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The Australia Cup is back in action with another round of matches as Melbourne Victory take on Western United on Wednesday. Both teams have impressive players in their ranks and will want to win this game.
Melbourne Victory finished in second place in the A-League standings last season and have been exceptional this year. The away side suffered a 4-1 defeat against Manchester United last week and will want to bounce back in this match.
Western United, on the other hand, won the Grand Final last season and are the reigning A-League champions. The hosts have an excellent squad at their disposal and will look to win another piece of silverware this year.
Western United vs Melbourne Victory Head-to-Head
Western United have a slight edge over Melbourne Victory and have won five out of the 11 matches played between the two teams. Melbourne Victory have managed four victories against Western United and will look to level the scales on Wednesday.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in the second leg of the semi-finals last season and ended in a 4-1 victory for Western United. Melbourne Victory struggled on the day and have a point to prove this week.
Melbourne Victory form guide: L-L-D-W-W
Western United form guide: W-W-L-W-L
Western United vs Melbourne Victory Team News
Western United
Alessandro Diamanti and Nikolai Topor-Stanley are injured at the moment and have been ruled out of this match. Josh Risdon has recovered from his knock and will be available for selection.
Injured: Alessandro Diamanti, Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Melbourne Victory
Robbie Kruse is recuperating from a long-term injury and will not be able to feature in this game. Matt Acton and Matt Spiranovic have overcome their struggles and will be included in the squad.
Injured: Robbie Kruse
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Western United vs Melbourne Victory Predicted XI
Western United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jamie Young; Ben Garuccio, Leo Lacroix, Josh Risdon, Tomoki Imai; Steven Lustica, Rene Krhin; Dylan Wenzel-Halls, Adisu Bayew, Lachlan Wales; Aleksandar Prijovic
Melbourne Victory Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ivan Kelava; Jason Davidson, Brendan Hamill, Matthew Spiranovic, Jason Geria; Joshua Brilliante, Jay Barnett; Ben Folami, Jake Brimmer, Marco Rojas; Nicholas D’Agostino
$1,100 First Bet Insurance at Caesars
Western United vs Melbourne Victory Prediction
Western United have enjoyed an exceptional year so far and are in impressive form at the moment. The likes of Lachlan Wales and Aleksandar Prijovic can be lethal on their day and will look to make their mark this week.
Melbourne Victory have also grown in stature over the past year and will look to make amends for their elimination last season. Western United are the better team on paper, however, and we expect them to win this game.
Prediction: Western United 2-0 Melbourne Victory
