Melbourne City FC will be looking to return the winner’s list when the face Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Sunday night. Ahead of the match, we take a look at the five things to look forward to.
Bounce back ability
Head Coach Rado Vidosic and his team will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last week’s 2-0 loss to cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory when they travel to nib Stadium to face Perth Glory.
City face a tough trip across the Nullarbor to play a fit and firing Glory outfit. The task won’t be easy, but if history is anything to go by, this team thrives under the pressure that comes with a difficult fixture.
For those cheering on the team from home, the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports channel 505 and SBS Viceland as well as livestreamed on the My Football Live app.
Attacking firepower
When City take on Perth, there will be no lack of attacking firepower on display.
Leading the way in City blue, is current Westfield W-League golden boot leader Jasmyne Spencer. The American import has been in scintillating touch in the attacking third, supported by Rhali Dobson on the wing, as well as Yukari Kinga, Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Butt and Helen Caceres in midfield.
Meanwhile, Perth Glory are headlined by their own deadly duo up front, with Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill sending a stern message to the competition in the opening rounds.
With an abundance of attacking flare set to take the field, this one could be decided by whose defence is more sound and which team makes the most of their possession in the attacking third.
The great wall of… Lydia
Melbourne City goalkeeper Lydia Williams is arguably one of the best shot-stoppers in the world.
In the opening three rounds of the season, the Matildas first-choice keeper has again demonstrated just how good she is. Her athleticism, incredible reach and ability to read the play in front of her, makes her an invaluable asset to this team.
So far this season, Williams has made an astounding 16 saves in three matches – nearly double the next best. She has also claimed two catches and made one punch, highlighting her impressive start to the season. Perth will need to at their clinical best to beat City’s number one.
Time to gel
There’s no hiding the fact that in the opening three rounds of the season, City has had to deal with an interrupted start when it comes to player availability. But a new week, presents an opportunity for new players to get to know their teammates, to learn the structures and to gel on the training track.
Matildas stars Tameka Butt and Elise Kellond-Knight are exceptional inclusions to this season’s squad, but due to overseas club commitments and international duty, both players have had limited opportunities to train with the squad.
With a solid week of training under their belts at the City Football Academy, there is no doubt that the whole team will benefit come this weekend’s fixture.
An opportunity to find momentum
With one win from three matches, the reigning champions will be looking to return to the winner’s list and gain a valuable three points.
As the W-League ladder begins to take shape, City will be looking to close the gap on the top-four and take points away from their fellow title contenders.
It’s one of the toughest trips in the league, and going off Perth’s current form it won’t be easy, but a result in Western Australia could generate some much-needed momentum heading into December.
City face Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Sunday 25 November, kick-off 9:45pm (AEDT).
