Australia’s A-League competition is unlike Europe’s top leagues.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s a little similar to how America’s MLS league system operates.
There aren’t any relegations for the teams that finish bottom of the league.
The top six teams in the division will qualify for the next stage of the competition.
It’s not quite the same as the MLS regarding two conferences, but the same type of processes remain.
Regarding the league, it doesn’t matter where a team finishes as long as it is inside the top six.
However, for those who wish to be competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, they need to finish top of the league.
There is an additional spot for a team to enter the AFC Champions League Two competition, but this can be determined on other aspects.
Are Adelaide and Aukland the main contenders currently?
Given the league’s format, it can be difficult to try and predict what might happen regarding the final standings of the division.
The 2024/25 A-League season is still in its early stages, with each team having played around half of their games so far – some have played as many as 14, while there are a few who have only played 12 or 13.
As we’re at the halfway stage, it can be possible to start making inferences about what might happen.
However, with just ten points separating the team at the top of the table and Wellington Phoenix in tenth and plenty of football to be played between now and its conclusion, it can be hard to make sure-fire predictions.
In fact, those who like to make predictions will perhaps want to discount the Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar from getting anywhere near the top six spots.
Some may use the soccer odds at Unibet Australia to help them form their predictions, as the bookies tend to have a good idea about what is likely to happen.
Adelaide United remain a favorite with the bookies in the single-game market and relating to their final outcome of a game, but that could be because of the fast start they have made to the 2024/25 A-League season.
Adelaide are currently top of the division after winning eight of their 12 games played thus far, having lost just one for 27 points.
They’ve managed to be free-scoring, netting 29 times (the joint-second most with Western Sydney Wanderers).
However, they have been conceding semi-regularly, having shipped 19.
Auckland, who are second and Adelaide are up against next, are a point behind (26), having also won eight of their 12 played.
They’ve been a little goal-shy in comparison, having scored 19, but they’ve conceded just nine – making them the meanest defence in the division.
Based on current performances, these two teams look certain to be in the playoffs.
However, nothing is guaranteed at this stage of the campaign.
Who’ll join Adelaide United and Auckland FC in the 2024/25 A-League Playoffs?
Based on the current A-League standings, the following teams would be entered into the playoffs for a chance to compete in the Grand Final and win the biggest prize in the country’s game:
- Melbourne FC (third – 13 played and 24 points)
- Western United (fourth – 14 played and 24 points)
- Sydney FC (fifth – 14 played and 21 points)
- Macarthur (sixth – 14 played and 21 points)
Macarthur had the chance to go third on January 20 but failed to beat the Wellington Phoenix.
They went up 1-0 but would succumb to a 2-1 defeat late in the game.
While only at the halfway point of the season, it goes to show just how close the division can be in terms of competitiveness.
Teams on the bubble can still qualify for the playoffs
The Phoenix are one of the teams on the cusp of the top six despite sitting in ninth.
They have 17 points now, but a couple of good results for them and poor ones for any of those in contention can see the entire picture change.
Those teetering on the edge of qualifying at the moment include:
- Melbourne Victory (seventh – 13 played and 19 points)
- Western Sydney Wanderers (eighth – 13 played and 18 points)
- Wellington Phoenix (ninth – 13 played and 17 points)
- Central Coast Mariners (tenth – 13 played and 17 points)
Just one positive result between now and the end of the season and a slip-up by those ahead of them in a game can be enough to change the entire complexion of the A-League picture.
With that in mind, the season is building to be an exciting one, and fans won’t want to take their eyes off it!
