Western United v Melbourne Victory: A-League preview

After securing their first victory of the season last time out, Western United face off against local rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in the A-League on Sunday.

John Aloisi's side appeared to be set for a third straight defeat when they fell behind to a Trent Ostler goal early in the second half of last weekend's clash with Perth Glory.

However, Dylan Leonard quickly equalised before a brace from Japanese forward Hiroshi Ibusuki secured them their first three-point haul of the season.

In contrast, Victory were beaten for the first time this season in the A-League last time out, going down 1-0 at Wellington Phoenix, but they remain well placed in the standings and sit five points clear of United heading into this clash.

Western United v Melbourne Victory betting preview

Western can build on maiden win

After accumulating just two points from their opening four A-League matches of the season, last weekend's win over Perth Glory was a timely one for Western, who are hoping to enjoy a better campaign in 2024/25, having finished 11th last term.

That was their lowest finish since entering the A-League in 2019, but the manner of their comeback success against the Glory suggests that they could build on that first victory of the season.

Another boost to those chances is United's recent record against Victory, as they have registered four wins and lost only once across the last six competitive meetings between the two sides.

They also claimed a 3-1 friendly success when the two teams last locked horns in October.

Patrick Kisnorbo's Victory side will still be smarting from their loss to Wellington last time out and their cause will not be helped by the continued absence of winger Nishan Velupillay, who picked up an injury during the recent international break with Australia. 

Victory do have the advantage of playing at their home stadium - AAMI Park - as Western's Ironbark Fields ground remains unsuitable for use in A-League matches.

But United have shown they have had the measure, home or away, of their Melbourne rivals in recent times and they could spring a minor surprise on Sunday as well.

Goals tend to flow when local rivals meet

The goals tend to flow at both ends when these two sides meet, with five of the last six competitive encounters and nine of the previous 12 seeing both teams find the back of the net.

Four of Western's five A-League games this season have also followed that trend and they showed plenty of attacking intent in their comeback win over Perth, although they remain without a clean sheet this season.

Victory matches have not tended to be as open this term, but prior to blanking against Wellington last weekend, they had scored seven goals across their previous three games.

Kisnorbo's side will also be hoping the return to fitness of veteran forward Bruno Fornaroli will boost their attacking impetus.

The 37-year-old came on as a late substitute last weekend after a month on the sidelines and will now hope to quickly recapture last season's form - he netted 18 goals during 2023/24 and only Perth's Adam Taggart struck more in the division.

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Western United v Melbourne Victory odds

Western United - 4.50
Draw - 4.00
Melbourne Victory - 1.70

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.