2025/26 A-League Round 26

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Sydney FC vs Auckland FC Tips & Prediction - Finals-bound sides searching for form

Andrew Hendrie

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Last updated: Fri 24 Apr 2026 06:27

Andrew Hendrie 24 Apr 2026

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Sydney FC vs Auckland FC predictions for Sunday's A-League R26 game
Both teams struggling for top form ahead of the finals
Under 2.5 goals and a draw backed at Allianz
The game is scheduled for kick off at 3.00pm AEST on Sunday April 26

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Sydney host Auckland on Sunday (Photo by Getty Images)

Sydney FC vs Auckland FC Tips & Prediction

Sydney FC and Auckland FC will be hoping to generate some winning momentum ahead of the finals when the two sides clash in A-League Round 26 on Sunday at Allianz.

It's a little wild to see that Sydney and Auckland have a win total of just two from their last 12 combined outings heading into the final round of the regular season. Both teams have been entrenched in the top six all season, but now's the time to lift.

Tough to say who will though. Sydney were last seen in a dour 0-0 stalemate at home to lowly Perth, while Auckland were toppled 2-1 at home by the Mariners when they were still in contention for the Premier's Plate. Not good signs for either side.

With those results in mind, I'm going to back another cagey affair between these teams with Under 2.5 goals, which has landed in the majority of recent meetings. A share of the spoils looks the best value in the H2H market, while Sam Cosgrove will be looking to add to his competition-high 11 goals for the season up front for the Black Knights.

Sydney FC vs Auckland FC Stats & Trends

Under 2.5 goals has landed in four of the last five meetings inside 90 minutes
Under 2.5 goals has landed in seven of Sydney's last nine games
Under 2.5 goals has landed in two of Auckland's last three games
Auckland have drawn two of their last three games
Sydney have drawn two of their last three games
Three of the last four meetings have ended in a draw after 90 minutes
Sam Cosgrove leads the league with 11 goals this season, including one vs Sydney earlier in the campaign

Sydney FC vs Auckland FC Head To Head

These two sides played out a 1-1 draw back in Round 10 before Auckland came away with a 1-0 victory in Round 16, with Sam Cosgrove scoring the decisive goal.

Sydney FC Form Analysis

Sydney come into this contest with a 11-5-9 record on the season and in fourth spot on the ladder.

As it stands, the Sky Blues can finish anywhere between second and sixth on the ladder, but they would need a lot of scenarios to go their way to secure a spot in the top two - not least of which beating Auckland in this clash.

Patrick Kisnorbo has taken charge in the Harbour City, but the results and performances haven't really improved.

After a good 2-0 win over the Wanderers in the derby, Sydney could have really put themselves in contention for the top two, but dropped a crucial two points in a 0-0 home draw with Perth.

Sydney FC Team News

1. Gus HOEFSLOOT (GK), 4. Jordan COURTNEY-PERKINS, 6. Corey HOLLMAN, 7. Piero QUISPE, 8. Wataru KAMIJO, 9. Victor CAMPUZANO, 12. Harrison DEVENISH-MEARES (GK), 13. Pat WOOD, 16. Joel KING, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 20. Tiago QUINTAL, 23. Rhyan GRANT (captain), 24. Paul OKON JNR, 29. Joe LACEY, 35. Al Hassan TOURE, 36. Rhys YOULLEY, 41. Alexandar POPOVIC, 44. Akol AKON, 70. Ahmet ARSLAN, 80. Apostolos STAMATELOSPOULOUS.

Auckland FC Form Analysis

The wind has gradually been taken out of Auckland's sails as the season has dragged on and now they are officially out of the Premier's Plate running.

Auckland have managed just one win across their last six outings and strangely enough, that was over leaders Newcastle.

Since then, the Black Knights have lost two and drawn two - and now they still have some work to do in order to wrap up second spot.

Steve Corica's side were lacklustre as they tried to stay in the title hunt last week, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to the Mariners.

Auckland FC Team News

1.⁠ ⁠Michael WOUD, 3.⁠ ⁠Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Felipe GALLEGOS, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook

Verdict

Sydney FC v Auckland FC

Under 2.5 goals and a share of the spoils is tipped for Sunday's showdown.

Under 2.5

Total Goals

$2.12 - 2 Units

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Draw

H2H

$3.60 - 1 Unit

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Sam Cosgrove

Anytime Goalscorer

$2.88 - 1 Unit

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1-1

Correct Score

$7.00 - 1 Unit

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