<p>The fifth installment of the A-League’s newest derby takes place this Saturday at Go Media Stadium when Auckland FC take on the Wellington Phoenix.</p> <p>The all-New Zealand affair has quickly grown into one of the most intense contests in the league and this edition should be no different.</p> <p>Little brother Auckland currently have a stranglehold on this fixture, winning all four meetings between these sides, but can Wellington remind everyone that they were here first?</p> <p>Let’s find out! For all the latest analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of the New Zealand Derby check out our Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Win-Draw-Win Prediction</h3> <p>The New Zealand Derby is fast becoming a highlight fixture on the A-League calendar, and this edition should be no different.</p> <p>Auckland enter this match stung by their shock home defeat to Newcastle, a performance that raised questions about their sharpness in both penalty areas.</p> <p>Wellington Phoenix, meanwhile, are beginning to look more cohesive, with their high-pressing style generating turnovers in dangerous areas.</p> <p>This fixture has been all Auckland since its inception last season. They’re four from four against their countrymen and have outscored the Phoenix 12-3 on aggregate.</p> <p>That means they’re averaging a whopping three goals per game against their Kiwi rivals and despite the door being slightly ajar after their shock loss at home last week, they should find a way to make it five from five here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/auckland-fc-v-wellington-phoenix-9877702">2-1 Auckland FC.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goalscorer Prediction</h3> <p>Despite backing Auckland in here, we don’t think they’ll be the ones to open the scoring.</p> <p>Uncharacteristic defensive frailties began to emerge last week in their loss to lowly Newcastle, and we expect Wellington to pounce early in this one.</p> <p>New import Ifeanyi Eze has added real presence to the Phoenix and seems tailor-made for derby battles.</p> <p>He already has three goals to his name, and we like him to notch a fourth here to get the scoring underway at Go Media Stadium.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/auckland-fc-v-wellington-phoenix-9877702">Ifeanyi Eze.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Over/Under 2.5 Goals</h3> <p>With an aggregate score of 12-3 across just four meetings, there has only been under 2.5 goals once in this fixture.</p> <p>That was the first ever meeting between these two sides and that is yet to be repeated since.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/auckland-fc-v-wellington-phoenix-9877702">Over 2.5 goals</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Both Teams to Score</h3> <p>Both of these teams have only failed to score once this season. Just like with the over/under total goals market, there has only ever been one NZ Derby where both teams failed to score. Again, that was the very first one, in which Auckland triumphed 2-0.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/australia/australian-a-league-men/auckland-fc-v-wellington-phoenix-9877702">Both teams to score – yes.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Auckland FC vs Wellington Phoenix Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, December 6, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 3:00pm AEDT.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Go Media Stadium, Auckland.&nbsp;</p>