With only 2 fixtures left in the 5th round of A-League, we will look at a match between Sydney FC and Melbourne City, who will clash at Jubilee Oval, Sydney.
Sydney FC are currently 2nd in the league, 2 points behind Perth Glory, who just like Sydney have 1 match left to play in the 5th round of A-League. Up until now, Sydney FC has won 2 and drew 2 games, in total scoring 7 goals and conceding only 2. Their most recent match against Newcastle Jets saw Sydney losing 3 points in the dying moments of the match, with Jets scoring in 87′. The goal was expected to come sooner or later due to constant pressure put up by Jets, who had 13 goal attempts, whereas Sydney only managed to create 5 chances. This draw saw Sydney dropping from the 1st place in the league, and they will be hoping to find their way back to the top. Despite only creating 5 attempts against the Jets, Sydney used those well, shooting 3 of then towards the goal. In addition, they had accurate passes (78%) and fewer fouls (11) than Jets (17). The match ended in 1:1.
The visiting side, Melbourne Victory are currently 5th in the league with an overall record of 2-0-2, with 2 of their wins coming from 2 of their most recent matches. They have defeated Central Coast Mariners (4:1) and Newcastle Jets (0:1). The upcoming match will be their 2nd away game in the season after the match against Newcastle Jets. As of now, Melbourne has scored 8 goals but conceded 6 in the 4 games they played. Looking at the match against Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory were dominating the match from the 1st half. The opener was scored by Honda in 30′ and soon after another goal followed, this time scored by Troisi in 35′. Just before the 1st half ended, Victory managed to squeeze in another goal (45’+2) which saw them leaving the pitch 3 goals up. In the second half, Mariners performed better, compared to what they have shown in the first 45 minutes. They managed to hold on to the ball 50% of the time and created 9 attempts on goal, which was 5 more than Victory, who seemed to be happy defending the result they created in the 1st half. With the pressure Mariners put up, they managed to score a goal of their own in 62′ which reduced the margin to 2 goals, however, this was the only goal they managed to score, instead, it was Victory who scored another late goal in 90’+4 cementing their already sure win. Final score 4:1.
These two teams have not yet met each other this season, however, this match will be the one where Sydney can get their revenge. Melbourne Victory shattered the dreams of Sydney FC to win 2 back-to-back Grand finals last season. after being knocked out of the playoffs in semifinals (2-3) due to a goal in 117′ from Melbourne. Expect Sydney to settle the unfinished business here with a win.
Prediction: Sydney -0.50 Asian Handicap
Odds: 2.00 Dafabet
