The punches keep on rolling! See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of our mid-week clash with the Central Coast.
Mid-week football
Melbourne City FC return to action on Wednesday night when they take on Central Coast Mariners at Central Coast Stadium.
Five-days after their 1-0 win over Brisbane at home, City’s jampacked January period continues with a mid-week fixture.
The Summer of Football is here and the action doesn’t stop, as City will be looking to return to Melbourne with the three-points in hand ahead of their clash with Perth Glory at AAMI Park on Saturday 19 January.
Defensive steel
City’s strong defensive record continues to build, claiming another clean sheet against the Roar last Friday night.
Eugene Galekovic and his defensive team now lead the competition for clean sheets, registering five in 12 matches, two more than the next best.
The boys in City blue have also conceded the least amount of goals in the league, conceding 10, three better than both Perth Glory and Adelaide United who sit in equal second.
A chance to extend the unbeaten run
Head Coach Warren Joyce and his men will be looking to make it six games unbeaten when they take on the Mariners.
City has claimed maximum points to open the New Year, registering three wins from three matches.
With winning momentum crucial during the busy schedule, Joyce’s men will be looking to make it six games unbeaten and four wins on the trot on Wednesday evening.
Mr Versatile
Is there anything Ritchie De Laet can’t do? We’re not sure there is.
City’s marquee man was switched from defender to attacker against Brisbane in Round 13, in what proved to be a master stroke from the gaffer.
De Laet netted the only goal of the match, leading City to victory with a perfectly timed half-volley, his fourth goal of the campaign.
It remains to be seen where he will be positioned against the Mariners mid-week, but one things for sure, he’ll play an important role wherever he is placed.
No rest for the wicked
City’s mid-week clash with the Mariners will be their second of five in 15 days.
With a gruelling schedule ahead, which includes three games in the next six days, City will be looking to secure maximum points as the race at the top of the table heats up.
Recovery will be key, as the team which feels fresher towards the latter stages of the game could run away with it.
