Wellington Phoenix FC

vs

Auckland FC

Preview

Wellington Phoenix FC (home)

• Wellington Phoenix FC has failed to win in their last two home games (D1, L1).
• Wellington Phoenix FC has won three of nine home games in the A-League (D2, L4).
• Wellington Phoenix FC currently sits in 10th place with 20 points from 17 A-League matches.

Auckland FC (away)

• Auckland FC has won only one and lost two of their last three away games.
• Auckland FC is 2nd with 28 points from 16 matches.
• Auckland FC is the heavy favorite at odds 1.78 (considered a little short given recent form).

Head-to-Head

• Auckland FC has dominated head-to-head and is in superior form.
• Auckland FC is the heavy favorite to beat Wellington Phoenix FC in the New Zealand Derby this Saturday, but the odds of 1.78 are a little short based on the teams’ respective head-to-head and recent form.

Key Players

• Ifeanyi Eze
  • Ifeanyi Eze is described as the A-League’s most dangerous goalscorer for Phoenix.
  • Eze has netted 3 of their last 8 goals for his team.
• Sam Cosgrove
  • Sam Cosgrove is Auckland FC’s main man up front and the league’s joint top scorer alongside Eze (8 goals in 16 appearances).
  • Cosgrove has 3 goals in his last 5 appearances and looks the most likely candidate to score on the day for his side.

Betting Insights

• Wellington Phoenix scores an average of 1.67 goals per home game and concedes 1.78.
• Auckland FC scores 1.38 goals per away game and concedes only 0.88.
• The market price of 1.78 for Auckland FC is tempting but considered a little short by some given recent inconsistencies.
• There is also a small interest in over 2.5 goals at 1.65 because a home goal could open the game up and an away goal could see Auckland push on.

Prediction

• Auckland FC to win looks the primary play based on form, head-to-head and defensive solidity.
• Add a small stake on over 2.5 goals at 1.65 as a secondary option given the rivalry and potential for an open game.