The Western Sydney Wanderers once again showcased their ability to take the lead and lose it against Perth Glory last Saturday, succumbing 3-2 to the West Australian club.
It was the same old story from the beleaguered Wanderers, who are a far cry from the watertight defensive unit of their last two seasons. However, a 4-1 midweek result against Brisbane Roar was a positive for the Western Sydney side, and a sign that the team is finally starting to click in the attacking third.
Melbourne City took a big step in cementing their spot in the finals last weekend, defeating Brisbane Roar 1-0 at home. The club has been a model of inconsistency this season, but seems to be hitting its straps at the right time. The result against Brisbane is its third victory on the trot, and City will be desperate to keep the momentum leading into the remaining rounds of the regular season.
Key Battle – Aaron Mooy vs Mateo Poljak
Aaron Mooy has been a revelation for Melbourne City this season, and has dazzled the A-League with his skill in central midfield. A trip to Europe with the Socceroos is sure to have done wonders for his confidence, and the former Wanderer will have a point to prove against his old side. Mooy grabbed an assist and a goal on his last visit to Wanderland, and defensive midfielder Mateo Poljak will have to be on his toes to keep the in-form Mooy at bay.
Team News
Mark Bridge and Mateo Poljak could both make a surprise return from injury, and have been named in Western Sydney’s extended squad ahead of the match. Matthew Spiranovic is still sidelined with a hamstring complaint, which should see youngster Jonathan Aspropotamitis remain in the heart of defence alongside captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley. Tomi Juric returns from national team duties, and could make a cameo off the bench.
Western Sydney Wanderers Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Covic (GK); Tanaka, Aspropotamitis, Topor-Stanley, Gallaway; Poljak, Takahagi; Kalmar, Bridge, Castelen; Bulut.
Melbourne City’s prized midfielder Mooy returns from Socceroos commitments, and will be available to play on familiar turf against his old club. Connor Chapman still remains suspended from his last visit to Pirtek Stadium after manhandling referee Strebre Delovski, so Kew Jaliens is likely to get the nod in his stead.
Melbourne City Expected XI (4-3-3): Velaphi (GK); Retre, Kisnorbo, Jaliens, Clisby; Germano, Mooy, Paartalu; Koren, Kennedy, Novillo.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met eight times, with the Western Sydney Wanderers triumphing on six occasions. Melbourne City registered its first and only win against the Wanderers this season, after defeating them 2-1 at AAMI Park. There has only been one draw between the two clubs.
Last Meeting
An action-packed affair at Pirtek Stadium was the last meeting between these two, after the Western Sydney Wanderers fought back from 2-1 down to win 3-2. An instinctive volley from winger Nikita Rukaystya was the deciding goal, and secured Western Sydney its first three points of the season at home.
https://youtu.be/PDd19rF0v84
Prediction
Everything seems to be falling into place for Melbourne City, and it is hard to see the side losing to the lowly Wanderers. Nevertheless, Western Sydney has finally found its shooting boots, and with the goal-hungry Kerem Bulut on the pitch, anything could happen.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 Melbourne City 3
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