A-League Round 22 Preview

Sam Cosgrove was again in the action early last weekend for Auckland FC, and this time he got his double scoring his second of the game in the 52^nd minute. In a huge game for Auckland, they took all three points away from Newcastle to move within one point at the top of the ladder.

This weekend, back at home, they host Macarthur, who are coming off three heavy defeats and only have two wins in 2026.

When these sides met in January, it ended 1-1, but now we’re into the business end of the season, and Cosgrove’s boot heating up. Auckland are a serious chance at getting the job done in front of their home crowd.

Auckland have been dominating early in their recent games, applying the pressure and coming away with goals to show for it. Macarthur have been prone to conceding early too. The way these teams have been tracking, over 1.5 first half goals provides some value.

I can see the half ending as 1-1 or 2-0 / 2-1 to Auckland.

With this game set to see plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, it’s the perfect time to eye up the red-hot boot of Sam Cosgrove to bag another double. If you’re after someone else the obvious one to look at is Jesse Randall, who has been overtaken as the league’s golden boot by his teammate Cosgrove.

Expect some friendly competition between the two on Saturday.

Best: Over 1.5 First Half Goals @ $2.25
Value: Sam Cosgrove to Score Two or More Goals @ $9.00
Goalscorer: Jesse Randall (First, $5.75, Anytime $2.45)
SGM: Auckland FC to Win, Both Teams to Score: Yes, Sam Cosgrove to score, Over 1.5 Total First Half Goals @ $7.29

A win last week for the Phoenix surprisingly puts them within touching distance of the top six. Three points behind 6^th-placed Central Coast Mariners. If results go their way, they could find themselves only out of the six by goal difference.

Every week is must-win from here on out for Greenacre’s side, and facing Brisbane in Brisbane is going to be a test of how much the Nix want it.

The Roar haven’t won a game since the 16^th of January and have a string of draws and losses. The way to play this one would be to take the Phoenix or draw in the double chance market… both of these sides love a draw.

Goal scorers are all paying plenty in this fixture, which leans towards not many being scored. In a potential scrappy game, you could back the Nix and under a high total for a reasonable price.

I’ve talked up the Nix, but I’m rocking with Brisbane for our goal scorer this week. The Young Brisbane gun, Niall Thom burst off the bench to score on debut for the Roar in their 2-2 draw with Western Sydney last weekend. Whether he starts or not, expect Thom to have an impact in this one.

Best: Wellington Phoenix or Draw @ $1.80
Value: Wellington Phoenix to Win & Under 4.5 Total Goals @ $3.80
Goalscorer: Niall Thom (First $7, Anytime $3.10)
SGM: Wellington Phoenix or Draw, Both Teams to Score: Yes, Over 9.5 Total Corners @ $5.06