Auckland FC vs Melbourne City A-League Round 1 Tips & Prediction - Auckland start premiership defence
Auckland FC faces Melbourne City in a tightly anticipated A-League Round 1 clash. While Auckland enters as reigning premiers, significant squad changes and management turnover may impact their performance. Melbourne City, boosted by new signings and a blend of experienced players and promising youth, are tipped to at least draw, with young forward Medin Memeti expected to make an impact. The article suggests a Double Chance bet for City and highlights Memeti for shots on target or as an Anytime Goalscorer.
- Auckland FC vs Melbourne City predictions for Saturday's A-League R1 game
- Auckland have lost key players & manager - City backed in Double Chance market
- City forward Medin Memeti was prolific in this matchup last term - can score again
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 3.00pm AEDT on Saturday October 17
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City A-League Round 1 Tips & Prediction
Melbourne City are backed to come away with at least a point against reigning A-League premiers Auckland FC, with young forward Medin Memeti looking to continue his lively form in this matchup.
Intriguing contest to kick off Super Saturday across the ditch.
Auckland secured their first piece of A-League silverware in just their second season in the competition with their Grand Final triumph over Sydney FC, while City are looking to re-establish themselves as heavyweights after being bundled out of the finals series by the Kiwi new boys.
I am a bit concerned about Auckland's departures - especially Jesse Randall, who contributed nine goals and six assists last term, along with Guillermo May, Louis Verstraete, Dan Hall and Jake Girdwood-Reich. Manager Steve Corica has also left the club, replaced by Pedro Moreira.
City have also lost some key figures, but have added plenty of experience with Awer Mabil and former Brentford midfielder Emiliano Marcondes. They are also equipped with a strong youth and academy setup, which has produced several A-League players - including 19-year-old Memeti, who scored twice against Auckland last term.
So my best bets for this clash are City in the Double Chance market and good value on a share of the spoils. Memeti is also backed for 1+ shots on target and as an Anytime Goalscorer.
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Stats & Trends
- City are unbeaten in six of their last eight A-League games
- Auckland have only won two of their last nine A-League games inside 90 mins
- Medin Memeti scored two goals in three appearances vs Auckland last term
- Memeti also scored for the U23 Socceroos last week & registered 1+ shots on target in 12 of his 21 games last season
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Head To Head
These teams traded home victories last season before Auckland prevailed on penalties in the semi-finals.
Two of the five meetings have ended in a draw after 90 minutes, with Auckland holding a slender 2-1 advantage.
Auckland FC Form Analysis
Safe to say Auckland have taken to the A-League like a duck to water.
After taking out the minor premiership in their debut season, the Black Knights added a Grand Final victory to their trophy cabinet last term, conquering Sydney FC 1-0.
Obviously all that matters is the GF, but Auckland did stumble towards the end of the campaign and ended up winning just two of their last nine games inside normal time.
Auckland and fellow Kiwi club Wellington Phoenix didn't compete in this year's Australia Cup, but they were still busy in the preseason, going down 2-0 against Premier League side Tottenham before a 1-0 defeat in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to Al Ahli.
Auckland FC Team News
As mentioned, plenty of turnover at Auckland over the offseason - as is the case with all A-League clubs.
Sam Cosgrove has remained at the club and was able to serve his suspension in the NZ National League recently, so he should start up front, with Lachie Brook and new signing Lachie Bayliss providing support in the final third.
Auckland FC Possible Starting XI (4-4-2): Michael Woud; Francis De Vries, Nando Pijnaker, Aaron Calver, Hiroki Sakai; Logan Rogerson, Luis Gallegos, Daniel Normann, Lachlan Brook; Lachlan Bayliss, Sam Cosgrove
Melbourne City Form Analysis
City found it difficult to juggle Asian Champions League commitments with the A-League last term, but enjoyed a strong finish to the season, winning four of their last five games to secure a spot in the top six.
It wasn't a great preseason for City - after taking out Weston Bears 3-0, they suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Queensland Lions in the Australia Cup.
Aurelio Vidmar's side couldn't make an impact in the finals though, bowing out 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Auckland.
It wasn't a great preseason for City - after taking out Weston Bears 3-0, they suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Queensland Lions in the Australia Cup.
Melbourne City Team News
Mabil and Marcondes are the two big off-season recruits, while Costa Rican international Julio Cascante has arrived to tighten things up at the back.
Still plenty of experience, including Socceroos veterans Aziz Behich and Mat Leckie, who both recently played at the World Cup, while young striker Max Caputo will look to kick on after some encouraging early seasons in the A-League.
City have suffered some key departures as well, headlined by Patrick Beach signing for Ligue 1 side Troyes, while Germán Ferreyra and Marcus Younis have also moved on.
Still plenty of experience, including Socceroos veterans Aziz Behich and Mat Leckie, who both recently played at the World Cup, while young striker Max Caputo will look to kick on after some encouraging early seasons in the A-League.
Possible Melbourne City Starting XI (4-3-3): Macklin Freke; Nathaniel Atkinson, Julio Cascante, Harrison Delbridge, Aziz Behich; Matheus Rossetto, Emiliano Marcondes, Alessandro Lopane; Awer Mabil, Mathew Leckie, Max Caputo
Verdict
City are tipped to avoid defeat, with Memeti making an impact.
City Win or Draw
Double Chance
$1.55 - 3 Units
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