Melbourne City return to action this weekend when they take on the Wanderers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night. See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of the match.
We’re back in action
A fortnight after our 2-0 win over Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval, we’re back in New South Wales, this time taking on the Wanderers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Determined to make it six points from six in our last two trips to Sydney, Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side will be looking to continue their strong run of form when we take on Western Sydney.
Following a week off due to the international break, the boys in City blue have put in the hard yards on the training tack and can’t wait to get out there as they look to return to Melbourne with all three points in hand.
New boys on the block
Since their arrival at the City Football Academy, Shayon Harrison and Jamie Maclaren have wasted no time making their presence felt on and off the pitch.
The attacking duo have had a flying start to life in City blue, quickly becoming integral members of the squad.
Maclaren has five goals in his first five matches, while Harrison netted his first A-League goal with a composed finish against the Sky Blues to open the scoring, before creating City’s second to seal the points.
With the attacking duo quickly building a lethal partnership, the Wanderers defence will need to be on their toes come Saturday evening.
Momentum builder
Following a draw with both first-placed Perth Glory and third-placed Melbourne Victory, City defeated second-placed Sydney FC 2-0 away from home.
After a string of strong performances against top-four teams in their past three competitive fixtures, where they remain undefeated, City are building crucial momentum as the pointy end of the season fast approaches.
With five Hyundai A-League fixtures remaining prior to the 2018/19 finals series, City will be looking to build the momentum and secure a finals position as they head into the most crucial stage of the season.
The fight for the top four
With momentum, comes the fight to finish in the top four. Three points in Round 22 saw City jump into fifth position, on 33 points, two ahead of sixth placed Adelaide United.
One point behind fourth placed Wellington Phoenix, City sit hot on their heels and ready to pounce on a top-four position.
Three points against the Wanderers will ensure that City continues to pile the pressure on the teams above them as they seek to finish as high as possible.
Another thriller on the cards?
Last time the two teams met, Bart Schenkeveld was the hero with a thumping header in stoppage time, his first goal in City blue.
It was an end-to-end contest, that saw City stage a late comeback to secure the three points in front of the team’s home fans at AAMI Park.
City will be looking to extend their recent run of form over the Wanderers before they return to AAMI Park for the first time in a month, hosting Brisbane Roar on Friday 5 April, get your tickets here.
