Melbourne City and Gangwon FC bring their AFC Champions League group-stage campaign to an end when they lock horns at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday. While the home side have already booked their spot in the playoffs, the South Korean outfit need maximum points to avoid dropping out of the top eight.
Melbourne City sealed their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League last Wednesday when they secured a 2-1 victory over Ulsan Hyundai in South Korea.
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Having lost their opening two games, Aurelio Vidmar’s men have bounced back with four wins and one draw from their subsequent five matches, scoring nine goals and conceding four, to keep their quest for continental glory alive.
Melbourne City have picked up 13 points from a possible 21 heading into the group finale to sit fifth in the standings, five points above Ulsan just outside the playoff qualifying places.
Meanwhile, Gangwon FC dropped two huge points in their push for a top-eight finish last Wednesday when they were held to a goalless draw by Shanghai Port on home turf.
With that result, Kyung-ho Chung’s side have failed to win their most recent four Champions League games, picking up just two points from a possible 12 since kicking off the campaign with two wins from their opening three games.
Gangwon have picked up eight points from their seven Champions League matches so far to sit eighth in the standings, level on points and goal difference (-2) with Ulsan in ninth place.
Melbourne City vs Gangwon FC Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first meeting between Melbourne City and Gangwon FC, who will both be looking to begin their rivalry on a positive note.
- Gangwon have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions, while losing four and claiming three draws since December 9.
- Melbourne City have failed to win five of their most recent seven home games, losing three and claiming two draws since the start of December.
- Gangwon are on a run of just one win from their last eight competitive away matches, while losing four and picking up three draws since September 21.
Melbourne City vs Gangwon FC Prediction
With Melbourne City already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, the stakes are high for Gangwon, who need maximum points to finish in the top eight.
While Vidmar could rest a number of his stars for this one, we predict Melbourne will come away with all three points in front of their home supporters.
Prediction: Melbourne City 2-1 Gangwon FC
Melbourne City vs Gangwon FC Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Melbourne City to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in four of Melbourne City’s last five matches)
Tip 3: Both sides to score – Yes (Both teams have also scored in the hosts’ last five outings)
Edited by Peter P