Action continues in round 23 of the Australian A-League as Adelaide United and Auckland FC lock horns at the Coopers Stadium on Friday. Steve Corica’s men are unbeaten in the previous three meetings between the two teams and will look to extend this fine run as they continue their hot pursuit of Newcastle Jets at the top of the table.

Adelaide United maintained their strong late-season form last time out, when they secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers just before the international break.

Ayrton Andrioli’s side have now gone six straight games without defeat, picking up three wins and three draws, a run which has put them well on course for a top-six finish.

Adelaide United have picked up 35 points from their 22 A-League matches so far to sit fourth in the standings, eight points above seventh-placed Central Coast Mariners just outside the playoff qualifying places.

On the other hand, Auckland’s title hopes took a major blow last time out as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Macarthur when the two sides squared off at the Mount Smart Stadium.

Corica’s men were unbeaten in their six previous outings, picking up four wins and two draws while scoring 14 goals and keeping three clean sheets in that time.

Auckland have picked up 39 points from their 22 league matches so far to sit second in the standings, four points behind Newcastle Jets heading into the final four matches.

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Adelaide United vs Auckland FC Head-To-Head and Key Numbers

• This will be the fourth meeting between Adelaide and Auckland FC, with Corica’s men picking up one win and two draws from their previous three encounters.
• Adelaide United have lost just one of their most recent 11 matches, while picking up five wins and five draws since January 11.
• Auckland boast the second-best away record in the league, having picked up six wins and three draws from their 11 games so far to collect 21 points. Only Newcastle Jets (25) have picked up more.
• Adelaide United are unbeaten in four of their last five home matches, picking up two wins and two draws since January 17.

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Adelaide United vs Auckland FC Prediction

Auckland find themselves within four points of league leaders Newcastle Jets and know they must avoid any slip-ups if they are to stand a chance of closing this gap in the final four games.

Adelaide are well on course to secure a playoff spot, but we see them falling short against the visitors this weekend.

Prediction: Adelaide United 1-2 Auckland FC

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Adelaide United vs Auckland FC Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result – Auckland to win

Tip 2: First to score – Auckland (Corica’s men have netted the opening goal in eight of their last 10 games)

Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals – Yes (There have also been at least three goals scored in the visitors’ last five matches)