A-League Grand Final Verdict - Auckland vs Sydney FC
The first A-League Grand Final to take place outside Australia is set to be tight but it is Sydney FC who appeal at the odds. The Sky Blues haven't lost under Patrick Kisnorbo and I'm backing them to lift the trophy.
A draw at the end of 90 minutes also appeals given it has landed in four of the last five meetings between the sides. Also back under 2.5 goals and Sydney striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos in the Anytime Goalscorer market.
- Sydney are unbeaten in their last seven games since Kisnorbo took charge
- Sydney have conceded just four goals in their last seven games
- Sydney have seen Under 2.5 goals in six of their last seven games inside 90 mins
- Auckland have seen Under 2.5 goals in three of their last five games inside 90 mins
- Auckland have won just two of their last 10 games inside 90 mins
- Auckland have drawn five of their last seven games inside 90 mins, with three coming by a 1-1 score
- Sydney have drawn four of their last five games inside 90 mins, with two coming by a 1-1 score
- Four of the last five meetings have ended in a draw inside 90 mins, with two coming by a 1-1 score
- Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has scored two goals in his last five games, including the semi-finals vs Newcastle
Auckland FC vs Sydney FC Head To Head
Four of the last five encounters have ended all square, including the two most-recent meetings. Auckland prevailed 1-0 at home in Round 16, with leading scorer Sam Cosgrove finding the back of the net.
Auckland FC Form - First Final For The Black Knights
It hadn't been a great backend to the season for Auckland, but they saved their best performance for when it matter most.
Coming into last week, Auckland were incredibly winless in their last seven games after 90 minutes.
Steve Corica's side were fortunate to come through on penalties against Melbourne City in the elimination final before finishing strongly to conquer Adelaide 4-1 on aggregate in the semis.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at home, Auckland had the daunting task of heading to Coopers for the do-or-die clash last weekend.
However, the Black Knights were dominant, registering a comfortable 3-0 victory as Jake Girdwood-Reich, Sam Cosgrove and substitute Logan Rogerson all got on the scoresheet.
Sydney FC Form - Unbeaten Under Kisnorbo
Sydney made the brave call to sack Ufuk Talay heading into the final stage of the regular season and it proved a master stroke.
Patrick Kisnorbo has gone unbeaten in seven games since taking charge and was rewarded with a three-year deal this week after guiding Sydney into their first Grand Final in five years.
Sydney toppled rivals Melbourne Victory 1-0 in the elimination finals before overcoming first-placed Newcastle over two closely contested legs.
After a 1-1 draw at Allianz, Sydney thought they had done enough to secure victory after Piero Quispe scored midway through the second half, with the Sky Blues holding firm until the final seconds.
Eli Adams popped up with a spectacular left-footed half-volley to send the game into extra-time and ultimately penalties. Joe Lolley missed Sydney's opening shot from the spot, but some excellent saves from in-form goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Mears got the Sky Blues back into the shootout.
Ben Garuccio then stepped up to fire home the winning penalty, silencing the home crowd at McDonald Jones and sending Sydney into the GF.