The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking for its second home win in a row on Saturday night when it takes on the Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park.
City beat Western United 3-2 at home a fortnight ago and last week travelled to Brisbane where they recorded a 2-2 draw against the Roar.
Brisbane led twice after Inman scored a brace in the first half but a Craig Noone strike in the 39th minute and Nathaniel Atkinson’s first A-League goal early in the second half was enough for City to draw level after each Roar goal.
Noone’s goal came following a Scott Jamieson cross to Jamie Maclaren at the back post which the striker unselfishly nodded into the path of Noone who found the back of the net with the aid of the post.
Atkinson’s goal was an absolute rocket from outside of the box which left Roar keeper Jamie Young no chance.
This was an important point for City away from home ahead of three games at AAMI Park in the next four fixtures, including both of their next two matches.
City sits 11 points behind Sydney FC who are top of the table and has lost just one game this season.
With a big gap to make up, it is crucial that City win all of these home games if they are to have any chance of challenging for the premiership.
It’s been a rough start to the season for the Jets, having not won since the end of November where they were able to win two games in a row, their only wins for the season.
Newcastle last week faced Sydney and suffered a 2-1 loss at home, despite more possession and ten more shots.
The Jets will be eager to get its first win under caretaker manager Craig Deans after last weekend’s unlucky loss.
Last time they met
These teams met just over a month ago at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium, but it was City who came away with a comfortable 4-0 win.
Adrian Luna had a double within the first half hour before the now departed Javier Cabrera also got on the scoresheet early in the second half and Maclaren made it four just inside the hour mark.
What was said
Melbourne City FC captain Scott Jamieson
“It’s important that everyone does their bit to help people who are affected and help the animals who have been affected. Everyone’s fully aware of the devastation our country is going through. As a football club, if we can help in any way, I think that’s the most important thing.”
Team news
Two big names headline this week’s Team News.
When and where
City host Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Saturday 18 January in a blockbuster double header, kick off 7:30pm, before returning to AAMI Park in Round 16 to take on the in-form Perth Glory on Saturday 25 January.