Melbourne City vs Sydney FC prediction, preview, team news and more | A-League Grand Final 2020-21

The A-League Grand Final is set to dominate Australia's sporting discourse this weekend as Sydney FC lock horns with Melbourne City at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Saturday. The two Australian giants have been excellent this season and have a point to prove in this match.

Melbourne City finished in pole position in the A-League standings this year and have assembled an excellent squad. The home side eased past Macarthur FC by a 2-0 margin in the semi-finals and will be confident ahead of this match.

Sydney FC, on the other hand, have had their problems this season but have managed to hit their stride in recent months. The reigning A-League champions edged Adelaide United to a 2-1 victory last weekend and will need to be at their best to retain their crown this year.

Take a look at our first full day in Melbourne and hear from Milos Ninkovic ahead of Sunday's Grand Final 🎥️⚽️#SydneyIsSkyBlue #Champion5

— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) June 24, 2021

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Melbourne City vs Sydney FC Head-to-Head

Sydney FC have a good record against Melbourne City and have won 14 games out of a total of 23 matches played between the two teams. Melbourne City have managed nine victories against Sydney FC and can trouble their opponents in this fixture.

The previous meeting between the two A-League sides took place in April earlier this year and ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams wasted chances on the day and will need to be more clinical going into this game.

Melbourne City form guide in the A-League: W-W-D-W-W

Sydney FC form guide in the A-League: W-W-W-W-W

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Melbourne City vs Sydney FC Team News

Melbourne City have a strong team

Melbourne City

Jamie Maclaren, Connor Metcalfe, and Curtis Good will likely remain in quarantine after their stints with the Socceroos and are unavailable for this game. Andrew Nabbout and Craig Noone missed the semi-final against Macarthur FC and remain doubts ahead of this game.

Injured: None

Doubtful: Andrew Nabbout, Craig Noone

Unavailable: Jamie Maclaren, Connor Metcalfe, Curtis Good

Sydney FC have a depleted squad

Sydney FC

Michael Zullo, Trent Buhagiar, Chris Zuvela, Jordi Swibel, and Calum Nieuwenhof did not play a part for Sydney FC last week and might not be able to feature against Melbourne City. Andrew Redmayne, Rhyan Grant, and Ryan McGowan have featured for the Australian national team and will also be unavailable this weekend.

Injured: None

Doubtful: Michael Zullo, Trent Buhagiar, Chris Zuvela, Jordi Swibel, Calum Nieuwenhof

Unavailable: Andrew Redmayne, Rhyan Grant, Ryan McGowan

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Melbourne City vs Sydney FC Predicted XI

Melbourne City Predicted XI (4-3-3): Tom Glover; Scott Jamieson, Rostyn Griffiths, Nuno Reis, Scott Galloway; Aiden O'Neill, Florin Berenguer, Adrian Luna; Nathaniel Atkinson, Marco Tilio, Stefan Colakovski

City fans grabbing their Grand Final tickets like... 😤Haven't done so yet? Well you better soon because they are going quickly!🎟 https://t.co/r5i2GpWD3x | #ALeagueGF pic.twitter.com/UsNmzVbtJM

— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) June 24, 2021

Sydney FC Predicted XI (4-4-2): Tom Heward-Belle; Joel King, Ben Warland, Alex Wilkinson, Paulo Retre; Anthony Caceres, Luke Brattan, Kosta Barbarouses, Alexander Baumjohann; Bobo, Adam Le Fondre

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Melbourne City vs Sydney FC Prediction

Sydney FC might not have enjoyed the best of starts to their year but recent weeks have seen the reigning champions record six consecutive victories in the A-League. Adam Le Fondre's return has galvanised the side and the striker will play a key role in Sydney FC's title defence.

Melbourne City endured a worrying slump towards the end of their regular season but a strong performance against Macarthur FC holds them in good stead going into this game. Sydney FC are in excellent form at the moment, however, and hold a slight edge going into this game.

Prediction: Melbourne City 1-2 Sydney FC

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