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A few weeks ago it would have seemed that these two teams were worlds apart – but with three matches to go, only five points separates fourth-placed Melbourne Victory and the finals fighting Western Sydney Wanderers. AAMI Park is the stage for these two giants to square up in the race for the top six. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:50pm AEDT.
It’s the Wanderers’ second week in Melbourne after they were humbled 3-0 by Melbourne City at this venue last week. Josep Gombau’s men were toothless against City’s ruthless attack as Bruno Fornaroli put a dent in the Wanderers’ top-six hopes.
The Wanderers, while having some early chances and some encouraging build-up play with Melbourne City on the back foot, including Oriol Riera’s header hitting the crossbar, couldn’t find the chemicals to break down Melbourne’s back line.
A piece of the puzzle that was missing last week was the absence of Marcelo Carrusca who was injured with a quad complaint.
He is back into the squad as well as right full-back Josh Risdon who returned from international duty, although he is unlikely to play a role in the match having completed 90 minutes for the Socceroos against Colombia in London on Wednesday morning.
However, there is an injury cloud hovering over captain Mark Bridge with a quad injury similar to Carrusca. He is in a race against time to be fit for the clash with Melbourne.
Last time at AAMI Park, Melbourne Victory slammed the Central Coast Mariners 5-2, however the following week they were meek in a 1-0 loss to Perth Glory, a bogey team of sorts.
James Troisi was missing due to international duty and although he hasn’t been as prolific as last season he adds another dimension to Victory’s attack.
Jai Ingham also returns to the Melbourne Victory squad.
Prediction
Last time out Victory defeated the Wanderers 3-0 away from home. I’m going for a similar result, 2-0.
Victory to win by 2 goals.
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