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Western Sydney Wanderers will welcome Sydney FC to CommBank Stadium in their A-League campaign opener on Saturday. The hosts will play their first competitive game since their exit from the Australia Cup last month. The Sky Blues have played twice in the AFC Cup, winning both.
The Wanderers suffered losses in three of their last four league games in the previous season, though they concluded their campaign with a 4-3 win over Melbourne Victory. Interestingly, they have suffered consecutive losses in their last four home games in the A-League.
The visitors were eliminated by eventual champions Central Coast Mariners in the semi-finals last season. They have won their two group-stage games in the AFC Cup and registered a 4-1 away win over Kaya earlier this month. Joe Lolley scored in the first half, Patryk Klimala bagged a brace and Nathan Amanatidis added a goal in stoppage time.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two rivals have squared off 38 times in all competitions. The visitors have the upper hand in these meetings with 18 wins. The Wanderers have 11 wins to their name and nine games have ended in draws.
- The Sky Blues won two of their three meetings against the Wanderers last season, including a 4-1 away win in March.
- The last nine meetings between the two teams have produced conclusive results, with five wins for the visitors and four games going the Wanderers' way.
- Western Sydney Wanderers are winless in their last seven home games in the A-League, suffering six defeats.
- Sydney FC have won their last three away meetings against the Wanderers, scoring seven goals while conceding just twice.
- Interestingly, the Wanderers have scored one goal each in their last four home games in the A-League.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC Prediction
The Wanderers have lost three of their last four meetings against the visitors, scoring one goal apiece, and will look to improve upon that record. They have won just one of their eight home games in the A-League in 2024, which is a cause for concern.
Juan Mata is the key addition to the squad for this season. The Spaniard is in line to make his debut in this crucial match. The club's top-scorer from last season, Nicolas Milanovic, has signed a contract extension and should start here.
The Sky Blues head into the match on a two-game winning streak, having scored nine goals in the AFC Cup group-stage games. They have a good recent record in this fixture and will look to build on that form.
New signings Douglas Costa, Patryk Klimala, Anas Ouahim, and Leo Sena have all trained ahead of this match and should make their A-League debut.
Both teams will look to get their campaign underway with a win while also taking home the bragging rights from the derby. Considering the visitors' dominance in this fixture, and recent form, the Sky Blues are expected to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Western Sydney Wanderers 1-2 Sydney FC
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Sydney FC to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Anas Ouahim to score or assist any time - Yes
