The clash
Melbourne City FC’s attention turns to a blockbuster clash with Sydney FC at Jubilee Stadium to close out 2019 on Sunday 29 December.
The match of the round will see City travel to Sydney to take on the first-placed Sky Blues for the very first time this season.
Erick Mombaerts’ men will be looking to respond from their 1-2 loss to Melbourne Victory in the annual Christmas Derby at AAMI Park in Round 11.
Ola Toivonen’s first half brace handed Marco Kurz’s team a 2-0 advantage at the break before Harrison Delbridge powered home a towering header, his first goal for the Club, in a bid to get his side back into the contest. Despite City’s best efforts, Victory’s defence stood tall to deny the hosts, handing them a vital three points.
Similarly, Sydney FC trailed in Round 11, before finding a late equaliser to earn a share of the spoils against an in-form Wellington Phoenix outfit at Westpac Stadium in New Zealand.
Adam Le Fondre opened the scoring in the 14th minute with an intelligent finish before the ‘Nix fought back to take a 2-1 lead into the break thanks to goals from Reno Piscopo and Ulises Davila. A Steven Taylor own goal in the 56th minute would go on to undo Wellington’s strong finish to the first half and hand the Sky Blues a point away from home.
With both team’s eager to return to winning ways, we’re set for an intriguing battle as the competition’s two most consistent teams this season battle it out for the first time.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was back in March, as City secured an impressive 2-0 win over the Sky Blues at Leichhart Oval.
Following a goalless first half in Sydney, Shayon Harrison opened the scoring in the 62nd minute before Paulo Retre’s own goal would secure the result for the visitors.
Team news
Our Round 12 squad is in! See who’s in and who’s out in our Team News.
What was said
Melbourne City FC midfielder Josh Brillante
“We’ll attack them, get stuck in and be aggressive and be on the front foot.”
Where and when
City take on Sydney FC at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Sunday 29 December, kick off 6:30pm, before returning to AAMI Park in the New Year to host Western United FC for the very first time on Friday 3 January, kick off 7:30pm, don’t miss it!
