Set for Friday 16 May 2025, the semi-final first-leg of the Australia A-League between Western United and Melbourne City will kick off at 10:35 BST at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Football fans across Europe can tune in at 11:35 CEST in Italy, Germany, France, and Spain to catch all the live action.
This high-stakes encounter sees Western United riding high after a dramatic elimination-round victory, while Melbourne City arrive as the regular-season runners-up. With a place in the final on the line, both sides will be determined to secure a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg.
How are both teams coming into this?
Western United booked their semi-final spot with an impressive win in the elimination round, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline against tough opposition. Their recent form includes a solid defensive record and timely goals, proving they can rise to big occasions.
Melbourne City, on the other hand, enjoyed a consistent campaign to finish second in the regular season table. Under steady management, they’ve combined attractive attacking play with defensive stability, making them a formidable opponent on their travels.
Our forecast
Given Melbourne City’s quality and regular-season consistency, they enter this match as slight favourites. However, Western United’s momentum and home advantage at AAMI Park could make this a tight affair. We expect a closely contested game with limited clear-cut chances.
Our forecast suggests a low-scoring encounter, with both teams likely to adopt cautious approaches early on. A draw or a narrow win for Melbourne City seems plausible, and punters may be wise to look at markets such as under 2.5 goals or both teams to score.
Best odds
- Bet365: Western United 2.90, Draw 3.60, Melbourne City 2.40
- William Hill: Western United 2.95, Draw 3.55, Melbourne City 2.45
- Betfair: Western United 2.85, Draw 3.70, Melbourne City 2.50
