A-League 2024-25: Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Preview & Betting Tips

Auckland FC are in a great spot, holding a tight 1-0 lead as they get ready to host Melbourne Victory in the second leg of their A-League semi-final. That first game down in Melbourne was a real grind, with Auckland's Logan Rogerson snagging the winning goal in the 64th minute.

Looking back at the stats from the first leg, Auckland definitely showed more intent going forward. They peppered Victory's goal with 15 shots compared to Victory's 9, and put 2 on target while Victory couldn't hit the frame once. Even though Victory had more corners (9 to Auckland's 5), they just couldn't test Auckland's keeper, Paulsen, which was a huge miss for them.

Interestingly, Auckland has had Victory's number this season. They drew 0-0 at home earlier on, but then Auckland went and thumped Victory 2-0 in Melbourne, proving they can get the job done away from home. That head-to-head record this season—two wins and a draw for Auckland—has to give them a real boost of confidence.

Auckland's defense has been rock-solid, too. They have been the stingiest defence all season and have also kept Victory goalless across their three meetings. Melbourne Victory will be absolutely desperate to turn things around and find the goals they need to keep their Grand Final dreams alive. Expect a fierce battle as Victory push hard for an equalizer, but Auckland's disciplined play and attacking threat should ultimately see them secure another win.

Melbourne City are sitting pretty with a commanding 3-0 lead as they head into the second leg of their A-League semi-final against Western United. The first leg was all City, with goals from Germán Ferreyra, Yonatan Cohen, and Mathew Leckie putting them firmly in control.

Western United are in a do-or-die situation, meaning they'll have to throw everything at City from the opening whistle. This isn't exactly unfamiliar territory for them, though; they've shown they can score goals in bunches, even if it means conceding some too.

City, on the other hand, have been in fantastic attacking form themselves. They thrashed Sydney FC 5-1 recently and also beat Western United 2-0 and 1-0 in their previous regular season meetings. Their attacking prowess, combined with Western United's desperate need for goals, sets this up to be a cracker.

Expect Western United to come out super aggressive, pushing numbers forward and creating an open, end-to-end game. While they'll likely grab a goal or two, City's quality in transition and clinical finishing should see them add to their tally. Melbourne City will undoubtedly win this tie and march on to the Grand Final, and with both teams looking to play open, attacking football, it's a safe bet that we'll see over 2.5 goals in this second leg.