Experts Reveal Surprising A-League Finalists: Check Out Their Top Six Predictions!

The latest edition of Total A-Leagues has just dropped, and in this week’s episode, host Vince Rugari is joined by former Socceroos winger Tommy Oar to share their forecasts on which teams will reach the finals this season.

Round 25 of the Isuzu UTE A-League features some significant matchups that will play a crucial role in deciding the top six finalists this year.

Leading the league, Auckland FC has secured their finals berth and will play host to fifth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers. Meanwhile, Melbourne City will take on the Central Coast Mariners, and high-flying Western United aim to add to Perth Glory’s woes.

Attention will also be firmly fixed on Coopers Stadium this Saturday night, as sixth-placed Adelaide United faces off against seventh-placed Sydney FC in a must-win encounter for both teams.

With this context, the Total A-Leagues crew has made predictions for the remaining fixtures in the Isuzu UTE A-League season to determine their anticipated top six.

Here’s how they foresee the standings unfolding…

Tommy Oar’s predicted top six

Sitting a comfortable seven points clear at the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League with only five matches remaining, it’s no surprise that 28-time Socceroo Oar predicts Auckland will secure the Premier’s Plate.

“I’m backing Auckland. With their current lead, I believe they’ll hold on and clinch the title,” Oar stated.

While Western United currently sits in second before their clash with last-placed Perth Glory, Oar forecasts that another team will nab that vital Asian spot next season.

“I see Melbourne City surpassing Western United,” Oar expressed. “They have a favourable run in for the rest of the season.”

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Key insights for Round 25 of the Isuzu UTE A-League

So, it’s Auckland FC topping the table, with Melbourne City in second and Western United third. But how will the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots line up?

According to Oar, Melbourne Victory will clinch fourth place, providing them with the vital advantage of a home elimination final, whilst Western Sydney Wanderers will secure fifth.

“Looking at the Wanderers, their next three fixtures are against Auckland FC, Melbourne City, and Western United,” Oar noted.

“The Wanderers are capable of defeating any of those teams. The outcomes of those matches could drastically alter the situation.”

And what about that crucial sixth position?

“Ultimately, I foresee Sydney FC edging out Adelaide for sixth place,” Oar revealed.

“The battling between Sydney FC and Adelaide was something I pondered the most, and I believe this weekend’s match will significantly influence my viewpoint.”

TALKING POINTS: Striker’s remarkable performance, 8 years in the making: Made With Mitre Moments

Tommy Oar’s final standings

Vince Rugari’s predicted top six

In alignment with his co-host, Sydney Morning Herald football journalist Rugari predicts that Steve Corica’s Black Knights will secure their first piece of silverware in their debut season in the Isuzu UTE A-League, despite Auckland FC facing a challenging schedule ahead.

“Their final matches aren’t the easiest rides,” Rugari noted.

“Their last five fixtures include Wanderers at home, Sydney FC away, Melbourne Victory away, Perth Glory at home, and finishing the season with Western United away in Tarneit.”

GOLDEN GUNS: Young Australian players threatening a 14-year record & 2014 feat in a historic season

Following closely is Aurelio Vidmar’s Melbourne City, as Rugari speculates they will end the season with 49 points, two ahead of Western United in third.

Interestingly, both Rugari and Oar predict John Aloisi’s Western United will finish third, with Melbourne Victory slated for fourth and Alen Stajcic’s Western Sydney Wanderers positioned fifth. So, who claims that sixth spot according to Rugari’s predictions?

“I see Adelaide finishing above Sydney,” Rugari said, as anticipation builds for the exciting clash between the two teams at Coopers Stadium.

“Yet, if I were to rate them based purely on results, I think Sydney FC will manage to squeeze in, although,”

“I’m losing confidence in them.”

Vince Rugari on Sydney FC’s chances of finishing in the top six

He added: “I believe I predicted a draw for the Adelaide/Sydney matchup this weekend as well.

“Honestly, any outcome wouldn’t surprise me, as it’s going to be such a close contest.”

Vince Rugari’s final standings