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Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Tips & Prediction - City to prevail in elimination final across the ditch
Auckland FC and Melbourne City are set to clash in an A-League elimination final. Auckland's form has dwindled towards the end of the season, causing them to drop out of the top two, while Melbourne City has found their stride with key wins. The article suggests backing Melbourne City based on their superior current form and experiences in tough matches, predicting a match with over 2.5 goals scored. City winger Marcus Younis is highlighted for his impressive performance, making him a player to watch.
- Auckland FC vs Melbourne City predictions for Saturday's A-League elimination final
- All four meetings have produced Over 2.5 goals - more expected at Go Media
- City the form team and tipped to qualify for the semi-finals
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 3.00pm AEST on Saturday May 2
Expired
Auckland host City on Saturday (Photo by Getty Images)
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Tips & Prediction
It's a blockbuster A-League elimination final across the Tasman as Auckland FC welcome reigning premiers Melbourne City to Go Media Stadium on Saturday.
Auckland won the minor premiership last season and were right in the hunt for most of this campaign, but their form has tailed off to end the regular season, with the Kiwi club finishing outside of the top two. As a result, the Black Knights are now tasked with a sudden death clash against the in-form reigning premiers.
City struggled for much of the campaign, but have hit form at the right time, winning four of their last five games. However, they did suffer a blow last week, conceding a 99th minute to winner that condemned them to a trip across the ditch for this game.
However, experienced fullback Aziz Behich says City's recent experience of grinding out tough wins overseas in the Asian Champions League will hold them in good stead here.
“We’ve done it before. We’ve gone to difficult places and if there’s anything that’s going to give this group confidence it’s the away games that we got wins in Asian Champions League,” Behich said.
I tend to agree. That will play a factor, but the bottom line is City is in far superior form, while Auckland have been on the slide for a while now. I'm backing the visitors in a game that produces Over 2.5 goals. City winger Marcus Younis can also continue his electrifying recent form that has him in Socceroos World Cup selection conversations.
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Stats & Trends
- City are unbeaten in six of their last seven games
- City have won four of their last five games
- Auckland are winless in their last five games
- Over 2.5 goals has landed in all four previous meetings
- City have seen Over 2.5 goals in four of their last five games
- Auckland have seen Over 2.5 goals in seven of their last nine games
- Marcus Younis has seven goal involvements in his last four games, scoring five times
- City have scored exactly two goals in two of their four games vs Auckland
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Head To Head
Both teams have secured home wins so far this season, with City running out 2-1 winners in Round 13 at AAMI Park before Auckland prevailed in dominant 3-0 fashion at Go Media in Round 19.
Auckland FC Form Analysis
After spending the bulk of the season nestled inside the top two, Auckland limped to the finish line with just one win in their last seven games.
As a result, Steve Corica's side tumbled out of the top two on the final day, with their 2-2 draw against Sydney FC not enough.
However, Guillermo May's double was enough for Auckland to at least secure a home elimination final for this clash.
Defender Nando Pijnaker said it was a letdown not to qualify directly into the semi-finals, but the team would be ready to go all the way regardless.
“This is football. I guess we’re disappointed that we didn’t make the semi-finals straight away, but to win the Grand Final, we still need to beat all the best teams," Pijnaker said.
“These are must win games, in a sense. So we know, obviously if you lose, you’re out."
Auckland FC Team News
Squad will be announced on Thursday.
Melbourne City Form Analysis
A late upturn in form saw City sneak into the finals in sixth spot, keeping their hopes of claiming back-to-back Grand Final triumphs alive.
Earlier, Marcus Younis continued his red-hot form by blasting a ferocious strike into the top corner from just outside the box, making it five goals from his last four games.
It was a busy and rollercoaster season for City, but Aurelio Vidmar has got his side playing their best football of the campaign at the right time.
City were on a four-game winning streak before last week's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Adelaide at home, conceding a 99th minute winner to Luka Jovanovic that saw the Reds secure second spot.
Earlier, Marcus Younis continued his red-hot form by blasting a ferocious strike into the top corner from just outside the box, making it five goals from his last four games.
Melbourne City Team News
Squad will be announced on Thursday.
Verdict
City are tipped to qualify for the semi-finals in a game that sees Over 2.5 goals.
Over 2.5
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City
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City 2-1
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