Western Sydney Wanderers will invite Melbourne City to the CommBank Stadium in the penultimate A-League game of the season on Saturday.
With just two games left to play in the regular season, both teams will look to avoid dropping points in this match. The hosts are in sixth place in the league table, with just a one-point lead over the visitors. Just one place is up for grabs in the final series, so this is a must-win match for both teams.
The hosts have endured a poor run of form recently, suffering two defeats on the trot. In their previous outing, they lost 2-1 to local rivals Sydney FC. Zac Sapsford had equalized in the fifth minute of injury time but Jaiden Kucharski scored three minutes later to help Sydney register a dramatic win.
The visitors returned to winning ways after three games last week with a dominant 8-0 home triumph over Perth Glory. Tolgay Arslan bagged a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 13 goals.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne City Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have locked horns 34 times in all competitions thus far. They have contested these meetings closely, with the visitors leading 14-13 in wins and seven games ending in draws.
- The hosts have just one win in their last 11 meetings against the visitors and suffered a 7-0 away loss in the reverse fixture in March.
- Melbourne City have registered just one win in away games in 2024 while suffering six losses in eight games.
- Western Sydney Wanderers have seen conclusive results in their last nine league outings, with six defeats and three wins.
- The Wanderers are winless in their last four home meetings against City, suffering three losses.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne City Prediction
The Wanderers have suffered back-to-back 2-1 losses in their last two league games, scoring late goals, and will look to improve upon that record. Interestingly, they are winless in their last six home games, suffering five losses, which is cause for concern.
Brandon Borrello and Tom Beadling were subbed off with injuries last week and will be sidelined for this match. Nicolas Milanovic and Lachie Brook are on international duty and remain unavailable.
The Hearts scored eight goals in a league game for the second time this term last week and will look to build on that form. In their previous meetings against the Wanderers, they scored seven goals without reply. Nonetheless, they have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and might not be able to replicate the performance here.
They have suffered six losses in their last seven away games, scoring seven times while conceding 18 goals, and might struggle here. They also have a few absentees due to injuries and international duty.
With that in mind and considering the current form of the two teams, a high-scoring draw might ensue.
Prediction: Western Sydney Wanderers 2-2 Melbourne City
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne City Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the first half - Yes
Tip 4: Tolgay Arslan to score or assist any time - Yes