Auckland dropped points back before the International Break against Macarthur, and they need to bounce back on the road this week if they want to stay in the hunt at the top of the ladder.
However, they’ll be without one of the stars in Francis De Vries, who looks like he will be sidelined for six weeks after suffering an injury against Finland.
On a more positive note for Auckland, their goal scorers have stayed in fine form after Jesse Randall found the back of the net against Chile.
Adelaide United sit two spots below Auckland in fourth spot and come into this fixture on the back of a 4-2 win over Western Sydney.
This has been a high-octane affair with 15 goals between the two sides in their last three meetings. Now with plenty on the line as we head towards finals footy, I don’t expect a 4-4 scoreline like we had last season, but I do think we’ll see more than two goals scored.
Adelaide are yet to beat Auckland FC, but I have a feeling they could ruffle more than a few feathers on Friday night. For safety, back Auckland or Draw in the double market with over 2.5 goals.
Best: Auckland or Draw & Over 2.5 Total Goals @ $2.30
Value: Auckland FC to Win 2-1, 3-1 or 3-2 @ $4.20
Goalscorer: Luka Jovanovic (First, $6.00, Anytime, $2.70
SGM: Auckland FC to Win or Draw, Both Teams to Score: Yes, Over 2.5 Total Goals @ $2.51
The Victory have dominated the recent history of this matchup with four wins in four games, averaging three goals during the streak.
The Nix are coming into this fixture off the back of a good win away from home, but my concern is whether that momentum has been halted thanks to the International Break.
Corbin Piper has been huge for the Phoenix recently as he’s found his feet in the striker position, but he’ll still need good service to make an impact. If you look at the A-League table and only include home games, the Victory are at the top of the ladder… having only lost twice and drawn three times.
The Victory to win and over 2.5 goals for the game looks to be a good play in this fixture.
Best: Melbourne Victory to Win & Over 2.5 Total Goals @ $2.10
Value: Melbourne Victory Over 3.5 Total Goals @ $4.60
Goalscorer: Charles Nduka (First $5.25, Anytime $2.25)
SGM: Melbourne Victory Halftime/Full Time Double, Over 3.5 Total Goals, Charles Nduka Anytime Goalscorer @ $6.45
- Newcastle Jets to Win @ $2.45
- Auckland FC to Win @ $2.20
- Melbourne City to Win @ $2.00
- Melbourne Victory to Win @ $1.57
Remember to use Multi Rescue, so if your bet loses by one leg, you’ll get your stake back as Bonus Cash up to $50.