Melbourne Victory host A-League leaders Sydney FC on Friday morning, with both teams going into the match with unbeaten starts to the new year. Both sides require victories for differing reasons, meaning that an entertaining clash is expected at the Rectangular Stadium.
Australian A-League – Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne – Friday 26th January 2018 – 08:50 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/5 at Coral |
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Melbourne City
Sydney FCMatch Preview
Rivals Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC clash in the A-League later this week, with the hosts looking to earn a third successive victory in the Australian top-flight. However, with the visitors currently sitting seven points clear at the top of the standings, it promises to be a tough 90 minutes for the hosts. Managers Kevin Muscat and Graham Arnold will go head-to-head also, with both hoping to gain the tactical advantage for their team. For those still unsure of who to back with the bookies this weekend, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Melbourne Victory Team News & Form
The home side come into this clash off the back of an impressive 3-0 away win over the Central Coast Mariners, with manager Muscat having led his side to a good start to 2018. His team now sit just three points behind rivals Melbourne City in the standings, with another victory only applying more pressure on those around them. Both Kosta Barbarouses and Besart Berisha have seven A-League goals to their name in the A-League this season, while former Newcastle United youngster James Troisi could well line up on the wings for the home side, having impressed during his short time in Melbourne.
Sydney FC Team News & Form
Sydney FC have drawn their last two outings in the A-League, however they have still lost just once so far this season, leaving them seven points clear at the top of the standings. The visitors have scored a massive 39 goals from their 17 matches to date, conceding just 13 goals in the process. As a result, they have both the best attacking and defensive record in the league, with the likes of Bobo, Paulo Retre and Miloš Ninković having starred so far.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 40 times in the past, with both teams currently having 12 wins and 16 draws to their name. However, Sydney FC have won the last four matches between the duo, including a narrow 1-0 success back in October last year.
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC – Betting Odds and Predictions
There is little to separate the two teams in the betting odds with major bookmakers, with Sydney FC being the narrow favourites with Ladbrokes at odds of 23/17 to claim all three points. However, with the home side being available at 17/10 with the same bookmaker, it is seemingly too close to call ahead of kick-off. Elsewhere, a draw can be backed at 11/5.
Top Betting Tip Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes on Friday morning, which is available at odds 4/6 ahead of kick-off at PaddyPower.