Sydney FC vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – A-League, May 23, 2021

Just three weeks after the Wanderers clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Sydney FC, the two rivals clash for the third Sydney Derby of the season this Sunday, May 23.

The reigning champions regained second place on the A-League ladder with an easy win over Melbourne Victory on Wednesday, meaning they currently find themselves seven points ahead of seventh-place Western Sydney.

But let’s not forget that the Sky Blues have failed to win any of the previous seven Sydney Derbies. WSW has picked up three wins in that time, with four draws coming along the way.

In this Sydney Derby betting preview, I look at the odds and assess both sides’ chances before providing my Sydney FC vs. Western Sydney Wanderers prediction and pick.

Despite avoiding defeat in each of their last seven meetings with Sydney FC, the Wanderers head into Sunday’s showdown as the bookmakers’ clear underdogs.

Of course, the Steve Corica’s men have enjoyed more title success than WSW in recent years. But when it comes to the Sydney Derby, the Wanderers invariably up their game.

With that mind, there is plenty of value to be found here.

In the previous Sydney Derby, the Sky Blues found themselves 2-0 down inside 16 minutes. Despite goals from Alex Wilkinson and Bobo, they ended up losing 3-2.

Still, it is worth noting that Corica’s men have suffered one defeat in their last ten matches. Having picked up five wins and five draws either side of the recent loss to WSW, Sydney FC has all but secured a Finals Series berth.

The defending champs haven’t exactly been prolific in front of goal this season, but they have arguably been the A-League’s best defensive team in 2021.

Following clean-sheet victories in each of their past two games, Sydney FC has only conceded 22 goals in 23 matches this year. You probably won’t be shocked to learn that no side has conceded fewer goals than Corica’s team.

However, the Sky Blues have failed to achieve a shutout in each of their last eight meetings with Western Sydney.

It’s safe to say that Carl Robinson’s side heads into Sunday’s showdown on the back of a crazy few weeks.

The Wanderers suffered a wild 5-4 defeat to Victory before beating Sydney FC 3-2. The following week, they thrashed Western United 5-0 – meaning they had scored 13 goals in the space of just three games.

But after securing back-to-back wins for the first time since March, Western Sydney was crushed 5-1 by Perth Glory last time out.

With a whopping 40 goals to their name, the Wanderers are the second-highest scorers in the A-League. At the other end of the field, they have conceded 38 goals – giving them the second-worst defensive record in the division.

What happens on Sunday is anyone’s guess.

It is almost as if the bookies haven’t looked at WSW’s recent record against Sydney FC when pricing up this game. Sure, the Sky Blues are above the Wanderers on the ladder. But that counts for nothing when the derby rolls around.

The Wanderers always seem to rise to the occasion of the Sydney Derby, so odds of 1.54 for the home win should definitely be avoided.

If you’re feeling lucky, backing Robinson’s side at 5.50 isn’t a bad idea at all. Having taken everything into consideration, the draw (at the very attractive price of 4.20) is my Sydney FC vs. Western Sydney Wanderers betting pick.