Western Sydney will look to claim their third consecutive win on Friday night in Melbourne, ahead of the clash we take a look at the major talking points.
How to cover Mooy’s absence?
Aaron Mooy has once again been one of the outstanding performers this season, pulling all the strings for Melbourne City and providing leadership by example. With the Socceroos trying to seal up World Cup qualification the former Wanderers midfielder will be absent for City, leaving the obvious question, how will Melbourne fair without their main man? Hit and miss all season even with Mooy providing the inspiration City will be significantly weakened, making his midfield replacement a clear target for the Wanderers.
READ MORE: Match Preview – Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Time for Piovaccari to prove his worth
Will Western Sydney’s marquee man step up to the plate? Brought in as the Tony Popovic’s exciting international, Federico Piovaccari is yet to have found the back of the net in five games. The Wanderers have struggled up front this season and left Mitch Nichols and Dario Vidosic to pick up the slack from the midfield. With the big Italian being brought in to help the embattled side back to glory there is no excuse to be still without a goal to his name.
City’s leaky defence still a concern
While Piovaccari is struggling in attack, Melbourne’s defence has been a letdown all season. The side invested money in the back brining in international goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen in an attempt to fill the holes. While Sorensen on his own has been impressive, his teammates have left him stranded far too often, evident in their collapse against Newcastle and inability to keep a clean sheet. This Friday City could face their seventh defeat in nine games to the Wanderers if they don’t find a way to tighten up.
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