Melbourne City will be eager to make it four games unbeaten to open the new season when they host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon. Ahead of the clash, we take a look at the five things we’re looking forward to.
Home strength
City are undefeated in their last 13 Hyundai A-League games at AAMI Park, securing eight wins and five draws in front of the City faithful. During those 13 games, City have kept an impressive six clean sheets.
The team in City blue has been equally as impressive against Wellington at home, claiming all three points in their past six encounters and outscoring the ‘Nix 13-3 in that time.
Eager to continue their unbeaten start to the league campaign, Erick Mombaerts and his men will be looking to make it seven wins on the bounce against Wellington at AAMI Park.
An opportunity opens up
Jamie Maclaren’s hamstring injury is a massive blow, there’s no doubt about that.
The A-League’s most threatening attacker will be forced to watch on as an opportunity presents itself for one of his teammates to step up.
Will it be Lachie Wales or youngster Moudi Najjar? Or does Erick Mombaerts have another trick up his sleeve? That remains to be seen, but we’re excited by the opportunity for someone to step up and grasp their chance in our star number 9’s absence.
Midfield depth
A busy schedule over the past fortnight has seen Erick Mombaerts make a number of rotations in the middle of the park.
Josh Brillante and Connor Metcalfe have played crucial roles, as both Denis Genreau and Rostyn Griffiths showed their strengths and importance in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Western United.
With two forced changes due to Harrison Delbridge’s suspension and Jamie Maclaren’s injury we could see some more changes come Sunday afternoon. If we’ve learnt anything since Erick Mombaerts commenced at City, it’s that he isn’t afraid to play the kids.
Unbeaten run continues
One of only three teams to remain unbeaten after three rounds, City will be eager to extend their streak to four on Sunday afternoon.
Currently sitting in second position, two points behind Western Sydney Wanderers, City will look to keep the pressure on the ladder-leaders in the early stages of the season.
With back-to-back wins following Round 1’s draw, we will be looking to make it three wins on the trot ahead of two consecutive home fixtures.
Family fun day!
Just when you thought family friendly Sunday afternoon fixtures at AAMI Park couldn’t get any better, we will be holding a Macca’s Play on the Pitch session following the conclusion of the match. Recreate your favourite moments on our home ground and have a kick with your mates!
City stars Jamie Maclaren and Harrison Delbridge will also be visiting City Square between 3:00pm – 3:45pm ahead of the match!
Don’t have your tickets yet? Grab them now and don’t miss the opportunity to watch your City boys in action before enjoying the fun on the pitch after the match.
