We are down to the final two for the A-League season 2021/22! With reigning champions Melbourne City to take on cross town rivals Western United in Saturday night’s Isuzu Ute A-League Grand Final at AAMI Park.
Western United defied the odds to reach the Grand Final. After 1-0 over Wellington Phoenix in the Elimination Final, and after losing the first leg of the Semi Final 1-0 to the Melbourne Victory, Western United caused a boil-over 4-1 second leg upset over Melbourne Victory to reach their first ever Grand Final. It is an incredible achievement considering this is only season three in the league.
Melbourne City earned their place in the Grand Final following a hard fought Semi Final, with a 2-1 victory over Adelaide United.
City went behind in the 48th minute following a stunning volley from Zach Clough. City found their equaliser from Marco Tillio in the 73rd minute, which sent the game into extra time. Jamie McLaren sent Melbourne City into their third consecutive Grand Final in the 92nd minute, with his close range strike.
It looks an enticing contest. Melbourne City aiming to become the first team to go back to back premiers and champions (the double). Western United would start underdogs, but if they play the way they did against Melbourne Victory, there is no reason why they can’t win their first ever title.
Key players include:
Melbourne City:
- Jamie McLaren
- Matthew Leckie
- Andrew Nabbout
Western United:
- Dylan Wenzel-Halls
- Neil Kilkenny
- Aleksandar Prijovich
Everyone agrees that Melbourne City are the favourites, they have two years worth of Grand Final experience, and this is Westerns first appearance. Melbourne City start favourites at $1.66 to Western United $4.75.
Prediction: Whilst it would be a fairytale for Western United to win their first title and many of us would love to see it- Melbourne City 2-1.