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The A-League returns to the fold with its second leg of semi-final matches this weekend as Western United take on Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
Melbourne Victory managed a narrow victory in the first leg and will want to finish the job this week.
Western United managed a third-placed finish in the A-League standings and have stepped up to the plate this season. The away side have suffered a slump in recent weeks and will need to bounce back this weekend.
Melbourne Victory, on the other hand, are in second place in the league table and have improved after a recent poor run. The hosts have endured a few defensive issues in recent weeks and will need to present a robust front in this fixture.
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Melbourne Victory vs Western United Head-to-Head
Western United and Melbourne Victory are on an even footing as far as their head-to-head record is concerned and have won four games apiece out of a total of 10 matches played between the two sides.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in the first leg and ended in a 1-0 win for Melbourne Victory. Western United were wasteful on the day and will need to be more clinical this weekend.
Melbourne Victory form guide in the A-League: W-W-W-D-W
Western United form guide in the A-League: L-L-D-L-W
Melbourne Victory vs Western United Team News
Melbourne Victory
Robbie Kruse is injured at the moment and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Matt Action and Matt Spiranovic have completed their recoveries and will be included in the squad.
Injured: Robbie Kruse
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Western United
Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Alessandro Diamanti are injured and will not be included in the squad for this week's match. Josh Risdon has recovered from his injury and will be available for selection.
Injured: Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Alessandro Diamanti
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Melbourne Victory vs Western United Predicted XI
Melbourne Victory Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ivan Kelava; Jason Davidson, Brendan Hamill, Matthew Spiranovic, Jason Geria; Joshua Brilliante, Jay Barnett; Ben Folami, Jake Brimmer, Marco Rojas; Nicholas D’Agostino
Western United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jamie Young; Ben Garuccio, Leo Lacroix, Josh Risdon, Tomoki Imai; Steven Lustica, Rene Krhin; Dylan Wenzel-Halls, Adisu Bayew, Lachlan Wales; Aleksandar Prijovic
$1,100 First Bet Insurance at Caesars
Melbourne Victory vs Western United Prediction
Melbourne Victory have been in impressive form since the turn of the year and are unbeaten in their last seven league games. The hosts have a marginal deficit on aggregate and will need to be on guard against falling to an upset.
Western United have struggled this month and have a few issues to solve ahead of this match. Melbourne Victory are in better form, however, and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Melbourne Victory 2-1 Western United
