Sydney FC host Western United at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in the latest round of A-League fixtures.
Both sides are pushing for the playoff places as we approach the climax of the season, with the hosts occupying sixth place and the visitors two points lower, currently sitting in eighth.
Match preview
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Sydney have shown major signs of improvement in the 2022-23 campaign, putting themselves in a great position to qualify for the playoffs, but they will need to bring their recent bad run of form to an end if they are to hold onto that all-important final playoff spot.
The Sky Blues have lost three of their last four games, most recently suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat at home against Western Sydney Wanderers, having lost 1-0 away at Wellington Phoenix in the match prior.
In fairness, Steve Corica's side have had tricky fixtures in recent weeks, also losing narrowly away at league-leaders Melbourne City, and their fixture list does get kinder towards the end of the campaign, taking on two of the current bottom three in their final three matches.
Bizarrely, Sydney have struggled at home all season, picking up just 11 points at the Allianz Stadium, the fewest of any side in the division, failing to win on home soil until the middle of December.
That home record has improved somewhat recently, losing just one of their last four games in front of their own fans, but it will need to get a whole lot better if they are to finish in the playoffs.
Unlike their opponents, Western United have improved as the season has gone on, winning three of their last four A-League matches to put themselves in contention for the playoffs, having previously been out of the picture entirely.
That said, all three victories were against sides in the bottom half of the table, and Saturday's encounter will be a chance for United to test themselves against better opposition.
Earlier in the campaign, John Aloisi's side ran out 1-0 winners at home against Sydney, with Alessandro Diamanti striking a late winner, but they have only managed to win one home game since, defeating Perth Glory 2-1 at the beginning of March.
The reverse fixture was also the last time Western United managed to keep a clean sheet, failing to do so in their last eight A-League matches, meaning they now have the second-worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 37 goals.
Last time out, United's recent good run came crashing to a halt away at Brisbane Roar, losing 1-0 after Jay O'Shea struck late, failing to create any clear-cut opportunities throughout the entire match.
Team News
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Sydney will be boosted by the return of versatile midfielder Max Burgess, having served his two-match suspension after being shown a red card against Melbourne Victory, and he could replace Paulo Retre in the engine room.
James Donachie had to be withdrawn after just 17 minutes against Western Sydney Wanderers last time out, meaning Aaron Gurd could be forced to slot in at centre-back after falling out of favour in recent weeks, being benched for six of the last seven matches.
Western United boss Aloisi may choose to make a few changes to his side, after the disappointing defeat last time out, with Diamanti potentially being brought in as an attacking midfielder, replacing Steven Lustica.
Aleksandar Prijovic has been United's main attacking threat this season, scoring five goals in 13 league appearances, and he is likely to be accompanied by Noah Botic, who has now returned from international duty with Switzerland Under-20s.
Sydney FC possible starting lineup:
Redmayne; Grant, Gurd, Wilkinson, King; Burgess, Brattan, Lolley, Caceres, Caballo; Mak
Western United possible starting lineup:
Young; Risdon, Imai, Lacroix, Garuccio; Wales, Doumbia, Diamanti, Pain; Botic, Prijovic
We say: Sydney FC 0-1 Western United
Sydney have been in very poor form of late, failing to score in their last two games, while they have also struggled at home all season, with no side collecting fewer points on their own patch.
Considering Western United have been impressive on their travels recently, winning two of their last three matches, we think they could cause an upset and come away with a narrow victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
