Western United vs Melbourne City Tips & Predictions - City to gain upper hand in A-League semi-final first leg

City earned the week off by finishing in second spot on the ladder during the regular season, while Western progressed to the semi-finals courtesy of their 3-2 triumph over Adelaide United in last week's elimination finals. City are aiming to return to the A-League Grand Final after making it too that stage in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, while Western are looking to make just their second Grand Final after going down to City in 2022.

It promises to be a cracking two-legs, but I think City offer the value here - they've won seven of the last eight meetings, including the last three to nil. City also ended the season with the best defence in the competition, conceding just 25 goals across their 26 games, seeing Under 2.5 goals in 13 of their last 19 games. Backing City to prevail in a low-scoring opening leg.

As mentioned, City have won seven of the last eight games between the teams, including 1-0 and 2-0 victories this season.

Western finished the regular season in third spot on the ladder, just one point their rivals Melbourne City.

John Aloisi's side have won eight of their last 10 games coming into this contest, including back-to-back home victories over Auckland FC and Sydney FC to end the campaign.

Coming into the finals with big momentum, Western managed to get the job done against an out-of-form Adelaide United at IronBark Fields, prevailing 3-2 and securing their spot in the semi-finals.

Young striker Noah Botic was the hero for Western, scoring his first professional hat-trick.

James Donachie remains the only injury concern for Western ahead of this contest.

Despite a horrific injury toll midway through the season, City ended the regular campaign in second spot on the ladder with 14 wins and just six defeats, along with six draws.

Courtesy of their second-place finish, City enjoyed the week off, advancing straight into the two-legged semi-finals.

City went unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 games of the season, including registering a thumping 5-1 victory over Sydney FC in their most-recent outing, which prevented the Sky Blues from making the finals.

City saw five different goalscorers in that win, with Aziz Behich, Marco Tilio, Max Caputo, Andeas Kuen and Medin Memeti finding the back of the net.

Still a few injuries for City, with the likes of Andrew Nabbout, James Jeggo and Steve Ugarkovic all unavailable.