Auckland vs Western United Preview: Team News & Prediction

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In their inaugural season, Auckland are pulling off something special as they sit at the top of the A League ahead of now welcoming Western United across to New Zealand this weekend.

Kick-off date/time: Saturday 21st December, 2024: UK – 4:00am / Friday 20th December, 2024 - US ET – 11:00pm  / US PT – 8:00pm

How to watch on TV/online: UK – YouTube / US – ESPN / Australia – Paramount+

Auckland Team News: No Hall or Howieson

Auckland have been blessed with few injuries throughout this campaign so far but former Burnley midfielder Cameron Howieson is now sidelined for the hosts alongside centre-back Daniel Hall due to a broken ankle.

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Paulsen; Elliot, Sakai, Pijnaker, De Vries; Rogerson, McKenlay, Gallegos, Gillion; May, Brimmer

Unavailable: Hall (Injured), Howieson (Injured)

Questionable: 

Western United Team News: Nothing fresh

There are no fresh injury concerns for Western United to deal with but they do still have a few issues of note. Defenders James Donachie and Ben Garrucio are sidelined alongside attacker Khoder Kaddour.

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Sutton; Russell, Imai, Leonard, Shamoon; Danzaki, Bozinovski, Thurgate, Walatee; Ibusuki, Botic

Unavailable: Donachie (Injured), Garuccio (Injured), Pasquali (Injured), Kaddour (Injured)

Questionable: 

Auckland vs Western United Prediction

In their opening seven matches of the 2024/25 campaign, Auckland have enjoyed six victories with one draw and they have conceded just three goals. However, that one draw did come last weekend when they needed a second-half stoppage-time equaliser to earn a point against Melbourne City. They now face a Western United side that have won their two games so far this season in their last four matches with a thrilling 4-3 defeat of Sydney coming in New South Wales last weekend. Despite that, Auckland remain the favourites for this one, especially with their home advantage.

Auckland vs Western United Tip: Auckland to win