With Mark Bridge and Mitch Nichols flying up front for Western Sydney, the Wanderers' Italian striker may remain on the bench for some time to come

Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic says marquee Federico Piovaccari must fight to earn a starting XI spot ahead of Saturday night's A-League blockbuster with Melbourne Victory.

Italian striker Piovaccari has been one of the few disappointments in a team that's excited its fans and sits atop the table after 17 rounds.

Despite a CV that includes Serie A, La Liga and Romanian clubs, the 31-year-old has started just 10 games for Western Sydney and come on as a sub in a further two.

Piovaccari been subbed off seven times in those 10 matches and played a total of 808 minutes for two goals, his omission in recent weeks has prompted speculation about his future at the Wanderers.

Popovic hinted the centre-forward may need to work harder off the ball, but stressed he was up for selection against Victory in Saturday night's blockbuster at Etihad Stadium.

"He's got to fight for his spot," Popovic told reporters when pressed on Friday.

"He came here and there was an expectation with 'Pio'. At the moment he's having a run where he's not in the team.

"And it's up to him today to train well and force his way into a team that's on top of the table and looking to get better.

"Everyone's fighting for positions and it shouldn't be any different for Pio."

Popovic added: "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."

As for the Wanderers' highly-rated Spanish trio of Dimas, Alberto and Andreu, who are off-contract at season's end, Popovic was non-committal.

"We have a process in terms of signing players and for me that's a real positive that there is talk about our players, it means they are doing well," he said.