Melbourne City vs Western United prediction and betting tips on January 7, 2025

Game Prediction

In the 17th round of the Australian A-League on January 7, 2025, Melbourne City will face Western United. Both teams are vying for a top-six spot and will aim to outdo their direct competitors in this matchup.
Our prediction for the Melbourne City vs Western United match
Last season, the "Hearts" accumulated 39 points, narrowly securing the final top-six spot in the regular season, which earned them a playoff berth. However, they were eliminated after a penalty shootout against Melbourne Victory in the first round. Meanwhile, the "Green and Black" finished second to last with only 26 points.
Under Aurelio Vidmar, Melbourne City had a strong start to the season, winning half of their matches. After several draws, including one against Central Coast Mariners, they defeated Wellington Phoenix in the previous round.
Western United, coached by John Aloisi, had a dismal start, winning just one of their first seven games, against Perth Glory. However, December saw a resurgence as they netted four goals in wins over Sydney and Auckland. They followed this with narrower victories over Brisbane Roar (1-0) and Perth Glory (3-2).
The hosts average 1.8 goals scored per game while conceding just one. The visitors, meanwhile, also have a positive goal difference, scoring 1.73 goals per game and conceding slightly under 1.3.
Melbourne City vs Western United: Key statistics and trends
- Melbourne City has won only one of their last four matches.
- 50% of Melbourne City's matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 2.8 goals per game.
- Western United has won four consecutive matches.
- 64% of Western United's matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 3 goals per game.
Possible starting lineups
Melbourne City (possible lineup): Beech - Behich, Suprean, Truijn, Atkinson - Schreuder, Ugarkovic, Politidis, Kewan, Cohen - Memeti
Western United (possible lineup): Sutton - Shamoun, Leonard, Imai, Russell - Valaci, Tergaite, Bojinovski, Danzaki - Botic, Ibusuki
Previous matches: Melbourne City vs Western United
The "Hearts" have dominated this fixture, winning six of their last seven encounters, with just one defeat. In November, they claimed a 1-0 victory away from home.
Free prediction for the Melbourne City vs Western United match
The hosts are rightfully considered favorites in this clash. However, both teams tend to play pragmatically, so a high-scoring affair seems unlikely. Bet on "Total goals under 3.0" (odds – 1.85).
Place your bets on the upcoming match and track your team's standings in the Australian A-League.
