The clash
Melbourne City FC will host Western United for the first time when the two teams meet at AAMI Park on Friday 3 January in Round 13 of the Hyundai A-League season.
In what will be the first game of the New Year for both sides, they will be equally as determined to respond from losses in Round 12.
City suffered back-to-back league losses for the first time since Head Coach Erick Mombaerts took the reins when they were beaten 2-1 by ladder-leaders Sydney FC at Nestrata Jubilee Stadium on Sunday night.
Connor Metcalfe opened the scoring with a towering header when he met Craig Noone’s perfectly placed cross from a short corner, but City were unable to hold onto their lead, going down to a 10-man Sky Blues outfit following goals to Adam Le Fondre and Kosta Barbarouses.
Similarly, Western United will be eager to respond following their 3-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday.
A dominant display from the ‘Nix saw David Ball, Callum McCowatt and Ulises Davila all find the back of the net before Alessandro Diamanti scored from the penalty spot with one minute of regulation time remaining.
With both teams equally as determined to bounce back and Victorian bragging rights on the line, we’re set for a blockbuster clash under Friday night lights at AAMI Park.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was the first competitive game between the new Victorian rivals.
In Round 3 at GMHBA Stadium it was Jamie Maclaren who opened the scoring in the 32nd minute before Western United striker Besart Berisha levelled the scores from the penalty spot in the 66th minute. Just as the game looked headed for a stalemate, Maclaren popped up with an incredible finish to seal the points and first bragging right with five minutes of regulation time remaining.
Team news
A number of ins and outs in this week’s team news.
What was said
Melbourne City FC attacker Jamie Maclaren
“We really need to bounce back against a tough opponent in Western United and show everyone that we are a good team and we can be consistent in our performances.
Where and when
City host Western United at AAMI Park on Friday 3 January, kick-off 7:30pm. It’s set to be a cracker, so don’t miss out!
