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Preview and Betting Tips: A-League Men’s 2024/25 Semi-Final First Legs
The semi-final first legs of the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season promise excitement, drama, and high-quality football as four top teams vie for a place in the Grand Final. Let’s dive into the match previews and recommended betting options.
Melbourne City vs Western United
Friday, May 16 – 7:35 PM (AAMI Park)
Western United head into the semi-finals in blistering form, riding a six-game winning streak. Their thrilling 3-2 elimination final victory over Adelaide United at Ironbark Fields was headlined by a clinical brace from Noah Botic and two assists from Japanese midfielder Riku Danzaki. Botic’s 13th and 14th goals of the campaign have catapulted him to the top of the A-League’s scoring chart, while Danzaki’s standout performance was a testament to the danger Western poses moving forward.
Melbourne City, on the other hand, have won six of their last nine matches, with two additional draws. Their most recent outing was a dominant 5-1 display against Sydney FC at home, where they posted 9 shots on target from 21 attempts and completed 83% of their passes. It was a statement win that ended Sydney’s finals hopes and underlined City’s intent.
These two sides are set to face each other in back-to-back Melbourne Derbies, heightening the stakes and excitement as they battle for a Grand Final berth. Past encounters have delivered fireworks – whether it was Terry Antonis’s late winner last year, the 2-2 comeback draw in 2022, or Western United’s memorable 2-1 upset while enduring 27 opposition shots.
Expect another fierce contest in front of a passionate crowd of at least 12,000 fans.
Betting Tips:
– Back Western United to win at odds of $2.70 (Bet365)
– Both teams to score at $1.47 (BoomBet)
– Expect over 8 total corners at $1.22 (Bet365)
– Back Noah Botic and/or Hiroshi Ibusuki to score anytime at $2.60 (Bet365)
Melbourne Victory vs Auckland FC
Saturday, May 17 – 7:35 PM (AAMI Park)
Daniel Arzani stole the spotlight in Melbourne Victory’s 2-1 elimination final win over Western Sydney. The former Celtic attacker dazzled with an early assist for Kasey Bos and a key attacking run that led to Zinedine Machach’s goal just before halftime. It was a display that reinforced Arzani’s match-winning potential at the business end of the campaign.
Auckland FC arrive at the semi-finals after an extraordinary debut season under head coach Steve Corica. The newly crowned Premiers have played fluid, attacking football since day one – launching their campaign with a 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar. They’ve gone unbeaten in 13 of their last 14 matches and continue to impress.
Only weeks ago, Auckland took all three points from Victory at AAMI Park in a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Louis Verstraete and Guillermo May. Expect a similarly tight affair here. While Victory’s defense has stood tall recently – limiting Western Sydney to one big chance and completely shutting down Newcastle – Auckland’s attacking trio of Guillermo May (9 goals, 2 assists), Neyder Moreno (8 goals, 3 assists), and Logan Rogerson (8 goals, 2 assists) have the tools to eventually break through.
The Black Knights should have the edge after the first 90 minutes.
Betting Tips:
– Back Auckland FC to win at $3.00 (Bet365)
– Over 3.5 total goals at $2.62 (Bet365)
– No goals in the first 9:59 minutes at $1.22 (Bet365)
– Guillermo May to score anytime at $1.95 (Bet365)
For odds comparisons, team form guides, and football betting promotions, you can explore the latest market insights before placing your bets.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
