Second-placed Auckland FC will look to return to winning ways in the A-League when they host eighth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday.
The Black Knights were part of a thrilling 2-2 draw with fellow title contenders and league leaders Adelaide United in their previous A-League outing, with Logan Rogerson scoring the crucial equalizer deep into added time.
On the other hand, the Western Sydney Wanderers were on the bitter end of a 3-1 defeat to Central Coast Mariners in their last league fixture.
STREAM:Wanderers vs. Auckland FC LIVE on Paramount+ (free trial)
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this A–League clash, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and all the latest team news.
Wanderers vs. Auckland FC live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this A League Men’s match in Australia.
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- TV Channel: —
This match is not available for live TV broadcast in Australia. Streaming options are available on Paramount+.
Fans can tune into this match both live and on demand with a subscription to Paramount+, who are offering a seven-day free trial for new customers on their streaming service.
Watch every match of the A League on Paramount+
What time does Wanderers vs. Auckland FC kick off?
This A-League Men’s Round 16 match takes place at the CommBank Stadium in Sydney and kicks off on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. local time (AEDT).
Here’s how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Saturday, January 26 | 5:00 p.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Saturday, January 26 | 4:30 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Saturday, January 26 | 2:00 p.m. |
Wanderers vs. Auckland FC predicted lineups, team news
Defender Gabriel Cleur continues to be absent for the Wanderers due to an unknown injury, with no specific timeline for his return to action yet.
Additionally, Dylan Scicluna will only return to action in the summer after suffering a Cruciate Ligament tear towards the end of last year. Tae-Wook Jeong is out till February due to an ankle injury.
Wanderers predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Thomas (GK) — Carluccio, Pantazopoulos, Bonetig, Clisby — Hammond, Brillante, Priestman, Kraev — Borrello, Antonsson.
Injured: Cleur, Scicluna, Tae-Wook Jeoung
Suspended: None
Defender Daniel Hall will miss this game as he is still recovering from his broken ankle at the end of last year, which will only see him return in March.
Neyder Moreno was instantly impactful after coming off the bench against Adelaide United and is likely to start over Jesse Randall against the Wanderers.
Auckland predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Paulsen (GK) —Elliot, Smith, Pijnaker, De Vries — Rogerson, Verstraete, Gallegos, Moreno — Mata, May
Injured: Hall
Suspended: None
Wanderers vs. Auckland FC prediction
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between both sides. Established in March 2024, Auckland are playing their first season in the A-League and are already contending for the title.
Auckland have only won one of their last four A-League matches, however, despite their recent blip they should overcome the Wanderers who have been far more inconsistent this season.
- Prediction: Wanderers 1–3 Auckland FC
A-League Men fixture schedule this week
All times AEDT
Friday, January 24
- Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC (7:35 p.m.)
Saturday, January 25
- Wellington Phoenix vs. Central Coast Mariners (3 p.m.)
- Newcastle Jets vs. Perth Glory (5 p.m.)
- Macarthur vs. Melbourne City (7:35 p.m.)
Sunday, January 26
- Wanderers vs. Auckland (5 p.m.)