Melbourne Victory will kick off Round 16 of the Australian A-League with a showdown against Sydney FC at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Friday.
Currently sitting seventh in the league standings with 19 points from 13 matches, Melbourne Victory find themselves two points shy of a playoff position.
However, their recent performances have left much to be desired. Last Saturday, they suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Adelaide United at home, extending their winless streak to six matches. This tough period includes three losses and three draws, a stark contrast to their earlier campaign when they secured five wins in six outings.
STREAM:Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC LIVE for free on Paramount+
Sydney FC enters the clash in high spirits, having dominated the last meeting between these two sides with a convincing 3-0 victory at the Allianz Stadium.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this A-League Men’s Round 15 match as Melbourne Victory look to return to form against high-flying Adelaide, including how to watch, kick-off times and all the latest team news.
Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this A League Men’s match in Australia.
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- TV Channel: —
Fans can tune into this match both live and on demand with a subscription to Paramount+, who is offering a seven-day free trial for new customers on their streaming service.
Watch every match of the A League on Paramount+
Free-to-air coverage also comes in the form of Channel 10’s two main networks, with this being one of two A League Men’s matches per weekend being shown live on both 10 Bold and 10 Play at 5.00 pm and 7.35 pm AEDT every Saturday.
What time does Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC kick off?
This A League Men’s Round 15 match takes place at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia and kicks off on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7:35 p.m. local time (AEDT).
Here’s how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Friday, January 24 | 7:35 p.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Friday, January 24 | 7:05 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Friday, January 24 | 4:35 p.m. |
Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC predicted lineups, team news
Goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak, back from Nagoya Grampus, could make his second debut nearly 15 years after leaving for Borussia Dortmund. However, Jack Duncan’s recent start against Adelaide United may keep him in contention for the spot.
Meanwhile, Reno Piscopo returns from injury after missing the 3-2 loss at Coopers Stadium. His replacement, Clerismario Santos Rodrigues, impressed with a goal in that match, which might see him retain his starting role, leaving Piscopo to likely begin on the bench.
Melbourne Victory predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Duncan (GK) — Hamill, Rawlins, Roderick, Bos — Valadon, Teague, Rodrigues — Machach, Arzani, Fornaroli.
Right winger Douglas Costa has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while Anthony Caceres is unavailable as he recovers from a concussion. Adding to their challenges, Adrian Segecic will also be absent after earning a suspension for accumulating four yellow cards this season.
Sydney FC predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Devenish-Meares (GK) — Matthews, King, Grant, De Jesus — Hollman, Sena — Lolley, Caceres, Segecic — Klimala
Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC prediction
Sydney’s recent track record on the road gives them a psychological edge, as they have avoided defeat in six of their last seven away fixtures against Melbourne.
Both teams are known for their attacking intent, promising fans an evening filled with chances and drama in front of goal. With Sydney’s resilience on the road and Melbourne’s determination to hold their ground, the stage is perfectly set for a hard-fought encounter. A closely contested draw seems a likely outcome as neither side will want to concede an inch.
- Prediction: Melbourne Victory 2-2 Sydney FC
A-League Men fixture schedule this week
All times AEDT
Wednesday, January 22
- Adelaide United vs. Auckland FC (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, January 24
- Melbourne Victory vs. Sydney FC (7:35 p.m.)
Saturday, January 25
- Wellington Phoenix vs. Central Coast Mariners (3:00 p.m)
- Brisbane Roar vs. Adelaide United (5:00 p.m.)
- Newcastle Jets vs. Perth Glory (6 p.m.)
- Macarthur FC vs. Melbourne City FC (7:35 p.m.)
Sunday, January 26
- Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Auckland FC (5:00 p.m)