Preview: Sydney FC vs. Western Sydney Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts currently sit sixth in the A-League table, but they could close the gap between them and their opponents with a victory this time out.

Match preview

Sydney FC suffered a 1-0 loss against Wellington Phoenix last time out with a goal from Oskar Zawada in the first half being enough to separate the two teams.

The loss saw the Sky Blues drop into sixth, and while they cannot overtake any other team with a win this weekend it would allow them to close the gap, particularly on their local rivals.

However, Sydney FC will need to showcase an improved home performance this time around as they have only won three matches at the Allianz Stadium so far this season.

When the teams met earlier this season it was Western Sydney Wanderers who took all three points with Kusini Yengi scoring the only goal of the game.

That will lead to the team working hard to try and get revenge in this match to get themselves bragging rights for their fans, as well as taking all three points.

The visitors were left very frustrated last weekend as they were beaten by Perth Glory, despite the fact that their opponents had 10 men from the second minute of the game.

Western Sydney Wanderers found themselves reduced to 10 men late on in the game when Tomislav Mrcela was sent off, but things got worse when they conceded the only goal of the game in the 96th minute.

Marko Rudan will be hoping to see a little bit more attacking quality from his team this time around, which is something they had been displaying previously.

Western Sydney Wanderers had scored 10 goals in three games before their recent loss, and a return to that style of performance would be welcomed this time around.

Three points on Saturday has the potential of taking the team up into second place if other results go in their favor, which would allow them to remain in the title race heading into the climax of the season.

Sydney FC Australian A-League form:

W

W

D

L

W

L

Western Sydney Wanderers Australian A-League form:

W

L

D

W

W

L

Team News

Alex Parsons has a minor strain of his MCL and will therefore be unavailable for Sydney FC this weekend, but he is expected to make a return before the season ends.

The hosts will be able to welcome Adrian Segecic and Jake Girdwood-Reic back to the team following their recent international experience with the Australian Under 20s.

Tom Heward-Belle is another player that will be available for selection this time around after going through his concussion protocols, and Max Burgess could also be an option if Sydney FC's red card appeal is successful.

The visitors will be missing Mrcela due to suspension this weekend which will force at least one change to the starting lineup in this match.

Despite that, the Black and Red will be able to welcome Marcelo back to the squad after he served his own suspension recently.

Sydney FC possible starting lineup:

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

Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Thomas; Cleur, Marcelo, Beadling, Bonetig; Amalfitano, Nieuwenhof; Wilmering, Bozanic; Yengi, Borrello

We say: Sydney FC 0-2 Western Sydney Wanderers

Derby games always tend to be tense and closely fought due to how much is on the line, but Western Sydney Wanderers should have enough quality to pick up another win against Sydney FC this season.

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