We’re set for a massive clash with Western Sydney to open the New Year! See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of the match.
New Year’s Day in Wanderland
Melbourne City will be looking to continue their winning momentum when they take on Western Sydney at ANZ Stadium on New Year’s Day.
It will be the second consecutive season that City open the New Year with a clash with the Wanderers on New Year’s Day, as they will be looking to make it two wins from two on the first day of the year.
In what is set to be a blockbuster double-header at ANZ Stadium, City take on the Wanderers at 5:20pm, before the two teams go head-to-head in the A-League at 7:50pm.
Dazzling Dobson
City winger Rhali Dobson has been one of the teams most consistent and important players this season. With seven key passes and two assists, Dobson has demonstrated her ability to create attacking chances for her teammates.
Against Canberra last Saturday evening the attacker also showcased her ability to hit the back of the net with two impressive goals. The first a well-timed header from close range, before she rocketed home a peach of a strike into the top corner from outside the box on her left-foot.
In brilliant form, there is no doubt that Dobson will be looking to attack the Wanderers defence fearlessly, as she also works to help the team in defence.
The unbeaten run continues
After a mixed bag of results in the opening four rounds, Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s team is unbeaten in their past three league fixtures.
Following their 1-1 draw with Adelaide United in Round 5, City has registered two impressive wins with commanding performances against Canberra United and Newcastle Jets.
With a huge clash in terms of City’s season coming up against the Wanderers, the team will be looking to do everything in their power to return home from Sydney with the three-points in hand.
Building momentum
Since the return of injured captain Steph Catley, City has been undefeated. Barring guest player, Jodie Taylor, Catley’s return saw her become the last available player to return to the squad.
Now full strength and with a clean bill of health, City are building with each performance and looking more and more dangerous.
Catley played her first 90-minutes of the season against Canberra in an impressive display, while fellow Matildas international Kyah Simon looks sharper with each game – netting a beautiful header against the side from the nation’s capital. Meanwhile, Rebekah Stott is back from international duty and proving just how important she is.
New Year’s Day presents another opportunity for City to make their mark as they continue to build towards the pointy end of the season.
The home stretch
We are well and truly on the home stretch of the regular season and after a slow start to the campaign City are treating every match as if it were a final in their remaining fixtures.
It’s a tough stretch, with three fixtures in 11 days – including two in five days – but the journey towards an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship title starts here.
