Melbourne City FC will have the opportunity to register back-to-back wins when they head to Western Australia to take on Perth Glory on Sunday. Ahead of the clash, we take a look at the five things we’re looking forward to.
Continuing the momentum
After sitting out Round 20 with the bye, City returned to action in style picking up an important 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park in Round 21.
A sweetly hit Josh Brillante volley deflected off both the post and goalkeeper Jamie Young’s back before finding its way into the back of the net.
City’s focus now turns to a blockbuster clash with Perth Glory, as Erick Mombaerts’ men will be looking to pick up three vital points away from home as the final few rounds of the season fast approach.
Six-pointer
Perth last week suffered its first loss in ten games which allowed City to jump them on the table.
City now sits second while Perth are three points behind in third place, with a game in hand.
The result this weekend will be massive for both teams with whoever wins set to secure second spot. If City can find a way to win on enemy territory, it will provide a little bit of breathing space in what is going to be a tight finish to the season.
A chance for a rare Perth win
Travelling to Perth to take on the Glory is one of the toughest trips in the A-League and is something that most teams struggle with every season.
Since 2011, City has travelled to Perth 14 times, having won just one of those encounters. As usual, this weekend’s match is going to be no easy task and it will be made no easier as Tony Popovic’s team will be fired up after last week’s loss.
If City can win this weekend, it will join Sydney FC and Central Coast as the only teams to have beaten the Glory in Perth this season.
Back-to-back clean sheets?
While it does sit second on the table, one area City has struggled with at times this season has been in defence.
City has conceded 27 goals this season, which is the second most of any of the teams that currently sit in the top six.
Last round was only the third clean sheet City has kept all season so the back four along with keeper Tom Glover will be looking to continue the form and do it all again this weekend. Perth’s defence has been a lot tighter this season having allowed just 19 goals while keeping six clean sheets.
A season defining match?
With so much on the line this weekend, this could be a match that, come the end of the season, has a massive influence on where both teams finish on the table.
Just seven games remain this season for City and Mombaerts’ team will be looking to play themselves into some good form with finals looming.
City has been unable to record consecutive wins since round five so a big result away from home this weekend would be massive for the sides confidence and momentum leading into the business end of the season.
