Al Ain vs Auckland City tips and predictions

Auckland City in deep trouble?

Of course Al Ain are certainly expected to cruise to victory but it doesn't feel like a smart move to take those short odds.

The hosts are expected to coast through this match but they are not a dead-cert. Al Ain haven't made life easy for value hunters. They've lost 6 of their last 13 games as hosts. They will need to tighten up their defence. They have conceded at least once in all of their last 13 home matches which lends some additional evidence supporting the upset.

Auckland City have actually won 8 of their last 13 away matches. Some of their best displays have been helped by how clinical they can be in front of goal. They've scored two or more goals in 14 of their last 20 away fixtures. Their front three are going to have to put in an out-of-this-world display to have any chance here. While they are facing a massive task there is still some justification for an away win at the big price. They've been keeping things tidy at the back. Conceding an average of 0.6 goals across their latest 8 games has been impressive.

If Al Ain are to justify their short price they may come out eager to maintain a clean sheet. It isn't a particulary strong view but the No BTTS bet seems sensible.