The Clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games when they face Wellington Phoenix at QBE Stadium in Auckland on Saturday afternoon.
City are undefeated in four matches and fresh off their third successive win following a 1-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners last Saturday night at AAMI Park.
Following a dominant first-half showing, City opened the scoring shortly after the break when Bruno Fornaroli produced a brilliant turn and finish on the edge of the penalty area. Left-back Scott Jamieson assisted the Uruguayan striker with a driving low pass that was expertly put away by the attacker.
It’s a must-win clash for Joyce and his men as they look to secure third position ahead of next Friday night’s Elimination Final at AAMI Park, but it won’t be easy as they come up against a Wellington side who will be determined to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Phoenix are coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park, in which they led for majority of the match.
The side from New Zealand took the lead in the 23rd minute when Leigh Broxham found the back of his own net.
The Phoenix would then control possession before a heartbreaking final 10 minutes of play saw Leroy George equalise in the 83rd minute from the penalty spot before Kenny Athiu snatched all three points in the 87th minute.
Team News
City have named an unchanged squad for the trip to Auckland. See our full Team News.
Last time they met
Melbourne City FC defeated Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in Round 14 at AAMI Park in the last contest between the two teams.
Roy Krishna opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, before a late flurry saw City snatch the points courtesy of a Ross McCormack double.
What was said?
Head Coach Warren Joyce
“It’s the same as any other game this season. We trained well this week and there is no doubt we want to win. There has been a bit of consistency over the past few weeks and we want to build on that coming into the finals.”
Where and when?
City will travel to Auckland to play the Phoenix at QBE Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 7:50pm (AEDT), before hosting an Elimination Final at AAMI Park on Saturday 20 April. Elimination Final ticketing details will be released on Sunday with all pre-sale information.
