Friday night in the City of Churches
Melbourne City FC will head to Adelaide this Friday night determined to return to the winner’s list.
As City hit the road, a great opportunity presents itself for Warren Joyce’s men to turn their recent fortunes around.
The match will be played at Coopers Stadium on Friday, 16th March, kick-off 7:50pm before our second last home match of the season next Saturday night against Western Sydney.
Red Sweep, Clean sheet?
Three points on Friday night will see City secure a trio of wins against the Reds this season.
The two teams have faced each other on two occasions, with City registering a 2-0 win in Round 4 at Coopers Stadium before claiming a comprehensive 5-0 win at AAMI Park in Round 17.
The last time the two teams met both Marcin Budzinski and Dario Vidosic were the standout performers with a brace apiece – a feat that the two attackers will be looking to repeat – while the visitors will be looking to make it three clean sheets from three matches.
The run needs to start
Three consecutive losses has seen City’s hold on third place cut to a slender one-point advantage.
Following their Round 22 Melbourne Derby loss, City head into the clash against the Reds in a must-win situation.
With both the Wanderers and Victory breathing down their neck, it’s time for Joyce’s men to step up and begin an all-important run heading into the Finals Series.
Another step closer for Bruno
Round 22 saw Bruno Fornaroli named in Joyce’s starting XI for the first time this season.
Following an extensive stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury, Fornaroli marked his starting return with a goal, burying a brilliant penalty.
With 90 minutes under his belt in the Derby, there is no doubt that the star-striker will be raring to his his straps, looking to build on his last performance when City face Adelaide.
Much needed momentum
A positive result on Friday night will see City head into the pointy end of the season with much-needed confidence.
With only five fixtures remaining in the regular season, it’s absolutely vital that Joyce’s men head into the business end of the season with a head of steam as the race for third position heats up.
With matches against the Wanderers and Jets to follow, a positive result on Friday night is crucial.
