A-League Semi-Final Second-Leg Preview & Tips – Auckland FC backed to secure their place in the A-League Grand Final

Latest betting tips and expert insight for the second-legs of the A-League semi-finals featuring Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City vs Western United. 

Auckland FC are on course to cap a stunning debut season in the A-League with an appearance in the Grand Final. Their 1-0 win over their opponents in the first-leg has given the side a big advantage heading into their home tie. Auckland are yet to taste defeat at the hands of their opponents, winning twice and drawing once. Having secured 15 wins, eight draws and just three defeats in the regular season, I back Auckland FC to extend their fairytale as they take their place in the final. 

Melbourne Victory need a big performance heading into this one after they missed the chance to make a big statement in the first-leg. A one-goal deficit does not mean they are completely out of the game, but they will have to beat Auckland FC for the first time ever to stay in the competition. However, with their opponents tasting a single defeat across their last 16 matches, I do not see the away side winning this one.  

Melbourne City romped to a statement 3-0 win over Western United in the first-leg of their clash as they took complete control of the tie. The head to head between the pair hinted at a tough night for Western United as City had won seven of their previous eight, but the latter would not have predicted such a one-sided win. Now, with the chance to make it six consecutive wins against United, I back City to secure yet another big win. 

Western United went into their clash with City on the back of an impressive three-game winning run, but they could do little to halt the City juggernaut, with the side blown away in a 3-0 loss. The major worry for United is that their last three wins have all come at home. Meanwhile, their last two away games have ended in defeats to WS Wanderers (2-0) and the Brisbane Roar (2-1). Sitting on the wrong side of a 3-0 aggregate score, United have to chase the game, and I believe this will see them opened up by their clinical hosts.