Melbourne City travel to Newcastle to take on the Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday. See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of the clash.
Bounce back ability
After a positive start to the season, City suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Perth Glory at AAMI Park in Round 9 following their Round 8 bye.
Despite suffering just their second loss of the season, City remain second on the A-League table, with Sunday evening’s clash with Newcastle presenting the team with an opportunity to bounce back and put pressure on ladder leaders Sydney FC.
Newcastle will also be hungry for three points after losing a game they easily could’ve won in Adelaide last round. The Jets recorded 31 shots but could only get one past Reds keeper Paul Izzo as they went down 2-1.
A chance to turn the tide
McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle hasn’t been our happiest hunting ground over recent seasons, but Sunday will present the chance to reverse that.
Our last two trips there ended in 2-1 and 3-1 defeats, although we did win all three games at AAMI Park in between those contests.
We last recorded a win in Newcastle back in April 2018, running away 3-0 winners thanks to a Bruno Fornaroli goal just before half time and a second-half Dario Vidosic double.
Strength on the road
Melbourne City has lost just one of four away trips in the A-League since Frenchman Erick Mombaerts took the reins, winning two and drawing one.
Netting two goals per game on average in that time frame, City has been a tough side to face away from home.
Looking to return to winning ways, the team in City blue will be eager to extend their strong record on the road under their new manager.
Squad depth
Should Mombaerts choose to make any changes, he will have a full squad to pick from.
While he didn’t get onto the field, Austrian defender Richard Windbichler was named on the bench last week, the first time he’s been in the match day squad since Round 3, while Frenchman Florin Berenguer also returns this week.
Ramy Najjarine is amongst a host of players performing strongly in the Y-League who could potentially be recalled to the first team.
Christmas Derby awaits
With the Christmas Derby coming up next round, three points away from home would be massive as we look to rebuild some confidence and momentum heading into a tough period of fixtures.
Victory will have the advantage of staying at home this weekend, where they will take on Wellington in their last game before the derby, but as we’ve come to know, it all means very little when the first whistle is blown in a blockbuster rivalry.
Don’t miss out on what is set to be an enthralling Christmas Derby, get your tickets here!
