Western United vs Auckland FC Preview

It was confirmed on Saturday that in the very first season as a professional club, Auckland FC finished at the top of the Australian A-League, winning the Premier’s plate, and sealing silverware in what has been a stunning debut season.

Now, with the final stage still to play, when the top six spots split off from the rest to compete in tournament style layout, Auckland have two free hits to prepare themselves as well as possible, starting with their visit to Western United.

The home side lie third, and had they not lost two of their last three games, may have pushed Auckland even further in the title race. But a recent drop has seen them fall out of contention, and they, as well as Auckland, will now be turning their attention to the final stages.

As the game approaches, here is everything that you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Where to Watch

The game will be broadcasted on TNT Sports 6, with kick-off scheduled for 09:00 am GMT.

Key Statistics

• Western United have been prolific in front of goal of late, netting 11 times in their past five matches. They also have more total goals (51) than Auckland (47).
• Western United inflicted Auckland with their first ever competitive defeat back in November in the reverse fixture.
• Auckland boast the best defensive record in the division, with their 23 goals conceded a crucial part of the winning campaign.
• They have lost just two games all season, but they have drawn eight. Only 10 placed Central Coast Mariners have shared the spoils more (11).

Western United Preview

Western United Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Matthew Sutton (GK); Benjamin Garuccio, Dylan Leonard, James Donachie, Tomoki Imai; Riku Danzaki, Rhys Bozinovski, Angus Thurgate, Matthew Grimaldi; Michael Ruhs, Noah Botic.

Western United have had a breakthrough season this year. Having finished third in 2022, two seasons of mediocrity followed, and they were in need of a pick me up. So their form this season, which has included wins over Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne Victory, as well as becoming the first ever side to beat Auckland came as a welcome release.

However, defeat to fourth placed Western Sydney and then a surprise loss to Brisbane Roar the following week damaged their regular campaign, and they had to settle for the fact that silverware, at least in the form of the Premier Plate, was out of reach for this season.

However, having already qualified for the final stage, they can still win the A-League trophy outright should they come through the dramatic knockout format unscathed, crowning them Champions of Australia for the very first time. They need to treat their remaining game against Auckland as a warm-up for that, as they will more than likely clash against some point.

Auckland FC Preview

Auckland FC Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Alex Paulsen (GK); Francis De Vries, Nando Pijnaker, Daniel Hall, Hiroki Sakai; Marlee Francois, Louis Verstraete, Jake Brimmer, Logan Rogerson; Guillermo May, Max Mata.

What a season it has been for Auckland. This time last year, the club was less than a month old, and many thought there was a long, complicated, obstacle filled road ahead if they were to achieve Oceanic footballing glory.

And yet here we are 12 months later, with the New Zealand based side the leading light in the game down under. They haven’t set the world on fire with their football, but their defending, and the performances of goalkeeper Alex Paulsen have been a joy to behold.

Now they need to ensure they stay focused and bring this form into the final stage. There are no easy games when we reach this point in the season: from here on out, all fixtures will be against other top six teams, meaning there is no margin for error. If Auckland play like they have been, they should run into very few problems. But in football, an unexpected twist can happen anywhere anytime.

Western United vs Auckland FC Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 15/02/2025: Western United 0-2 Auckland.
• 21/12/2024: Auckland 0-4 Western United.

Western United vs Auckland FC Betting Tip

While Auckland are not typically high scoring (they are averaging just under two goals a game), it is very rare for them not to score. They have fired just three blanks this season, and combining that with Western United’s more impressive goal tally of 51, we are confident that both sides will score here.

Western United vs Auckland FC Final Prediction

Western United 1-2 Auckland FC

The two sides have been well matched this season, illustrated by their head to head record of a win apiece. But Auckland’s confidence has grown exponentially since their defeat to United in November. In fact they have lost just once since that meeting, and having sealed the title, this game could be one of their best, with all expectations off their backs.