Western Sydney Wanderers — Melbourne City : Match Preview and Prediction for October 18,2025

Western Sydney Wanderers’ Troubled Start

Let’s start with the hosts. The Wanderers approach the first round following a deeply concerning wake-up call that rang back in August. Their last official match was a humiliating 0-3 exit from the Australia Cup against Heidelberg United. And don’t be fooled by their 69% ball possession – it was sterile dominance that amounted to only 0.91 xG. Their opponent, with half the possession, created chances worth 1.90 xG, forcing goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas to make six saves.

Key Player Departures and Attack Concerns

The off-season brought a major loss to the club. Not just a good footballer, but the Johnny Warren Medalist and last season’s A-League best player, Nicolas Milanovic, has left the team. He was the engine and brains of the Wanderers’ attacks. His departure, along with promising forward Zach Sapsford, leaves a massive void in the attacking potential, which the incoming Angus Thurgate, with all due respect, is unable to fill, as he is a player of a different profile.

Internal Discord and Lack of Harmony

Adding to this is information from the press regarding coach Alen Stajcic’s difficult relationship with the club’s management. When there’s no unity internally, it inevitably affects performance on the field. The Wanderers enter the season as a team searching for their new identity, having lost key figures and, potentially, internal harmony. This is hardly the foundation upon which to face the reigning champions.

Melbourne City’s Optimal Pre-Season Form

In stark contrast, the champions approach the season opener in a completely different state. Melbourne City’s main advantage is that they are already in battle-ready mode. While the Wanderers were sorting out their pre-season, Aurelio Vidmar’s team played two incredibly tough matches in the AFC Champions League. Games against Japan’s Vissel Kobe and Sanfrecce Hiroshima represent a completely different level of intensity, a tempering that cannot be achieved in any friendly match.

Coach’s Ambition and Key Returns

Coach Vidmar was crystal clear at the press conference: ‘We are here to win the title again.’ Key midfielders Mathew Leckie and Andreas Kuen are returning to the squad for the first round.

Strong Squad and New Talents

Team captain, defender Aziz Behich, has just received the PFA Australian Player of the Year award. Newcomers Takeshi Kanamori and Elbasan Rashani have already seen game time in the ACL and are ready for their league debut. Melbourne City has already picked up momentum and is ready to defend its title.