Liontips
Melbourne City vs. Western United: Australian Championship Match Prediction
In the 17th round of the Australian A-League, Melbourne City will face Western United. Both teams are part of a group tied for third place, each with 18 points. Who will seize the lead after their head-to-head clash on January 7th? Find out in our preview of this exciting matchup.
Command Analysis
Melbourne City FC
AustraliaCurrent Form
Melbourne City consistently aims for the highest goals, and this season is no exception. The team kicked off the A-League regular season impressively, securing away victories against Newcastle Jets (1-0), Western United (1-0), Perth Glory (5-0), and the league's main underdog, Brisbane Roar (4-1). However, they have suffered two home defeats—first to Melbourne Victory (1-3) and then to the more modest Western Sydney Wanderers (0-2). Melbourne wrapped up 2024 with three consecutive draws, sharing points with Auckland (2-2), Melbourne Victory (1-1), and Central Coast Mariners (1-1). Yet, 2025 started perfectly for the hosts, as they clinched a long-awaited home win against Wellington Phoenix (2-0).
Suspensions and Injuries
The hosts will be without Alessandro Lopane, Andrew Nabbout, Jaden Nikovski, Marco Tilio, and Mathew Leckie due to injuries. James Jeggo's participation is doubtful.
Interesting Betting Trends
- The team is unbeaten in their last five matches
- The hosts have won only one of their four home games
Projected lineup: Beech - Talbot, Trevin, Suprijen, Atkinson - Ugarkovic, Schreiber - Cohen, Kuhn, Politidis - Memeti
Western United FC
AustraliaCurrent Form
Western United finished second to last in the league last season, only ahead of the clear underdog, Perth Glory. This season, the team is performing more confidently and aims to secure a playoff spot, which they are currently achieving. John Aloisi's squad is in sixth place, trailing a group of three teams, including today's opponent, only by tiebreakers. They are just one point behind the second spot, so a victory could significantly boost their position in the standings.
Recently, the team has hit an impressive stride. Following a goalless draw with Macarthur (0-0), the visitors have been on a winning streak. They have already defeated Sydney (4-3), Auckland (4-0), Brisbane Roar (1-0), and Perth Glory (3-2).
Suspensions and Injuries
For the visitors, Khoder Kaddour will miss the match. James Donachie is doubtful for the game.
Interesting Betting Trends
- The team has won four consecutive matches
- The visitors have lost the last three head-to-head encounters
Projected lineup: Sutton - Shamon, Leonard, Imai, Russell - Grimaldi, Pasquali, Tergate, Danzaki - Laval, Ibusuki
Trends
Bet Exact Score 1:0
The last two head-to-head matches ended with this score
11.00Bet At Least One Team Won't Score
This bet won in three of the last five away matches
2.45Bet Number 1 in the Final Score
This pattern occurred in the last five head-to-head matches
1.70Tip and bets
Three days ago, the home team secured their first home victory of the season and are clearly in high spirits ahead of their match against Western United. The visitors have also been performing well, but encounters with Melbourne City often end in disappointment for them. United have lost their last three head-to-head matches against City, so we doubt they will manage to clinch a win away against an in-form opponent. We are backing the home team to succeed.
Our prediction is an Asian handicap (0) on Melbourne City at 1.65
Total Bet
The teams often play high-scoring matches, but the upcoming game is crucial for securing a higher playoff position. We believe both sides will approach this clash with utmost seriousness, focusing on solid defense. We suggest betting on the under.
Our prediction is a total of fewer than three goals at 1.88
First Half Bet
We don't expect the teams to charge forward aggressively right after the starting whistle. They'll likely take some time to size each other up. In this scenario, a draw at halftime seems probable.
Our prediction is a draw in the first half at 2.45
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