Melbourne City return to AAMI Park in Round 21, hosting Brisbane Roar on Sunday evening. Ahead of the clash, we take a look at the five things we’re looking forward to.
We’re back in action!
After a bye last week, a refreshed City team will return to the pitch this Sunday evening to take on Brisbane Roar.
The bye came off the back of a disappointing loss to the Phoenix in Auckland but now is the time to leave that match in the past and look forward to the last eight games of the season!
We have faced Brisbane twice this season, both away from home, with a total of 11 goals coming from the two fixtures. The first was a disappointing 4-3 loss which featured a Jamie Maclaren hattrick, while the most recent clash was a 2-2 draw that saw Craig Noone and Nathaniel Atkinson get on the scoresheet.
Double the games, double the fun
There are twice as many reasons to purchase tickets to this Sunday’s clash, with the W-League kicking off at 4:00pm before the A-League match at 6:30pm.
City last week claimed the W-League premiership with a 0-4 win away to Western Sydney. This was the Club’s second premiership in its history, and we will be looking to do the double and claim the championship when finals start in a fortnight’s time.
This Sunday’s clash with the Roar will be City’s last W-League game of the season as it looks to finish as the competition’s only undefeated team, having won every game since an opening round draw.
An important three points
As we enter the business end of the season, every game becomes massive as the race for second spot seriously heats up.
After sitting out last round due to a bye, Perth took its opportunity and jumped us for second spot and also have a better goal difference and are a game in hand.
On equal points and goal difference as City, sit Wellington Phoenix, while Adelaide and Brisbane still are within striking distance, three and four points behind respectively. As the pointy end of the season fast approaches, each game becomes all the more important.
Goals, goals and more goals!
As previously mentioned, in the two matches played this season between teams, 11 goals have been scored.
When including the last meeting of last season, which was the most recent game at AAMI Park, that adds up to 16 goals in the last three games with City winning that fixture 4-1.
Rostyn Griffiths, Shay Harrison, Richie de Laet and Riley McGree all got on the scoresheet that night for City while Brisbane’s only goal came from a Harrison Delbridge own goal. If recent history is anything to go by, we can expect a highly entertaining encounter this Sunday.
Home form
Since Christmas, City are yet to lose at AAMI Park, picking up three wins and a draw from its past four fixtures at home.
With four of City’s remaining eight games to be played at home and with the table as tight as it is right now, it is crucial that Erick Mombaerts’ men continue on this form and put pressure on Perth as City attempt to regain second spot and secure a home semi-final when finals roll around in May.
