Auckland FC will take the honour of being the first New Zealand team to host the A-League Grand Final on Saturday and there is seemingly little to choose between them and opponents Sydney FC.
These two teams have met on five previous occasions, with all three clashes in Sydney ending in draws and the Black Knights edging 1-0 victories in both matches played at the GO Media Stadium - the venue on Saturday.
Three points separated these two teams on the regular season ladder, before Auckland saw off Melbourne City and Adelaide United to reach their first-ever Grand Final.
Meanwhile, the record five-time A-League champion Sky Blues edged out Melbourne Victory and then won a dramatic penalty shootout against premiers Newcastle Jets to reach their eighth Grand Final.
Auckland FC v Sydney FC Tips Summary
Best Bet - Jesse Randall to assist @ 4.33
Alternative Bet - Half with most goals - 2nd @ 2.10
Bet Builder - Either Sam Cosgrove or Jesse Randall to score, Auckland FC to win either half & Auckland FC to win by one goal @ 9.50
Auckland FC v Sydney FC Prediction
Best Bet: Jesse Randall to assist @ 4.33
Black Knights forward Jesse Randall may have gone 10 games without a goal, but he is still very much an integral part of their attacking plans, along with Sam Cosgrove.
Randall has had 23 shots during his goalless run and laid on assists in two of his last three appearances, against Melbourne City and then Adelaide, while before his barren run he scored nine times in 19 A-League appearances.
His lack of goals may be a slight concern, but his overall contribution will be vital if Auckland are to break drown a stubborn Sydney backline and going with him to assist makes more sense than tipping him at 2.60 to get on the scoresheet.
Alternative Bet: Half with most goals - 2nd @ 2.10
Auckland may have scored in the first half of four of their last six matches, but three of their four goals came either in the 44th or 45th minutes, so there is little reason to expect the first period at Go Media Stadium to be open and entertaining.
Add into the mix the astonishing fact that the visitors have only found the net in the first half of one of their last 13 matches and it seems highly likely that this Grand Final will not be a goal-fest.
Most goals in the 1st half is available at 3.10, so does offer a little more value, but both previous meetings between these two side this season - both in Sydney - saw the first halves finish scoreless.
Auckland FC v Sydney FC Bet Builder Tip
Either Sam Cosgrove or Jesse Randall to score
Auckland FC to win either half
Auckland FC to win by one goal
Pays 9.50
Cosgrove and Randall have both been key to Auckland's run to the Grand Final, afforded excellent support from Guillermo May, who has sadly missed the end of the season due to an ankle injury.
That leaves Cosgrove and Randall - who will be playing his last game before joining Scottish Premiership side Dundee United - to shoulder the load and the pair are well capable of doing so.
The home side to win either half makes sense if you think that the Black Knights have the additional firepower needed to break down the Sky Blues and overcome their lack of experience on this stage.
Finally, having gone along the route of the hosts to top off a superb season with a first Grand Final triumph, it is likely that they will do so by the narrowest of margins, so add in an Auckland victory by one goal in normal time.
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Key Match Stats
Auckland FC have not lost to Sydney FC in five previous meetings (W2, D3)
The Black Knights have won both of their two home games against Sydney 1-0
Auckland ended a seven-game winless streak with a 3-0 win at Adelaide United
Sydney FC are unbeaten in seven and have conceded just four goals in that run
The Sky Blues have scored in the first half of only one of their last 13 games
Sydney head coach Patrick Kisnorbo has recently signed a new three-year contract
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
