Melbourne City FC lock horns with Sydney FC on Saturday as matchday three of the new A-League season beckons. The two sides are in opposite halves of the standings after two matches.
Aurelio Vidmar’s Melbourne are fresh off a 1-1 draw at Melbourne Victory in the Melbourne Derby at the weekend. Keegan Jelacic gave the Victory a seventh-minute advantage as the hosts led at the break.
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However, Andrew Nabbout drilled home the equaliser eight minutes into the second period to force a share of the spoils, with both sides having three shots on goal apiece and nearly an equal share of possession. Following the stalemate, City are off the mark for the season and are eighth with one point from two games.
Meanwhile, Patrick Kisnorbo’s Sydney are coming off a 2-1 home win over Adelaide United last week. Brody Burkitt broke the deadlock for the visitors inside 16 minutes, but the Sky Blues turned the game on its head after the break.
Rhys Youlley equalised midway through the second period before Oriola Sunday completed the comeback 17 minutes from time for the Sky Blues, who are up to fourth in the points table, with four points from two outings, winning one.
On that note, here’s a look at the head-to-head stats and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Melbourne-Sydney A-League showdown at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium:
Melbourne City FC vs Sydney FC head-to-head stats and key numbers
- In 49 meetings across competitions, Melbourne lead Sydney 19-17, winning their last clash 1-0 away in the A-League in March.
- City are unbeaten in six games in the fixture – all in the A-League – winning four.
- Melbourne have won three of their last four home games – all in the A-League last season – losing one.
- Sydney have won four of their last five road outings across competitions – all last season – losing one.
- Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Melbourne: D-L-L-W-L; Sydney: W-D-L-W-W
Melbourne City FC vs Sydney FC prediction
The two sides have had contrasting starts to the season. While Melbourne are winless after two games, Sydney are unbeaten after two, trailing early leaders Wellington Phoenix by two points in the fledgling standings.
Ahead of their 50th meeting, Melbourne have a razor-thin head-to-head advantage over Sydney and have dominated recent meetings. City haven’t played at home this season as they look for their first victory, while Sydney are playing their first road outing of the campaign.
Melbourne have had the ascendancy in the fixture in recent games, but their current form doesn’t augur well for their victory hopes against an unbeaten Sydney side. Nevertheless, they should hold on for a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Melbourne City FC 1-1 Sydney FC
Melbourne City FC vs Sydney FC betting tips
Tip-1: Draw
Tip-2: Melbourne to score
Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals
Edited by Bhargav
