Melbourne Victory play host to Western United looking to boost their bid to move off the bottom of the A-League standings.
Although Victory sit four points adrift of their 10th-placed opponents, they possess a game in hand, while there is scope for Western United to make quick headway up the table.
Match preview
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Before the World Cup break, Melbourne Victory looked like they could be a constant presence in the top half of the table having collected 10 points from seven games.
Since then, however, just two wins have followed in 11 contests, resulting in Victory sitting at the foot of the standings, but Tony Popovic will feel that last season's second-placed side are making some kind of improvement.
Although they went down to mid-table Sydney FC by a 1-0 scoreline last time out, Victory still have seven points from their most recent five matches, their two wins during that period coming at home.
With two matches in hand on eighth and ninth position, Victory have the opportunity to move towards the mid-table spots if they can put together at least two or three successes in a row.
However, Popovic's side have not posted a clean sheet in the league since November, a statistic which will not be lost on their opponents.
Even though Western United sit third from bottom, they have been performing above that level with successive wins being registered against Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory.
Last time out, John Aloisi's team came from behind to edge out their ninth-placed opponents by a 2-1 scoreline, ensuring that they remain in close proximity to the top five.
Western United sit just five points adrift of that position, although it should be noted that they have played three away matches fewer than they have on familiar territory.
The reverse fixture took place on Boxing Day as Western Unitd defied playing with 10 men for 58 minutes to record a 1-0 victory.
Team News
Having only narrowly lost to Sydney, Popovic may be against making widespread changes to his Melbourne Victory XI.
Should an alteration be made, Rai Marchan or Leigh Broxham appear most likely to return, but Nani remains out with a knee injury.
With James Troisi being withdrawn during the first half versus Perth Glory, Alessandro Diamanti is in line to be recalled for Western United.
Noah Botic is also a fitness doubt and could be replaced by Aleksandar Prijovic in the final third.
The remainder of the side could stay the same as Western United bid to extend their recent promising form.
Melbourne Victory possible starting lineup:
Izzo; Geria, Miranda, Da Silva, Cadete; Velupillay, Chapman, Brillante, Folami; Ikonomidis, Fornaroli
Western United possible starting lineup:
Young; Risdon, Lacroix, Imai, Garuccio; Doumbia, Kilkenny; Wales, Diamanti, Pain; Prijovic
We say: Melbourne Victory 2-1 Western United
With both sides showing some encouraging form of late, we expect a competitive fixture to unfold. Although Western United will be confident of making it three wins in a row, we are backing Victory to close things up at the foot of the table with a hard-fought triumph.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
