Analysis:
At 6:00 am GMT of Dec 15, at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium we have a very interesting confrontation between the visiting league leaders Auckland and the hosts Melbourne City hoping to cut the distance to the top in half. Honestly, this is all about the incentives and motivation. The home team needs to win to move up and have a shot at the title. It’s still too early in the season (just the 6th round), but they will need to do that against a side that seems unstoppable having recorded six consecutive wins. Furthermore, Melbourne will need to do against a defense that has only conceded one goal.
Special features:
Firstly, the hosts have lost two out of their three matches at home. In fact, they lost both with a 2-goal differential (0-2 to Western Sydney and 1-3 to Melbourne Victory). On the other hand, Auckland have won both their away games (0-1 at Macarthur and 0-2 at Wellington).
The next issue to consider would be the head-to-head numbers. However, this is the first time that the two will meet, so, it’s a match of unknowns. That being said, it should be noted that both sides seem to do better at the last 15 minutes of any match they played. In fact, the hosts have scored 5 of their 12 between 75’ and 90’, while for the visitors the number is 3. However, they have also conceded the only goal in their record, during that period.
Suggestion:
The bookmakers give a clear home field advantage to Melbourne City with a price of @2.23. @3.060 is the multiplier for a win of the visitors, while the draw receives a 3.650. We believe that the incentive for the hosts is greater and, one way or the other, they will win this one. Therefore, we will suggest the victory for Melbourne City. And now, it’s your turn to think wisely and go open an account made for winners.