Ahead of Melbourne City FC’s W-League clash with Adelaide United at C.B. Smith Reserve on Saturday 1 December, we take a look at the five things to look forward to.
Double the games, double the fun!
Following their long trek across the Nullarbor to face Perth Glory in Round 4, Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side returns to Melbourne determined to return to winning ways.
In what is set to be their first match of the season at C.B. Smith Reserve, the three-time champions will be looking to get off to a winning start at the venue.
With City’s Y-League side set to do battle with cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory at 4:30pm, prior to the Women’s game at 7:30pm (AEDT), it’s set to be an enthralling day of football in Fawkner. Don’t miss the chance to watch 180-minutes of entertaining football and support our two teams, get your tickets here.
Kellond-Knight delight
Matildas star Elise Kellond-Knight has wasted no time making an impact in City blue.
Against Perth Glory, the 102-times capped Matildas international notched her first two goals for the Club. The first of those was a simply scintillating dead ball strike. The set-piece specialist placed her free-kick in the top right corner from distance, leaving fellow Matildas international and Glory shot-stopper Eliza Campbell with no chance. The midfielder then secured her brace with a composed finish from the penalty spot.
With three games in City blue now under her belt, there is no doubt that the world-class footballer will continue to improve with each performance and strengthen her ascendency in the middle of the park.
Midfield dominance
After suffering a disrupted start to the season, City’s midfield is beginning to click.
Despite the disappointed of last weekend’s result, Elise Kellond-Knight, Yukari Kinga and Tameka Butt showed that they are improving as a midfield trio with each match.
The scoreboard may have been lopsided, although City dominated possession and pass accuracy, as well as having the same amount of shots and shots on target as the Glory – the home side proving to be the more clinical of the two teams. If the numbers are anything to go by, the girls in City blue are a whisker away from hitting their straps.
Simon says… I’m back!
After suffering an Achilles injury which ruled her out of City’s opening three fixtures, Matildas international Kyah Simon returned to the squad, playing the first-half against Perth Glory.
With a valuable 45-minutes under her belt, the attacker will be looking to build on her performance when City host Adelaide on Saturday night.
Simon played a pivotal role in City’s championship winning campaign last season, and will be looking to find that form as she continues her return from injury.
Saturday’s match presents the first opportunity for City fans to see the star live in action after she showed glimpses of what she’s capable of in last weekend’s fixture.
An opportunity to get back on track
City’s 5-2 loss to Perth Glory last weekend was the Club’s third loss of the season and their second successive one.
Despite beginning the season on the back foot, a win on Saturday night will see the reigning champions climb right back up the ladder.
There’s no doubt that Adelaide is one of the most in-form teams in the competition right now, but on home soil and in front of the City faithful, you would back this team to bounce back and give it a red-hot go.
