Melbourne City FC return to action this week when they take on Sydney FC at WIN Stadium on Thursday 31 January, kick-off 7:30pm. See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of the clash.
Thursday night football
After sitting out Round 13 with the bye, Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side return to action when they take on Sydney FC in Wollongong.
In what is set to be the Club’s first Thursday night fixture since the introduction of mid-week football to the Westfield W-League at the beginning of the season, City will be looking to return to Melbourne with all three points in hand.
It’s not over until it’s over and if there’s anything that we’ve learnt from this team in recent seasons, it’s that they perform best when their backs are up against the wall.
A mathematical chance
With City sitting three-points behind Sydney FC on the league ladder, Vidosic’s side will need to beat their rivals by a margin of five goals or more to secure a place in the 2018/19 Westfield W-League finals series.
If we are unable to defeat the Sky Blues by five goals, destiny will be out of our hands.
For the full wrap, visit our piece on the finals equation.
Magnificent Mace
American international Hailie Mace made an immediate impact on debut, netting her first goal in City blue after just 12 minutes on the pitch.
With the ability to play both in attack and defence, Vidosic inserted the 21-year-old in the number nine position where she made a lasting first impression.
Mace met Tameka Butt’s perfectly weighted cross, before showing great composure to find the back of the net from close range. With City needing goals, Mace will be looking to extend her tally against the Sky Blues.
Clinical Kinga
Japanese import Yukari Kinga demonstrated her ability to perform at both ends in City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle a fortnight ago.
With two clinical finishes to her name, Kinga was not only prolific in the front third but also in defence.
If City are to claim the three-points against last season’s grand finalists, Vidosic will be seeking a complete performance from his stars.
Jas it up
The last time the two teams met, Jasmyne Spencer lit up AAMI Park with an electrifying hattrick.
With three goals already to her name against her former side this season, Spencer will be eager to add to her tally as she looks to help her side book a place in this season’s finals series.
City take on Sydney FC at WIN Stadium on Thursday 31 January, kick-off 7:30pm (AEDT).
