Auckland FC vs Melbourne City A-League Preview
Auckland FC take on reigning premiers Melbourne City to kick off the A-League finals and the visitors are value to qualify. Auckland lost form and a top two spot at the end of the season and City have more momentum.
- City are unbeaten in six of their last seven games
- City have won four of their last five games
- Auckland are winless in their last five games
- Over 2.5 goals has landed in all four previous meetings
- City have seen Over 2.5 goals in four of their last five games
- Auckland have seen Over 2.5 goals in seven of their last nine games
- Marcus Younis has seven goal involvements in his last four games, scoring five times
- City have scored exactly two goals in two of their four games vs Auckland
Auckland FC vs Melbourne City Head To Head
Both teams have secured home wins so far this season, with City running out 2-1 winners in Round 13 at AAMI Park before Auckland prevailed in dominant 3-0 fashion at Go Media in Round 19.
Auckland FC Form - Top Two Spot Missed Out On
After spending the bulk of the season nestled inside the top two, Auckland limped to the finish line with just one win in their last seven games.
As a result, Steve Corica's side tumbled out of the top two on the final day, with their 2-2 draw against Sydney FC not enough.
However, Guillermo May's double was enough for Auckland to at least secure a home elimination final for this clash.
Defender Nando Pijnaker said it was a letdown not to qualify directly into the semi-finals, but the team would be ready to go all the way regardless.
Melbourne City Form - Reigning Champion Sneak In
A late upturn in form saw City sneak into the finals in sixth spot, keeping their hopes of claiming back-to-back Grand Final triumphs alive.
Earlier, Marcus Younis continued his red-hot form by blasting a ferocious strike into the top corner from just outside the box, making it five goals from his last four games.
It was a busy and rollercoaster season for City, but Aurelio Vidmar has got his side playing their best football of the campaign at the right time.
City were on a four-game winning streak before last week's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Adelaide at home, conceding a 99th minute winner to Luka Jovanovic that saw the Reds secure second spot.
Earlier, Marcus Younis continued his red-hot form by blasting a ferocious strike into the top corner from just outside the box, making it five goals from his last four games.