<p>One of the A-League’s classic feuds is set to reignite in Round 13 as Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in the latest edition of the ‘Original Rivalry’.</p> <p>Both clubs enter the contest looking to rebound from disappointing results last week and stake their claim in an increasingly congested top six.</p> <p>Adelaide will be ruing a missed opportunity after letting a two-goal advantage slip in a 2-2 draw against Wellington.</p> <p>While for Victory, a solid run of form came to an abrupt end at the hands of Western Sydney.</p> <p>With the league defined by its parity this season, every point is crucial, and this rivalry rarely fails to produce drama.</p> <p>For all the latest analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of what is sure to be another classic encounter between these two foundation clubs, check out our Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory Preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Win-Draw-Win Prediction</h3> <p>The A-League has been a breeding ground for unexpected results this season. The fight for a finals position has never been more intense, with nearly every team in contention.</p> <p>Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory are right in the thick of that battle, making this showdown at Coopers Stadium a pivotal one.</p> <p>Adelaide’s young squad showed both its promise and its vulnerability against Wellington. After storming to a 2-0 lead, their inability to close out the match will no doubt be something Victory’s tacticians have made note of during the week.</p> <p>The Reds’ task to rebound is made more difficult by the absence of key personnel. Some of their brightest young talents, including regular starters Luka Jovanović, and Jonny Alagich, are away on international duty at the U23 Asian Cup, placing more strain on an already stretched squad.</p> <p>Melbourne Victory, on the other hand, will be determined to prove their loss to the Wanderers was just a minor setback on their road to redemption.</p> <p>Because last week’s blip, much maligned offseason signing Juan Mata, had helped guide his side to four straight wins, showing the kind of form that once made him one of the most creative midfielders on the planet.</p> <p>Off the field, a fascinating subplot to this encounter has emerged with the mid-season signing of Charles Nduka.</p> <p>Signed from the Japanese third division, a move that raised some eyebrows, we could see Nduka come on for his debut here.</p> <p>Despite the surrounding scepticism, this transfer has the hallmarks of a data-driven signing, influenced by Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who also holds a stake in Victory.</p> <p>Known for unearthing hidden gems through analytics, Bloom’s involvement suggests Nduka could be a wildcard in the second half of the season.</p> <p>What better way to welcome him onboard than with a win against arch rivals Adelaide?</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/adelaide-united-v-melbourne-victory-10011157">2-1 Melbourne Victory.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goalscorer Prediction</h3> <p>Normally playing provider, we’re backing Juan to be the one to strike when it Matas most here.</p> <p>His ability to pull the strings in midfield allows him to dictate play and drift into dangerous attacking pockets unnoticed. Against a relatively inexperienced Adelaide side, Mata’s elite vision and technical class should be difficult to contain.</p> <p>Look to the Spaniard to ghost into the box with a late run at some point in the first half to get the scoreboard ticking over.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/adelaide-united-v-melbourne-victory-10011157">Juan Mata.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Over/Under 2.5 Goals</h3> <p>Traditional rivalries such as this one more often than not bring the fireworks and we’re tipping this clash to follow suit.</p> <p>One look at Adelaide’s last match, which yielded four goals and the over total goals market starts to look very appealing indeed.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/adelaide-united-v-melbourne-victory-10011157">Over 2.5 goals.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Both Teams to Score</h3> <p>It’s been a month since either of these sides have kept a clean sheet. In fact, the last time they both managed to keep their opposition out was in the exact same week, back in round 9.</p> <p>This kind of defensive form from both sides, or lack of, makes us want to lean the way of both teams to score here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/adelaide-united-v-melbourne-victory-10011157">Both teams to score – yes.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, January 17, 2026.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 7:35pm AEDT.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Coopers Stadium, Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>