The Western Sydney Wanderers need to get back to winning ways but face another tough assignment against a Melbourne City side in good form. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7pm AEDT.
City’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end last week as they succumbed to Sydney FC one-nil at AAMI Park.
In a match best remembered for Tim Cahill’s ankle injury, Sydney managed to once again get the better of City in a dour contest played between two sides that appear very defensively sound.
Despite the defeat, City look a far more solid unit compared to last season and will provide the Wanderers with another solid test in Melbourne.
The Wanderers once again managed to squander a great opportunity to secure a win last week, drawing one all against a Melbourne Victory outfit that played with ten men for the majority of the contest at the Etihad.
Despite opening the scoring through Riera, the Spaniard went on to miss a penalty that may have put the result to bed in the first half.
To make matters worse, the Wanderers created a host of clear chances early in the second half only for poor finishing to let them down as Bonevacia hit the bar and Alvaro Cejudo somehow fluffed his lines from close range on multiple occasions with the goal at his mercy.
Such wastefulness in front of goal was eventually punished by Victory, who managed to equalise in the second half and hold on for a draw.
Indeed the Wanderers have made a habit of not securing results from strong positions this season. In the derby against Sydney FC, the Wanderers led two nil and were comfortably on top before complacency got the better of Western Sydney en route to another frustrating draw.
Prediction
The Wanderers certainly have what it takes to secure a positive result away against City but they need to be more clinical when given opportunities to score. Chances might be few and far between tonight against an organised City defence so Riera and company need their shooting boots on tonight.
Despite City’s position on the table, they are still a team with some improving to do and it wouldn’t surprise to see another score draw eventuate between two sides with high hopes of achieving great things come the finals.
City and Wanderers to draw 1-1
Post_hoc
Guest
Wanderers have played 2 home games and have played 4 away games, in any league in the world if you play away and grab a draw it is thought of as being above par. If you draw at home it is considered a loss. Yet all the negative talk is about the Wanderers? City should have won that game, yet they didn't/couldn't Wanderers have played 3 games away on the trott and have drawn all of them, that is a pretty good effort in my eyes.
Nemesis
Guest
For me, after 6 matches, the teams to watch are Jets & CCM. They're not relying on luck, or penalties, or own goals. They both have a system that's repeatable & successful. WSW have had good moments in all matches &, if they go the full 90 minutes, they'll be very successful this season. NIX match last week was horrendous, but it seems to have been an aberration. Their other 5 matches they've also been good to watch. Adelaide were flying until they lost Absolonsen. Rrest of the teams have been uninspiring, but still long way to go.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Arrrrrrrrrrgh. Wot a completely frustrating game. That McCormack fellow. Can’t see him getting a gig back in England. How many chances did he butcher ;(
Bazz
Guest
6 rounds in and we have 6 teams that have won 1 or less games so far. That just seems bizarre
Alan
Roar Guru
City and the Wanderers have played out a one all stalemate at AAMI Park, the result doing little to ease concerns over the Wanderers current form. Since starting the campaign with a win over Perth Glory, the Wanderers have since drawn all their matches and have Janjetovic to thank for keeping them undefeated against City tonight. Janjetovic produced some fine saves tonight to keep City and McCormack in particular at bay. The Aston Villa man did convert a penalty however and that allowed City to rescue a point. Overall, City are still well positioned on the A-league table in second position. The Wanderers meanwhile are in a scrap for top six. Long way to go yet but these draws could haunt the Wanderers at the back end of the season. Overall, a frustrating match for both teams and they will be keen to improve their level as the season wears on. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
95' - Nothing comes of the freekick. Shocking delivery. Both teams with a lot of improving to do. Wanderers far from the level they showed against Sydney a few rounds back. City really lack firepower upfront. They need Fornaroli back. FULLTIME City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - City pressing late and they earn a freekick in a fairly dangerous area. Is there late drama in store?? City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - As it stands, Newcastle will be alone at the top of the table would you believe it with 14 points. City and Sydney behind on 13 points. I knew the Jets would improve. Their standing a solid return on good recruitment. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Match dying down now. Both teams appear settled for a draw. Tough last few minutes to watch if you are a neutral. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Cejudo causing trouble in the area and Galekovic has to rush out and concede the corner... City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Championship rounds. Which team will stand up? The game has been entertaining in stages but the quality shown by both teams tonight will not be enough to challenge for silverware. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Both teams heading towards an expected stalemate. Wanderers are a stubborn team but drawing matches will not secure a finals birth. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE WANDERERS Cejudo falters in front of goal yet again! His shot well blocked after he was played in by Bonevacia who made his way into the area. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Budzinski comes on for Kamau. The former Adelaide striker has produced some good crosses tonight. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
67' - Game is there for the taking. Both teams leaving space in midfield. Cross comes in and the header saved yet again by Janjetovic! Another big save! Goodness me! CHANCE CITY City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE WANDERERS Sotirio played in here and a great chance on the counter attack goes begging as he shoots straight at Galekovic! He took too many touches before shooting. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE CITY Kamau with a good delivery into the area for Fitzgerald but his effort deflected out for a corner! Another vital block from the Wanderers defence. Fitzgerald's effort was going in. City 1 Wanderers 1
Alan
Roar Guru
61' - City more calm after equalising. They should at least be level given the amount of chances they created. City 1 Wanderers 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Back from the RLWC people. Just saw the penalty. How has this one played out so far? So pleased I will get to see the second half.
Alan
Roar Guru
57' - Sotirio earns a freekick in a dangerous area for the Wanderers. Bonevacia to deliver...ball headed away. City 1 Wanderers 1