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The first of five A-League finals matches starts with Melbourne City hosting Brisbane Roar in an elimination final. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 7:50pm (AEST).
Of the 13 past A-League champions, none have won the grand final after finishing outside of the top two. That stat alone begs the question whether these two sides are really competing for the championship, or just making up the numbers.
Melbourne City have found some form at the right end of the season, notwithstanding a surprising loss to Wellington in the final round. City had little riding on the result, whereas Wellington were attempting to avoid the wooden spoon, so you could argue that the Melburnians had their eyes on this fixture.
But having won three in a row prior to Wellington, and owning the big scalp of Newcastle among that streak, City go to the finals with a real belief that they are in it to win it.
And you simply cannot discount any line-up containing the likes of Bruno Fornaroli, Luke Brattan, Dario Vidosic, and Oliver Bosanic.
Those names do not even factor in the current darling of the league, Daniel Arzani, who has turned into something of a star, having only been known for tricks and ball-hogging.
Melbourne will not have it their own way when they come up against the form away side in the competition this season, Brisbane Roar.
It’s been a funny season for Brisbane, the aged warrior of the competition. While they have fought their injury concerns (summed up by the injury-cloud hovering over Brett Holman), the good form shown by Eric Beautheac, Massimo Maccarone, and returning hero Henrique has seen Brisbane finish the season with a strong away win in Perth.
The Roar will believe they can win anywhere, as they have done all season, and score a surprise win tonight to set up a date with Sydney.
Prediction
Brisbane will be hard to beat, but Melbourne have the firepower at home to do the job.
Melbourne City 3-1.
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