Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Preview & Tips - Auckland backed to eliminate Melbourne City from Finals series
- Auckland FC have won their two previous home matches against Melbourne City
- City were beaten 2-1 by Adelaide United in their last match
- Preview, stats & head to head
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Auckland FC are tipped to beat Sydney this week (Getty Images)
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Preview & Tips
Auckland FC ground out a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC in their last match as this draw saw them miss out on the chance to finish second on the ladder.
Melbourne City slumped to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Adelaide United in their final game of the regular season as they finished their campaign in sixth.
- Melbourne City have lost both of their previous away games against Auckland FC
Head To Head
The pair have met four times in total with Auckland FC winning twice, Melbourne City winning once and one game ending as a draw.
Auckland FC Form
Auckland FC may arrive for the Finals series as the top ranked side in the Elimination finals, but they are in poor form after failing to win a single game since beating Newcastle Jets 2-1 back on March 14.
Since that win, they have lost twice and drawn three matches. Their odds are a reflection on two defeats in their last two at home coupled with Melbourne's impressive run heading into this one. While Auckland FC have home advantage, this has not been much of a benefit for them of late.
Auckland's form heading into this one alludes to this one being a very tight match. The Kiwi side have beaten City 3-0 in their two previous home games against their opponents, but I do not predict a match anywhere near as comfortable.
While I back Auckland FC to put their poor run behind them, I do not see this coming in a hugely convincing win against a City side desperate to extend their title defence.
Melbourne City Form
Melbourne City had pieced together a very impressive run of six without defeat in the league after winning five matches and drawing once with Perth Glory.
However, some of the momentum they had built was chipped away by their 2-1 home loss to Adelaide United in their final game. Frustratingly, if they had beaten United and other results had stayed the same, City would have finished in third, giving them home advantage against Sydney FC.
Of the two sides City boast the better form, but they have lost on both of their previous trips to face Auckland FC. Indeed, both of these trips have ended with City conceding three times and failing to score. With their season on the line, I predict that Melbourne will crumble as they are eliminated early in the Finals series.
Verdict
I am backing Auckland FC to come away with a vital win as Melbourne City see their title defence brought to a disappointing end.
Auckland FC
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