The A-League playoffs are just around the corner. Western United are on a serious roll and aiming to knock off out-of-sorts champs Sydney FC.
A-League Tips – Sydney FC V Western United
History: Played 1: Sydney 1 V Western United 0
Last meeting: December 1, 2019: Sydney 2 d Western United 0 at GMHBA Stadium
Final Thoughts: Sydney FC are searching for some momentum to take into the A-League post-season in their last game. Meanwhile, playoffs-bound newcomers Western United are aiming to continue their march up the ladder.
After winning their A-League restart opener against Wellington, Sydney FC – nine points clear at the top of the table – are winless in their last four. The Sky Blues lost back-to-back against Newcastle and Melbourne City, before drawing 1-all against Adelaide and Brisbane.
Luke Ivanovic scored Sydney’s goal in the stalemate with the Roar.
Western United have sealed a debut-season finals appearance – unless they somehow lose their last two games by a combined margin of 15 goals.
Mark Rudan’s blossoming squad has won three of their four games since the A-League’s resumption. After taking Wanderers to the cleaners 5-3 last week, Western United put away Perth Glory 2-0 on Wednesday thanks to a Besart Berisha brace.
Western United could finish as high as third and suddenly shapes as a genuine threat in the playoffs. After scoring a modest 23 goals in their first 18 games, they have posted 20 goals in their last six outings. Berisha (7) and Max Burgess (6) have accounted for 13 of those.
Sydney FC took out their inaugural meeting with Western United in Week 8. Adam le Fondre found the back of the net twice in the first half of a 2-0 victory.
Western United clearly hold the value here as underdogs though on the strength of recent form.
Tip: Handicap – Western United +1 @ $1.83
