It’s second against third on the A-League ladder as Melbourne City play host to the Western Sydney Wanderers.
If form is anything to go by it promises to be one of the matches of the round. The Wanderers are unbeaten since October, but will be weary against an almost completely different midfield from the one that somehow escaped with a point against, what must be said, was a much better Sydney FC last weekend in their 2-2 draw.
Tony Popovic would be less than happy with their performances in past weeks after unconvincing displays in the last three matches and a 0-0 to Adelaide last weekend in very controversial circumstances. Although the Wanderers do boast an impressive three clean sheets in four games, something they will be keen to add to against a side that has scored 10 more goals this season than any other side in the competition.
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On one hand City will relish the chance to face the top of the table at AAMI Stadium with the opportunity to climb up the ladder as they continue to legitimise their Premiers Plate contender status. Although, after playing the top four sides in the past four match weeks, John van’t Schip may be calling on his side for one more big effort before they see the back of their tough schedule period. Their injury toll last week was just big enough (and to influential enough players) that it can be used as an excuse so assess City going into this one on previous performances.
Key Battle – Harry Novillo vs Scott Jamieson
The Wanderers have been renowned this season for their possession-based style of football, which is partially reliant on their fullbacks pushing high to give their attack width and another dimension.
Enter an in-form Harry Novillo that almost single-handedly earned his side a point last weekend with a dazzling display on the counter and we have a match-up on our hands.
Expect Novillio to switch over to both wings after being given a license to venture around Bruno Fornarolli in the front third last weekend, leaving the question – how far forward will the two full backs get and how much space will they afford the flying Frenchman?
Team News
Aaron Mooy and Erik Paartalu will return straight back into the midfield after the loss of both was felt so heavily in last weekend’s 2-2 draw. Paulo Retre also returns from his suspension and is expected to complete John Van’t Schip’s midfield triangle. Ivan Franjic is yet to face a fitness test that will determine his availability, while David Williams should return to the bench after his January transfer with Adelaide United reportedly fell through. He will be replacing Stefan Mauk in the extended squad who has left on Olyroos duty.
Melbourne City Expected XI: Sorensen; Zullo, Hughes, Kisnorbo, Clisby; Paartalu, Mooy, Retre; Koren, Novillo, Fornarolli
Tony Popovic’s squad is largely unchanged from the one that drew 0-0 in controversial circumstances last weekend against an improving Adelaide United, which is a testament to his coaching style and emphasis on his players’ fitness. Scott Neville is omitted through injury, with the young trio of Kearyn Baccus, Jaushua Sotirio and Jonathan Aspropotamitis all earn a spot in the extended squad. Liam Reddy also joins the squad for the first time after signing on with the Wanderers in the new year.
Western Sydney Wanderers Expected XI: Redmayne; Aspropotamitis, Aguilar, Topor-Stanley, Jamieson; Andreu, Dimas, Nicholls; Castalen, Bridge, Piovaccari
Head-to-head
One of, if not the most successful head-to head record the Wanderers have, boasting seven wins and a draw from their ten encounters, although their one loss did come at AAMI Park last season.
Previous Meeting
A complete performance against City saw the Wanderers leave AAMI Park with three goals and all three points back in round six. City was without Aaron Mooy on that day and much like last weekend – it showed. Bridge and Nicholls both got on the scoresheet while Piovaccari got his first goal for the club that day, is that an omen?
Prediction
It should be fair to say that this will be a battle of two of the in from number tens in the competiton.
Mooy has been mentioned so many times in the lead up to games and deservedly so, such is his influence on this City side, meanwhile Mitch Nicholls has calmly gone about his work and deserves many of the plaudits for where the Wanderers currently sit. This isn’t so much of a prediction as almost a fact, whichever of these two has the bigger influence on the game should get their side over the line.
Also we couldn’t go a full preview without mentioning Bruno Fornarolli’s incredible scoring run so expect him to add a goal to his tally in yet another thrilling and entertaining contest.
Melbourne City 2 Western Sydney Wanderers 2
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