Time to bounce back
City are without a win in the past four weeks following an impressive start to the season and there is no better place to make a statement than a win on the road to the in-form Newcastle Jets.
Warren Joyce’s men have only conceded nine goals this season, but they will be up against it when they face the Jets who have netted 20 goals – the highest number in the league.
The resilient defence against the damaging attack sets up a mouth-watering clash at McDonald Jones stadium on Saturday.
Match of the round
Saturday night’s clash presents an opportunity for third placed City to make up some valuable ground on the second placed Jets.
If City pick up three points on Saturday, Warren Joyce’s men will be one point behind Newcastle, but a loss and they fall seven points behind the pace.
With the A-League table beginning to settle, claiming the win becomes all the more important in the race to the A-League’s summit.
Set piece specialist
Ross McCormack’s goal against Perth last week was his fifth dead ball goal for the season, and yet another timely reminder of the Scotsman’s set piece ability.
Ernie Merrick and his men will be wary of conceding fouls in dangerous areas, which could open up space for the pace of Bruce Kamau and Nick Fitzgerald to exploit.
The versatility of Fitzy
Nick Fitzgerald has been in career best form this season; the attacking winger has registered three assists, completed 14 successful dribbles and won 18 fouls.
His ability to attack the goal at pace causes panic in any defence, but last week’s temporary switch to right-back exposed Fitzy’s ability to adapt accordingly.
With Osama Malik serving a one-game suspension for his red card against the Glory last week, it will be interesting to see how City line up against Newcastle this weekend.
Where there is passion, there is success
City suffered a gut wrenching loss to Perth Glory last Friday night and Bart Schenkeveld’s reaction on the final whistle was one of pure passion and emotion.
The Dutchman has been nothing short of brilliant this season, he is fast, strong and he rarely loses a one-on-one duel. His willingness to succeed is evident through every contest.
With the in-form Dimitri Petratos and Andrew Nabbout waiting, City fans can rely on the defender to rise to the challenge.
