The new 2025 AFL season kicks off with the marquee match: Auckland FC meets Melbourne Victory on their own home turf. Auckland FC seems to have found the rhythm of victory after the big win of Central Coast Mariners. They are determined to win this match. As for Melbourne Victory, the name doesn't sound so friendly. Currently ranked third, this matchup seems to have heralded a winner-take-all feast. Auckland FC have scored more than three goals in their last four matches, with 2.5 goals to show for it.
Although Auckland FC had a great start to the season in the points race, their momentum has slowed down recently, with 1 win and 1 loss in a row, and even a 4-0 "blowout" at home by the Western Conference. One would think their momentum would have come to an end, but they bounced back with a 4-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners in their last game. Looking at the offensive stats, 7 players scored goals from different positions, showing the diversity of the team's offense. However, at the same time, the team's defense is also becoming more and more obvious, with a total of 8 goals conceded in the last four matches, which has become the main reason for the team's fluctuating performance.
Melbourne Victory had a relatively stable season, finishing first in the league, but had a 0-3 defeat against FC Sydney. Recently, their form has fluctuated due to the red card suspensions of some of their players, with 5 wins, 1 and 2 losses in their last 8 matches. Nonetheless, their attacking line is still strong, with 10 players scoring and 8 assisting. Both sides are eager to win their first game of the new year, and there is plenty of fireworks to go around. I'm sure the game will not have many goals.
