Melbourne City return to action on Sunday night, when they take on Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval. See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of the clash.
Sydney calling
Following a weekend off due to the split-round in Round 21, City return to the pitch this Sunday night when they take on the Sky Blues in Sydney.
Just over a month since their last trip to New South Wales, Head Coach Warren Joyce and his men face two trips to Sydney in the next three weeks, taking on Sydney FC before facing the Wanderers a fortnight later.
It’s never easy taking on the Sky Blues on their home deck, but after a solid period on the training track the boys are primed to continue their unbeaten run.
Goals, goals and more goals
Upon his return to Australia, City attacker Jamie Maclaren promised goals.
Since then, he has done exactly that, delivering on that promise. His double against the best defence in the league and top-of-the-table Perth Glory has seen him move to five goals from his first four games in City blue.
With five goals from his 12 shots, J-Mac is travelling at an impressive conversion rate of 42%. Sydney’s defence will be kept on their toes, as the City attacker will look to continue his brilliant start to life in City blue.
Momentum is key
Without a home game until early April, City will be looking to gain some much-needed momentum as they head into the remaining six fixtures of the regular season.
With the race for the top-six heating up, the side in City blue will be looking to gain maximum points from their fellow finals challengers.
Following draws with both Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory in the past two weeks, City will be eager to extend their unbeaten run as they head into the pointy end of the season.
Midfield battleground
On Sunday night, we are set for an intriguing battle between two talented sets of midfielders.
For City, alongside his teammates, Luke Brattan will bring his attacking flare. Not only is he exceptional with the ball at his feet – having the ability to hit a long-range pass – but he can also score the spectacular.
While on the other side of the pitch, City will be wary of Milos Ninkovic, who will look to create chances for his teammates with his quick feet and ability to pierce the opposition’s defence.
Will Griffiths break his goal drought?
City midfielder Rostyn Griffiths has gone agonisingly close to breaking his goal drought on a number of occasions this season, with numerous efforts striking the woodwork and others fizzing just high.
Possessing one of the fiercest strikes in the league, Griffiths is edging closer to firing the ball in to the back of the net with each performance.
With seven shots on target this season, will the midfielder finally break his goal drought against the Sky Blues?
