The Best of the Day preview slips one past the goalkeeper with A-League tips for hapless Melbourne Victory’s home assignment against Western Sydney Wanderers. 

A-League Tips – Melbourne Victory V Western Sydney Wanderers

19:05 (AEST) @ Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

History: Played 24: Melbourne Victory 13 V Western Sydney 7 (4 Draws)

Last meeting: February 10, 2021: Western Sydney 2 d Melbourne Victory 0 at BankWest Stadium

Final thoughts: The Best of the Day preview breaks down the Friday night A-League action from Melbourne. Western Sydney Wanderers are desperate to snap a five-game winless run as the scramble for finals spots heats up. Facing the embattled Melbourne Victory may provide them with an ideal opportunity.

Western Sydney are sixth on the A-League ladder with three clubs within three points behind. After closing out March with a 4-1 defeat to Melbourne City, they drew three straight against Brisbane, Central Coast and Adelaide.

Last weekend Wanderers went down 2-1 at home to Brisbane. Bruce Kamau took his season goal tally to a team-high five with a 23rd-minute leveller, but Wanderers conceded the winner in first-half stoppage time.

Western Sydney’s slide is nothing compared to the disaster unfolding at fallen heavyweight Melbourne Victory, however. The Victory lost 10 of their first 14 games before recording a pressure-relieving 2-1 win over Newcastle a fortnight ago.

But they club sunk to its lowest ebb with a humiliating 7-0 loss to Melbourne City last Saturday. The horrific result came just six weeks after crashing 6-0 to City.

Coach Grant Brebner was immediately fired, with Steve Kean appointed as caretaker. Tony Popovic has already been named as the Victory’s new head coach but won’t take over until the end of the season.

Wanderers turn rivalry tide against Victory

Wanderers have won their last three against the Victory – after going winless in the clubs’ previous 11 clashes.

WSW carved out a 2-0 success at home in February through goals to Graham Dorrans (72’) and Kwame Yeboah (88’).

The recent upheaval may galvanise the Victory in the short term. But it’s difficult to put any confidence in a team that has leaked 29 goals in their past eight games.

Wanderers haven’t been too far off the mark and should be desperate and keyed up to produce a Best of the Day W.

Tip: Half-time/Full-time – Western Sydney/Western Sydney @ $2.75