Auckland FC v Sydney FC Preview & Tips - Auckland FC to secure A-League title with dramatic penalty shootout win
- Sydney FC have drawn four of their last five games after 90 minutes (W1)
- The pair have drawn four of their six previous meetings
- Preview, stats & head to head
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Dan Hall of Auckland FC (Getty Images)
Auckland FC v Sydney FC Preview & Tips
Auckland FC kept their hopes of becoming the A-League champions alive as they hammered Adelaide United 3-0 in the away leg of their semi-final.
Sydney FC eliminated Premiers Newcastle Jets last week as they battled to a victory via spot kicks.
- Four of the last five meetings involving the sides have ended in draws after 90 minutes
Head To Head
The pair have met four times before, with Auckland winning twice and four matches ending as draws at the end of regulation time.
Auckland FC Form
Auckland FC finished the regular season in third after a frustrating end to their campaign saw them miss out on the chance to finish as Premiers, while they were also pipped to second place by Adelaide United on the final day.
Thrust into the Elimination Finals, Auckland FC edged past Melbourne City on penalties after their clash ended 1-1. They then battled back from a frustrating 1-1 draw with Adelaide United in the home leg of their tie by roaring to a 3-0 win on the road. While they have drawn three of their last four at the 90-minute mark, they are unbeaten since a 1-0 loss to Central Coast Mariners back in mid-April.
Against Sydney, Auckland have struggled for consistent wins. Their last two meetings this season ended in draws, while they have seen the scores end level after 90 minutes in four of their six previous meetings.
With Auckland FC already eliminating Melbourne on penalties in the Elimination Finals, I am backing Auckland to surge to the trophy via the lottery of penalties after the game ends as a draw.
Sydney FC Form
Sydney FC have had to battle through an inconsistent season to make it to the A-League grand final, with the side unable to consistently hit top gear.
In the regular season, Sydney secured 11 wins along with nine defeats and six draws. The 39 pints they have secured saw them finish in fifth, four points short of Adelaide in second and nine behind Newcastle Jets at the top.
Despite missing out on automatic qualification for the semi-finals, Sydney have gone about eliminating Melbourne Victory in a 1-0 win before stunning Newcastle Jets on penalties after their tie ended 2-2 on aggregate. While they have not been at their best this season, they have been tough to beat, and this will be key in the grand final.
With the pair continually proving they are very well-matched on the field, I am backing this match to end in a draw after 90 minutes as Sydney slip to a defeat on penalties.
Verdict
I am backing the A-League grand final to go the distance as Auckland FC secure the title via a win on penalties.
Draw
Match Result
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Auckland On Penalties
Method Of Victory
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