sydney FC aim to solidify their lead against an unpredictable Newcastle Jets, while fellow Sydneysiders the Wanderers go looking for consistency against Auckland.</p> <p>Finally, Brisbane Roar’s league-best defence will look to hold firm against a Macarthur side who continue to fire blanks.</p> <p>Round 9 also features crucial clashes between Perth and Adelaide as well as Wellington and the Mariners, with all teams desperate for vital points.</p> <p>With so much A-League action on the cards, it’s time to get stuck into this set of silly season fixtures.</p> <p>For all the latest A-League analysis, news and betting tips, check out our A-League Round 9 predictions below.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Macarthur FC vs Brisbane Roar Prediction</h2> <p>Friday, December 19, 6:00pm AEDT – Campbelltown Stadium</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The league’s worst attack faces off against the league’s best defence, setting the stage for a potentially low-scoring stalemate.</p> <p>Their earlier clash in the season ended in a narrow 1-0 win for the Roar, and all eyes will be on soon-to-be MLS-bound Herrington, who could be a Socceroos bolter.</p> <p>This marks Brisbane’s third consecutive away game, with one more to follow, testing their resilience. Expect a tight contest, but the Roar’s defensive discipline might just edge it again.</p> <p>Draw-win-draw prediction:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/macarthur-fc-v-brisbane-roar-9943219"> 1-0 Brisbane Roar.</a></p> <p>Betting tip: Both teams to score – no.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Western Sydney Wanderers vs Auckland FC Prediction</h2> <p>Friday, December 19, 8:00pm AEDT – CommBank Stadium</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Which Wanderers side will show up this week? After struggling to break down a stubborn Brisbane Roar last round, they’ll need to step up against an Auckland side rediscovering last season’s form.</p> <p>The Black Knights have proven to be a tough opponent, and this could be a real test for WSW’s creativity. Hopefully, a bigger crowd turns out in Sydney’s west to lift the home side than last week. A close battle looms, but Auckland should just sneak home.</p> <p>Draw-win-draw prediction:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/western-sydney-wanderers-v-auckland-fc-9935045"> 2-1 Auckland.</a></p> <p>Betting tip: Sam Cosgrove first goalscorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Newcastle Jets vs Sydney FC Prediction</h2> <p>Saturday, December 20, 5:00pm AEDT – McDonald Jones Stadium</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 2025 incarnation of the Jets is a team of extremes. One moment they’re capable of thrilling 10-minute bursts of football, moments later, they’re completely unravelling.</p> <p>Meanwhile, table-topping Sydney FC have been grinding out results despite being below their best, which in truth is probably a promising sign for their title ambitions.</p> <p>&nbsp;Newcastle’s inconsistency could be their undoing, but Sydney’s recent struggles might leave the door open for a share of the points. Expect an entertaining clash with goals at both ends.</p> <p>Draw-win-draw prediction:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/newcastle-jets-v-sydney-fc-9946715"> 2-2.</a></p> <p>Betting tip: Over 2.5 goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne City FC vs Melbourne Victory Prediction</h2> <p>Saturday, December 20, 7:35pm AEDT – AAMI Park</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The headline fixture of A-League Round 9 – the good old Melbourne Derby.</p> <p>Victory finally picked up another win last start, thanks to Vergos breaking his scoring drought. However, they now face Melbourne City, who have impressively managed their squad through a gruelling Asian Champions League campaign.</p> <p>With a break in continental action until the New Year, City can now focus on their A-League push. Expect them to come out firing and show their class in this derby, meaning Victory’s resurgence may be short-lived.</p> <p>Draw-win-draw prediction:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/melbourne-city-v-melbourne-victory-9946643"> 3-1 Melbourne City.</a></p> <p>Betting tip: Nikos Vergos anytime goalscorer.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Perth Glory vs Adelaide United FC Prediction</h2> <p>Saturday, December 20, 9:45pm AEDT – HBF Park</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both teams here are coming off losses, with the Reds’ early-season promise fading fast.</p> <p>They are looking more like the mid-table side many predicted, with hometown hero Craig Goodwin struggling to find his spark.</p> <p>Perth, on the other hand, had been riding a three-game win streak before falling to Sydney last week. With Griffith now permanently in charge, the Glory will be eager to bounce back at home. Expect a tight game, but Perth should edge it.</p> <p>Draw-win-draw prediction:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/perth-glory-v-adelaide-united-9947011"> 2-1 Perth Glory.</a></p> <p>Betting tip: Craig Goodwin anytime goalscorer.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners Prediction</h2> <p>Sunday, December 21, 1:00pm AEDT – Sky Stadium</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The final match of A-League Round 9 and Sunday’s sole fixture pits two teams against each other who are struggling to shake off early-season woes.</p> <p>Wellington have shown flashes of strength but are prone to conceding cheap goals, while the Mariners are competitive in every game but lack the cutting edge to turn performances into wins.</p> <p>This matchup promises goals, with Wellington’s home advantage likely to tip the scales. The Phoenix should have enough firepower to secure the points and keep the Mariners at bay.&nbsp;</p> <p>Draw-win-draw prediction:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/wellington-phoenix-v-central-coast-mariners-9935044"> 2-0 Wellington Phoenix.</a></p> <p>Betting tip: Ifeanyi Eze first goalscorer.</p>