New Year’s Day in Wanderland
For the third straight year, City will bring in the New Year against Western Sydney, as they take on the Wanderers at ANZ Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Following late Dario Vidosic heroics in the Christmas Derby to end 2018, Head Coach Warren Joyce and his men will be looking to kickstart 2019 with three-points in Sydney.
Undefeated in their last two league matches, City will be looking to continue their unbeaten run against the Wanderers before they return to Melbourne to host the Jets at AAMI Park five-days later.
Super Dario
After conceding a 55th minute opener through Melbourne Victory’s Ola Toivonen, City were staring down the barrel of derby disappointment despite having their fair share of chances throughout the match. That was until Dario Vidosic stepped up, equalising in the second minute of additional time to earn the home side a share of the spoils with one of the last plays of the match.
The attacker latched onto captain Scott Jamieson’s perfectly weighted cross with a thunderous header at the back post to nod City level.
After an interrupted start to the season due to injury, the Christmas Derby was Vidosic’s most impressive performance to date. From having the first chance of the match as well as the last, the attacker looked back to his dangerous-self, presenting as a real threat in the attacking third. With the Wanderers clash fast approaching, super Dario will be looking to build on his form.
Mid-week football
City’s clash with the Wanderers on New Year’s Day will be their first of three fixtures in 11 days.
With the A-League ladder standings beginning to heat up, it’s a crucial stage for Joyce’s men to continue piling on the pressure on the top-two.
After their trip to Western Sydney, City return to Melbourne to host both Newcastle and Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park. With two consecutive home fixtures coming up, three-points in Sydney could be vital to kickstarting the momentum ahead of a busy schedule.
Huge Euge, yet again!
We might be beginning to sound like a broken record, but Eugene Galekovic is just that good.
Since Round 1, City’s shot-stopper has arguably been one of the most influential members of the team. The 37-year-old continues to stand up when called upon, which is a testament to his professionalism.
With a huge save to deny James Troisi when the scores were locked at 0-0 in the derby, Galekovic again reminded us of just how good he is. It may be a new year, but we’re expecting the same old Euge!
The Great Wall
Alongside table-toppers Perth Glory, City has conceded the least goals in the league, conceding a total of nine goals in nine matches to open the season.
With Harrison Delbridge – who is arguably playing his best football for the Club – paired with the class of Bart Schenkeveld in the heart of City’s defence alongside both Scott Jamieson and Ritchie De Laet, Joyce’s men at the back have had an impressive campaign so far.
With three clean sheets to their name – the equal most in the league – there is no doubt that City will be seeking a fourth come Tuesday evening.
