- Brisbane Roar FC have failed to beat Auckland FC in their last 2 home fixtures
- Auckland FC arrive as slight favourites, but there is no great value in backing the Black Knights
- Brisbane have scored 9 goals in their last 5 games with Justin Vidic hitting a purple patch
Plenty to like about Auckland’s playing style
The A-League 2026-2027 season is just beginning and already there are 2 teams on 3 points and 4th-placed. Auckland FC top the early standings with 3 points from 1 game, Brisbane Roar FC are 4th with 3 points from 1 and the early bragging rights are up for grabs in what should be an interesting fixture on Friday.
The Black Knights come into this one as slight favorites and that feels about right considering the respective odds of 2.06 and 3.35 for the visitors and hosts respectively.
Auckland have won 3 of their last 5, drawn 1 and lost 1, while Brisbane have won 2 and lost 3 of their previous 5 games. The Roar have beaten Perth Glory 2-1 in their only A-League 2026-2027 match so far, but Auckland also grabbed the win over Melbourne City FC by a 3-1 margin.
Brisbane’s attacking output increases
One thing to keep in eye on when Auckland take to the pitch is their ability to keep the ball, structure and tempo of the game. Pedro Moreira has set them up to be a possession-based side that are comfortable in the build-up and patient enough to create chances when the time is right.
Michael Valkanis has turned Brisbane into a different animal over the past couple of years and the Roar are a flexible, combative side that can switch from compact defending to sharp transition football.
They are perfectly capable of putting teams under pressure in transition and are scoring goals at the moment.
Justin Vidic has been a live wire for Brisbane of late, scoring 3 goals in their last 5 matches, during which they have also hit the net 9 times.
Black Knights can shade it
Brisbane have been perfect at Suncorp Stadium, Australia so far this season, winning 1 of 1, but they have failed to win in their last 2 meetings with Auckland. The visitors are the most likely winners in what could be a cagey, close run affair.
I can't see this game being a goal fest, but the Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score lines look good at 1.83 and 1.7 respectively and I will take a chance on the latter. But my main pick is Auckland to edge it in what will surely be a tight game.
