Steve Corica may still be wondering how his Sydney FC side left the Sydney Derby empty-handed, but the stats indicate the goals should soon start flowing for the Sky Blues.
Sydney have the highest expected goals value (8.3) of any team this season, 3.3 more than the five goals they have tallied in victories over Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix.
Only the Phoenix (3.4 xG and two goals) have under-performed more in the Expected Goals column this season.
Hungry to make amends after last Saturday’s defeat to rivals Western Sydney, and undefeated in their last nine matches at home to Newcastle Jets, Friday’s Round 4 opener could be the fixture where the reigning Champions produce the goals their approach-play has threatened.
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets: match preview
The stat that matters: Sydney FC have the highest Expected Goals value (8.3) of any team this season, 3.3 more than they’ve scored; only Wellington Phoenix (-3.4) have under-performed more.
Read on for the other stats you need to know ahead of Hyundai A-League Round 1!
Loud and clear for Wanderers
Western Sydney Wanderers boss Markus Babbel made it clear the Red and Black will not be top of the table long if they continue to invite pressure as they did in that Round 3 triumph over fierce rivals Sydney FC.
The stats bare that out for the current Hyundai A-League pace-setters, who have averaged 37 clearances per game this season – a whopping nine more per game than the next-highest (Perth Glory, 28).
Saturday afternoon’s hosting of Brisbane Roar represents a chance for the Wanderers to be less reactive and assert themselves on the opposition in the way German boss Babbel desires.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC: match preview
The stat that matters: Western Sydney Wanderers have averaged 37 clearances per game in the 2019/20 A-League season, nine more per game than any other team.
Fornaroli eyes half century
Bruno Fornaroli scored his first goal for Perth Glory last weekend but could fire in his 50th in the Hyundai A-League with a strike against Central Coast Mariners.
The Uruguayan has scored seven goals in eight games against the Mariners, who have lost 12 of their last 14 away matches.
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners: match preview
The stat that matters: Bruno Fornaroli is just one goal shy of his 50th scored in the Hyundai A-League.
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Phoenix face City fortress
Wellington Phoenix would equal their worst-ever start to a Hyundai A-League season should they lose Sunday afternoon’s tricky venture to Melbourne City.
City have won their last six league matches on the fly against the New Zealanders at AAMI Park, and have outscored the Phoenix 13-3 in that time.
Moreover, City are undefeated in their last 13 games at AAMI Park, winning eight and drawing five of those matches. They’ve also kept six clean sheets in that period.
Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix: match preview
The stat that matters: Melbourne City are undefeated in their last 13 A-League games at AAMI Park (W8, D5), keeping six clean sheets in that period.
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Script ready for Berisha
Melbourne Victory are preparing for the return of former hero Besart Berisha in Saturday night’s clash with Western United.
Berisha, who spent four glorious seasons with the four-time Champions, has already scored twice for the Hyundai A-League newcomers.
His predatory instincts from inside the penalty area are as deadly as ever. Marco Kurz’s side are the only team in the Hyundai A-League yet to concede a goal from within the box this season.
Over to you, Bes.
Melbourne Victory v Western United: match preview
The stat that matters: Melbourne Victory are the only team yet to concede a goal from within the box this Hyundai A-League campaign.
