Preview: Melbourne City vs. Sydney FC - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently sat sixth in the A-League table and head into this match on the back of four matches without a defeat.

Match preview

Melbourne City were left shocked last weekend when they were defeated by their local rivals Melbourne Victory, despite the fact that they were at opposite ends of the table.

The current A-League leaders pushed their opponents all the way in a five-goal thriller, but despite Matthew Leckie scoring twice they came up short 3-2.

The loss opened the door for the teams below them to close the gap, but Melbourne City still sit seven points above their nearest competitors.

The Hearts have lost just twice throughout the season, and their previous loss sparked a strong run of form from them which they will be hoping to repeat this time around.

However, the only other match that Melbourne City have lost in this campaign was the reverse fixture against Sydney FC, which is something they will want revenge for.

The fact that the visitors have managed to defeat the league leaders already will provide them with plenty of confidence that they can create a repeat result this time out.

Sydney FC might be 10 points behind their opponents, but they head into this match on the back of four games without a loss which should only boost their self-belief.

The Sky Blues only just managed to cling onto their recent unbeaten streak in their most recent fixture as it took a 94th-minute equaliser from Alex Parsons to earn them a point.

That result kept Sydney FC in the top six as they sit above Newcastle Jets by goal difference only, yet that is the only thing keeping them from sitting in fifth as well.

The division is incredibly tight at the moment and a positive result this weekend could see Steve Corica's men climb as high as second depending on other matches.

Melbourne City Australian A-League form:

D

D

D

W

W

L

Sydney FC Australian A-League form:

D

L

W

W

W

D

Team News

Melbourne City will be without their club captain this weekend as Scott Jamieson is ruled out of this fixture due to a calf injury.

He is not the only player that the hosts will be missing as both Raphael Borges Rodrigues and James Nieuwenhuizen are on international duty with Australia's Under 20s team.

Curtis Good is once again going to be in the matchday squad, but the club have confirmed that he needs to undergo some late fitness tests to determine if he will be available.

Jack Rodwell will be available for the visitors for the first time in a month after overcoming a groin issue, while Jaiden Kucharski is also returning from injury.

Much like their opponents Sydney FC are also dealing with some youthful absentees due to Australia Under 20s commitments as Jake Girdwood-Reich and Adrian Segecic have been called up.

Melbourne City possible starting lineup:

Glover; Bos, Lam, Reis, Talbor; O'Neill; Nabbout, Van der Venne, Berisha, Leckie; Maclaren

Sydney FC possible starting lineup:

Redmayne; Brattan, Donachie, Wilkinson, Caballo; Caceres, Brattan, Parsons; Lolley, Mak; Wood

We say: Melbourne City 1-1 Sydney FC

Melbourne City might seem like the favourites on paper for this match, but the recent shock defeat could provide an opening for the visitors to cause problems.

Considering the fact that Sydney FC are currently enjoying a great run and have already beaten their opponents, seeing them battle out a draw could end up happening.

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