The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to continue the winning momentum against Wellington Phoenix, following their enthralling come-from-behind win on Tuesday night.
Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side took the lead inside the first 31 seconds, as Ritchie De Laet rounded the keeper before finding the back of the net, registering the Club’s fastest goal in history.
Despite the hosts taking an early lead, the Wanderers hit back when Roly Bonevacia finished clinically from the penalty spot. The entertaining start to the match continued in the 38th minute, as Luke Brattan nutmegged Nick Fitzgerald before blasting the ball into the top corner from range to make it 2-1 at the break.
Markus Babbel’s men looked determine to find a way back into the contest and did so soon after the break. In the 49th minute, Tass Mourdoukoutas nodded home at the back post before Jaushua Sotirio curled in an effort from range to hand the visitors a 3-2 lead.
With 10 minutes of play remaining, City needed a hero or two and up stepped De Laet and Bart Schenkeveld. With six-minutes of regulation time remaining, De Laet secured his brace, levelling the scores with a fierce strike from the edge of the box before Schenkeveld sealed a dramatic win with a thumping header in the fourth minute of additional time.
City will look to make it two wins on the trot when they travel across the Tasman to take on the ‘Nix at Westpac Stadium.
Mark Rudan’s side has been one of the most in-form teams of the competition over the past month, meaning Saturday evening’s clash won’t be easy.
The ‘Nix will be looking to bounce back following their disappointing 1-0 loss to Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium on Wednesday night.
Siem de Jong opened the scoring for the Sky Blues in the 25th minute from close range, before the home side had a golden opportunity to hit back from the penalty spot. Roy Krishna stepped up to take with five minutes to play, although he was denied by a brilliant stop from Sydney shot-stopper Andrew Redmayne who picked which way the Wellington forward would shoot.
Team news
It’s an unchanged side for City as they head across the ditch for the contest. See our full team news.
Last time they met
City defeated Wellington 2-0 at AAMI Park in Round 4.
An exquisite strike from Ritchie De Laet opened the scoring, before Bruno Fornaroli curled in an effort in the second-half to secure the points against a resilient Phoenix outfit.
What was said
Head Coach Warren Joyce
“All sides are dangerous in this league. They have a method of playing, they’ve got players who suit their style and experienced players as well that know the league. It’s no shock to anyone they are getting results because they are a well-oiled unit”
Where and when
City take on Wellington at Westpac Stadium on Saturday 26 January, kick-off 5:35pm (AEDT), before travelling to Sydney take on the Sky Blues at Jubilee Stadium on Sunday 3 February.
