The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when they host Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Friday night.
It’s the hosts first game at home this season, following their 2-1 Melbourne Derby win at Marvel Stadium and then their 1-1 draw with the Mariners at Central Coast Stadium.
Despite having to settle for a point against Central Coast last weekend, Head Coach Warren Joyce will take positives from City’s dominant share of possession and the number of chances they created.
Former City attacker Ross McCormack opened the scoring in the first-half, before second-half substitute Dario Vidosic secured a point with an 84th minute equaliser. City had 19 more shots on goal than the Mariners, but ultimately failed to capitalise on their opportunities.
If City are to beat the reigning premiers they will need to be more clinical in the attacking third.
Sydney FC are a notoriously difficult opponent to face, but after a tough schedule, including the Sydney Derby last Saturday night and the FFA Cup Final on Tuesday night, there’s no better time to face them.
Steve Corica’s men were dominant in their 2-0 win over the Wanderers at the SCG in Round 2, but were undone by two brilliant strikes from Craig Goodwin in the FFA Cup Final, going down 2-1.
Adam Le Fondre opened the scoring against the Wanderers, before captain Alex Brosque sealed the three points. In the FFA Cup Final, it was Le Fondre again who found the back of the net. The Englishman continues his perfect run since joining the Sky Blues, scoring in every competitive fixture he has played.
With both teams looking to continue their unbeaten starts to the season and finish Round 3 on top of the ladder, Friday night’s match is shaping up to be a beauty.
Team news
City squad will be unchanged for the contest. See the full squad in our Team News.
Last time they met
Last time City faced Sydney, the hosts suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat at AAMI Park.
Bobo scored a brace, as both Milos Ninkovic and Adrian Mierzejewski found the back of the net.
What was said
Head Coach Warren Joyce
“Everyone is looking forward to it. It’s a game we want to win, it’s as simple as that. We’ve got to focus on the things that we do well and try to impose ourselves on them and get the three points.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica
“There’s another three competitions that we’re in [and] we want to win more trophies. Of course, tonight we didn’t but we’ll head that way on Friday night. Get a good result on Friday night and things change again, we’re back top of the table, looking forward to winning trophies this season.”
Where and when
City host Sydney FC in a blockbuster double-header with the Women’s side at AAMI Park on Friday, 2 November, kick-off 7:50pm.
