Preview: Sydney FC vs. Melbourne Victory – prediction, team news, lineups

After two games without a win Sydney FC will be attempting to get their season back on track this Saturday when they host Melbourne Victory.

The visitors returned to the foot of the A-League table after their most recent defeat, which is something they could turn around with three points this weekend.

Match preview

Sydney FC had their four-match undefeated run brought to a halt last weekend when they were beaten in a five-goal thriller against Melbourne City.

The A-League leaders proved why they are sat at the top of the division right now and goals from Robert Mak and Diego Caballo were not able to get them back into the game as they lost 3-2.

It marked the second game in a row that Sydney FC were unable to secure a victory, and that has led to them slipping into sixth in the table.

A victory this weekend could see Steve Corica‘s men overtake Wellington Phoenix if other results go in their favour, and that should provide the team with plenty of inspiration.

Repeating their performance from the reverse fixture is something that would be welcomed by Sydney FC here as they defeated Melbourne Victory 2-1 last time out.

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With the end of the season fast approaching the visitors find themselves in a desperate need for three points considering they are sat bottom of the league right now.

Even though the Dark Blues were able to defeat their local rivals Melbourne City two weeks ago, that was not a result that they followed up on in their most recent outing.

While Melbourne Victory were able to pick up a point against Adelaide United, that was a result that left them frustrated as Bruno Fornaroli‘s penalty did not prove to be enough.

An 87th-minute equaliser resulted in the teams sharing the points and that resulted in the Dark Blue falling back to the foot of the A-League.

Despite that Melbourne Victory have only lost once in their previous four outings which has added real confidence to the team that should be implemented in this match.

Sydney FC Australian A-League form:

Melbourne Victory Australian A-League form:

Team News

Jack Rodwell returned to the matchday squad for Sydney FC last weekend following his groin problem, and while he did not feature in that game he could get some minutes here.

Jaiden Kucharski did get to appear from the bench though following his own injury problems, with the hosts having an increase in squad depth.

The visitors will be without Jake Brimmer for the foreseeable future following their recent draw as he had to be substituted due to tearing the meniscus in his left knee.

Fornaroli should retain his place in the team leading the line, particularly after finding the back of the net last weekend with his confidence being clear to see as of late.

Sydney FC possible starting lineup:
Redmayne; Brattan, Donachie, Wilkinson, Caballo; Caceres, Brattan, Parsons; Lolley, Mak; Wood

Melbourne Victory possible starting lineup:
Acton; Geria, Da Silva, Spiranovic, Chapman; Brillante, Broxham; Velupillay, Kamau, Folami; Fornaroli

We say: Sydney FC 2-1 Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory have been pushing themselves as of late, putting on some great performances to showcase that they are not going to finish the season without a fight.

However, Sydney FC have been one of the stronger teams in the division as of late and with the home advantage they should just edge this one.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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