Melbourne City FC kick off their finals campaign when they host Western Sydney Wanderers at ABD Stadium on Sunday. Ahead of the clash, we take a look at the five things we’re looking forward to.
Finals football
After securing the Premiers Plate, Melbourne City FC will be out to keep their dream of securing the double alive when they host the Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
City completed an invincible regular season, notching 11 straight wins to secure 34 points from a possible 36.
Finals football might be a totally different ball game, but if City are to continue the form that saw them remain so dominant throughout the league season they are every chance of booking their spot in the 2020 Westfield W-League Grand Final.
#4history
Since the Club’s inception, City has secured three from a possible four championships, which saw them become the first team in the league’s history to achieve a three-peat of championship wins.
Rado Vidosic’s side will be vying to re-write the history books once again when they look to keep their hopes of an unprecedented fourth championship trophy alive.
Still a long way from that yet, City will know they face a tough task against a resilient Wanderers outfit who have showcased their ability this season as one of the competition’s fiercest competitors.
With two of the league’s most impressive teams this season going head-to-head, we are set for a mouth-watering semi-final encounter.
Defensive steel
City’s defensive steel has been key to their success so far this season.
Bolstered by the inclusions of Emma Checker and Ellie Carpenter at the beginning of the season, the two swiftly adapted, creating a formidable defensive line including Lydia Williams, Rebekah Stott, Lauren Barnes and captain Steph Catley.
Conceding just four goals all season, City will look to continue building their game off the back of their defensive line and taking their chances in attack.
Internationals return
With a number of internationals away on international duty over the past two weeks, City’s stars will return ahead of Sunday’s must-win encounter.
Lydia Williams, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Emily van Egmond, Kyah Simon and Aivi Luik were all away with the Westfield Matildas as they successfully qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics following a 7-1 aggregate win over Vietnam following a home and away leg.
Alongside City’s Australian internationals, Claire Emslie won the Pinatar Cup with Scotland in Spain, while Rebekah Stott travelled with the New Zealand National Team to Portugal, starting in each of the Football Ferns Algarve Cup matches. Milica Mijatovic also departed Melbourne during the international break, playing a key role in Serbia’s Euro qualification match.
Home sweet home
A stellar regular season saw City secure a home final after finishing the season at the very top of the ladder.
Now it’s time for City fans to play their role and get down to ABD Stadium to support the team!
Home semi’s don’t come around too often, so don’t miss the opportunity to watch our stars in action.
