If left behind in Sydney, it will be the third consecutive game where Piovaccari's name won't feature among the starters or substitutes but Popovic refused to rule out a return for the underperforming marquee.

"He's here training with the squad today so he's available for selection. His role is he's part of the squad, he trains, as he is today, and he's got to fight for his spot," Popovic said. "He came here and there was an expectation with 'Pio' and at the moment he's having a run where he's not in the team, not in the squad and it's up to him to train well today and try and force his way in a team that's on top of the table and looking to get better.So we've got a full, fit squad, there are a lot of players who are disappointed if they miss out."

Much was expected of the former La Liga and Serie A striker when he signed with the club during the off season and despite his previous record at more prestigious leagues in Europe, he now faces a battle to earn his place in the A-League at the expense of Australian strikers Mark Bridge and Brendon Santalab. It's not just his record of two goals - both of which were tap-ins - but his overall performance that must improve according to the Wanderers coach as Piovaccari is yet to supply an assist.

"Of course as a striker there are certain expectations that we have and it's not just goals. Regardless of who plays on the weekend, those expectations are put on those players as well and we need to see that whether that's with Pio or without Pio," Popovic said.

Popovic remained tight-lipped on his selection for the match against Melbourne Victory but in-form striker, Bridge, is likely to retain his position leading the Wanderers attack. Bridge is the club's joint top scorer this campaign with eight goals in a season where he never expected to be playing as a striker. Traditionally a more deep-lying forward or winger, Bridge trained in pre-season as a left winger or number 10.

"Of course not, we signed a marquee for that position, I didn't expect to be playing there at all. Nothing was outlined to me, I usually play on the left and that's where I played on the preseason. Sometimes I played in the hole, sometimes at number nine," he said.

In red-hot form, all of Bridge's goals have come in his last ten games earning the player the honour of being listed in the team of the week for football game FIFA 16 alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Robert Lewandowski. It was brought to his attention by teammates and while the forward enjoyed the attention, his main focus is on snapping Melbourne Victory's incredible home record on Saturday night.

"It's good, it's something to look at for a laugh but it's just a game," Bridge said. "We've had a good week, a very tough week, so we're looking forward to going out against Melbourne Victory who have unbelievable home record so we're looking forward to the match."

The Wanderers are aiming to break the champions' two-year undefeated streak at Etihad Stadium. The intimidating home record of Melbourne Victory has not been breached since their 5-0 capitulation to Sydney FC on Australia Day 2013 but now top of the table again and favourites for the premiership, the Wanderers are confident of breaking that longstanding hoodoo.

"That's another challenge for us. Can we be the first team to beat them at home this year?" Popovic said.

Western Sydney sealed an impressive 2-0 win over Victory earlier in the season at Pirtek Stadium with a commanding performance matching the result, giving them belief of becoming the first team to take full points from Melbourne in Docklands.

"We've got to be confident that at the end of a really tough game, we can come away with the points, even though it's against a team that has a fantastic home record," Popovic said.