Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC: Round 17 Preview

After three disastrous away games, the Melbourne Victory returns home for its round 17 clash against Sydney FC. Sydney’s recent form has also been far from spectacular, with a devastating 4-1 loss against the Perth Glory last week forcing Sydney down another notch on the ladder. Melbourne didn’t do much better against the Newcastle Jets, finishing 4-2.

Melbourne and Sydney: two out of form sides who both desperately need a win. Sound familiar?

Hoping to spark his team, Ernie Merrick appears keen on shifting Kevin Muscat into midfield, paving the way for Sebastian Ryall to perhaps enter the squad. It may not be such a bad move: Muscat has made some uncharacteristic – but severe – errors in defence this year, and a central role should allow him to focus on leading the team through the middle. Muscat’s tenacity and physical style may complement Jose Luis Lopez’ more fluid abilities.

The round 9 incarnation of this fixture ended in a 0-2 win for Sydney FC, which saw Melbourne tumble down to third. A loss this week could be far more disastrous, with the Central Coast Mariners (4th), Wellington Phoenix (5th) and Sydney FC (6th) all able to overtake it on the ladder. Granted, Melbourne has a game in hand, but dropping from the top 4 would be a terrible psychological blow at this point of the season.

But Sydney’s poor form gives some cause for optimism. John Aloisi has only scored once since opening his scoring account in the round 9 fixture, and made a mess of a few sitters last week. There’s plenty of pressure on him to step up, and John Kosmina must be awfully close to having his contract suspended. Let’s hope we show him the door.

My tips for the weekend:

• Newcastle Jets to lose to Central Coast Mariners: The Mariners lost a critical game against Wellington last week, while the Jets sliced right through Melbourne. But this week I’m tipping a reversal of fortunes for both sides.  
• Perth Glory to beat Adelaide United: There’s no small measure of optimism to this tip. A solid win last week for Perth, but this game against Adelaide is going to be huge. I’m foreseeing lots of goals ending in a narrow victory for the hosts.
• Melbourne Victory to make a mockery of Sydney FC: Unlike some people, I can’t tip against my own team. One of these two sides is going to end its drought, and I reckon Melbourne can do it – and exact their revenge on Sydney for that round 9 loss.
• Queensland Roar to beat Wellington Phoenix: Queensland have surged to second place, while the Phoenix have worked themselves to the edge of the four. Expect a game with plenty of fireworks, but a win for the hosts.