Top of the table clash
1st v 2nd. Should City win tonight they will leapfrog the Wanderers and go into first position. With just ten matches left after tonight, this match could prove pivotal in the title race.
It's great credit to both clubs that as expansion teams they're in this position.
Is City's forward line the best in A-League history?
Barca has MSN, Madrid has BBC and now Melbourne City have FHM - or maybe MNF - we're not sure yet. But one thing is for certain, Mooy, Novillio and Fornaroli have been unstoppable this season.
City have scored a league leading 40 goals this season. The next closest is the Wanderers and Victory on 25.
Bruno Fornaroli is the league's top scorer with 13, while Novillo and Mooy have chipped in with a vital eight and seven respectively.
Mooy leads the league in assists with 11. Western Sydney's defence will have to be on point if they are to secure all three points.
Great goals in past fixtures
Last time Melbourne City FC traveled to Wanderland Harry Novillo did this. Tonight's top of the table Hyundai A-League match on SBS 2 is shaping up to be a cracker. Posted by SBS The World Game on Thursday, 28 January 2016
Return of Aaron Mooy to Wanderland
Aaron Mooy was one of Western Sydney's first signings, and despite a relatively successful spell in midfield it's been at City where the playmaker has really flourished.
Given more freedom to find pockets of space Aaron Mooy has shown the type of form that could see him moving to Europe shortly. But against his old side he could face a hostile reception at an intimidating ground.
He'll be up against Andreu who, given he spent 12 years in the FC Barcelona system will be well versed in taming creative midfielders.
Fascinating tactical battle
Based on last week's games, it will be John van't Schip's 3-5-2 up against Tony Popovic's 4-2-3-1.
Both teams like their full-backs to push up high, so look out for both sides to expose that space in between the full-back and the central defender.
Such has been City's attack this season, Popovic might look to have Jacob Pepper and Scott Jamieson just hold their runs slightly.
It'll also be interesting to see how van't Schip continues to intergrate new signing Adrian Caceras into the XI. Last week he played a more deeper role than he did at the Mariners, presumably to allow Mooy space in the number 10 position.
Wanderland atmosphere
It's something that none of the other sports in this country can beat. Nothing compares to the 90 minutes of noise that Wanderland can produce in a tense match.
Big Bash cricket might have bigger crowds, but the noise coming from the RBB will have the hairs on your neck standing up.
What will happen with Piovaccari?
Western Sydney's marquee signing was left out of the squad last week to take on the Mariners, he returns this week but will he start? Will he play at all?
There's been rumours that he has been told to find another club after numerous frustrating performances.
If the former Inter Milan striker wishes to stay he'll need to prove his worth, starting tonight.
