Western United vs Auckland FC Tips & Predictions - Minor premiers Auckland to keep momentum rolling into finals

Kicking off an hour after Melbourne City and Sydney FC, Western United will know where they stand come the second half of this contest. If City fail to beat Sydney, then Western will know securing all three points in this game would see them finish in second spot on the ladder, wrapping up a lucrative spot in the Asian Champions League Elite. Auckland meanwhile clinched the minor premiership ahead of last week's 1-0 win over Perth, but Steve Corica isn't resting any players for this game as the Kiwi club look to continue their momentum into the finals.

I think this is a toss-up, which means I'm following the value with Auckland. Most A-League matches are 50-50 on the day, which means I can't justify Western as $1.90 favourites. Auckland have only lost two of their 25 games this season and I don't think complacency will set in on the eve of the finals. Auckland are also worth a small stake to win outright if Western feel the pressure of needing a win to lock in Champions League football.

Western became the first team to beat Auckland this season with a 4-0 thrashing at Go Media Stadium in Round 9, but the Black Knights avenged that loss with a 2-0 win at IronBark Fields in Round 19.

It's been a superb season for Western, who have locked up finals football and could potentially have Champions League on the horizon for next term.

John Aloisi and Western fans will no doubt be keeping one eye on their phones throughout this contest - they need Sydney to do them a favour and avoid defeat against City, with the Sky Blues also needing at least a draw in that game to make the finals.

Western had Champions League football in their own destiny, but suffered back-to-back defeats against the Wanderers and Brisbane Roar before last week's 1-0 triumph over Sydney, which got them back ont track.

No major injury concerns for Western ahead of this contest.

What a dream season it's been for Auckland, with the club only losing two games on their way to securing the minor premiership with a top-of-the-table finish in their debut A-League campaign.

Auckland head into this showdown on a 14-game unbeaten streak and Steve Corica won't want to taste defeat for the remainder of the season.

The Black Knights also have the best defence in the league, conceding just 23 goals in 25 games and coming into this clash following back-to-back shut-outs of Melbourne Victory (2-0) and Perth Glory (1-0).

Corica has a full compliment of players to choose from heading into the final round of the regular season.