Melbourne City v Auckland FC: A-League Sunday preview

Auckland FC have made a dream start to their first season in the A-League, winning their first six games to stand at the top of the ladder.

They head to Melbourne City this weekend aiming to continue that brilliant run, but the hosts head in as favourites.

City stood in fourth place ahead of the current round of games, but there’s reason to believe the home side are vulnerable favourites.

Melbourne City v Auckland FC betting preview

Hosts boosted by helpful trips

City have won four of their first six games this season, but all of their victories have come on the road. They’ve lost both of their home matches so far, losing out 2-0 to Western Sydney Wanderers and 3-1 to Melbourne Victory.

They have also played each of the bottom four on their travels this season. They’ve won at four sides who have picked up less than a point per game, losing their other two tests.

That casts some doubt over City’s position as favourites, especially as Auckland have won each of their first six games in impressive fashion.

They’ve conceded just once across those victories, which have included visits to Wellington Phoenix and Macarthur FC.

The visitors are very narrowly outperforming their Expected Goals tally at an average of 0.14 per game - with six sides overperforming to a larger degree. Among those six are City, who are boosted by those away trips.

With the visitors on a roll and backing up their wins with solid displays, take them to produce another victory at 3.00.

Visitors to make another quick start

A big part of Auckland FC’s fine form has been their defensive record, with the only goal they’ve conceded coming with eight minutes to spare while 2-0 up against Phoenix.

They’ve opened the scoring in every game, leading at the break in three of their six matches.

City have conceded first in each of their home defeats so far and they could make another slow start in Sunday’s game. With the hosts scoring nine of their 12 A-League goals against the bottom two, back Auckland to seize the initiative in this clash.

The visitors are available at 2.20 in the First Team to Score market, where the hosts are once again favourites despite their issues. 

Defensive standards likely to slip for Auckland

City have only failed to score in one of their first six A-League games this season and they are capable of getting on the scoresheet in Sunday’s clash.

Auckland are conceding chances and their underlying numbers suggest their impressive defensive record will even out before long.

They conceded in their previous A-League outing and, while they’re backed for another win, they’re unlikely to run away with this one.

The visitors have yet to score more than twice in an A-League game, so back them for another 2-1 victory which is available at 11.00.

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Melbourne City v Auckland FC odds

Melbourne City - 2.25
Draw - 3.60
Auckland FC - 3.00

View the full market and more odds for Melbourne City v Auckland FC on site

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.