The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointment when they host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Following an undefeated start to their 2018/19 Hyundai A-League season, City suffered their first loss in Round 3, going down 3-0 to reigning premiers Sydney FC.
Despite maintaining possession for much of the night, Warren Joyce’s side failed to capitalise on their ability to hold the ball, rarely testing Sydney shot-stopper Andrew Redmayne in goal.
Down the other end the Sky Blues proved to be too clinical, as Paulo Retre opened the scoring with a neat back heel before Englishman Adam Le Fondre netted a second-half double.
City may have won six of their past seven games against Wellington, but the team from New Zealand will be equally as determined to return to the winner’s list in the six-point clash.
Wellington is equal on points to City, registering one win, one draw and one loss to open the new campaign.
Like City, the Nix are also coming off a disappointing loss at home, suffering a 3-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers at Westpac Stadium last week.
Alexander Baumjohann opened the scoring for the visitors in the 11th minute, before Oriol Riera and Jordan O’Doherty sealed the points in the second period.
Team news
Nathaniel Atkinson and Connor Metcalfe return to the selection mix. See our full team news.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met Wellington broke a six-game losing streak against City, defeating them 2-1 at QBE Stadium in Round 27 last season.
Bruno Fornaroli opened the scoring in the 20th minute, before the Nix secured a come-from-behind victory courtesy of a Sarpreet Singh brace.
What was said
Wellington Phoenix defender Andrew Durante
“It’s going to be a really good battle and a test, City are considered a top four side so it’ll be good to see where we are at and how we bounce back. The coach wants to see a reaction from us so we’re going to make sure we do that.”
Melbourne City Head Coach Warren Joyce
“We’re focused on what we do and how we prepare and what we do with and without the ball. We’re not hiding from last week’s performance and we want to make sure we get the job done this week.”
Where and when
City host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park on Friday, 9 November, kick-off 7:50pm. Click here to get your tickets for the match!
