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

The hosts come into this match on the back of a defeat while the visitors have won their previous three games.

Match preview

Western Sydney Wanderers have been strong at home this season, having only lost a single match in the A-League which should bring some confidence to the group.

That is what they will need for them to try and get back to winning ways on Sunday after they were defeated 1-0 against Perth Glory in their most recent match.

A second-half goal from Keegan Jelacic was enough on the day, and that closeness of that one showcases their defensive qualities overall.

Western Sydney Wanderers have only conceded eight goals all season, which is a record that only their opponents are able to top right now.

They have not let in more than one goal in a game since back in November, which provides plenty of confidence for them heading into this match.

However, the visitors have had no problem scoring throughout this season with 23 goals to their name already at this point which have helped to fire them to the top of the league.

Melbourne City showcased their attacking qualities in their most recent match as they defeated Western United 4-0, with each goal providing a different scorer.

The result secured their eighth win of the season, which is showcasing the consistency that they have had as a team, having only lost once so far.

That defeat did take place in an away game earlier on in this campaign against Sydney FC, which they will be looking not to repeat here.

Considering the fact they have a six-point gap at the top of the table and a game in hand on their nearest competitors will give them confidence, with the team potentially pushing even further away this weekend.

Western Sydney Wanderers Australian A-League form:

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D

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Melbourne City Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Jarrod Carluccio has been missing as of late for the hosts due to injury, and that is a situation that is likely going to continue to plague the club.

Western Sydney Wanderers will also have to make a big change at the back because Gabriel Cleur will be suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

The visitors will be sure to feature Jamie Maclaren who has been showcasing his attacking qualities throughout this season, scoring in 10 games in a row, which is the first time this has ever happened.

Considering the dominant performance that they showcased throughout their most recent encounter it would not be a surprise to see an unchanged XI this time out.

Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Thomas; Tongyik, Mrcela, Marcelo, Traore; Borrello, Amalfitano, Nieuwenhof, Bozanic, Yengi; N'Gbakoto

Melbourne City possible starting lineup:

Glover; Bos, Good, Lam, Talbot; O'Neill, Berisha, Van der Venne, Leckie, Tilio; Maclaren

We say: Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 Melbourne City

Considering how strong these two teams are from a defensive point of view, this is likely going to be a fixture with few goals.

However, out of the two it is Melbourne City who will head in as the favourites due to where they sit in the league table.

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