We’re set for an intriguing contest at AAMI Park on Sunday as Melbourne City takes on Wellington. See the five things we are looking forward to.
180 minutes of action
One game at AAMI Park is good but two games are even better! Our A-League and W-League double header is back this Sunday and we can’t wait to welcome our Championship-winning women’s side back to the scene of their 2015/16 triumph.
Better yet, it’s a Melbourne Derby and we have the chance to make it four from four in all competitions against Victory with wins in the A-League, Westfield FFA Cup and National Youth League so far this season.
It’s the homecoming we have been waiting for and we can’t wait for both matches on Sunday.
Colazo returns
Our marquee man is back this weekend after being out of action since the Round 2 Melbourne Derby and we’re excited to see what he can bring to a team that has already showed positive signs without him.
An aerial clash in Round 1 saw Colazo pick up a perforated ear drum that worsened after the Derby at Etihad Stadium. The former BOCA Juniors man required surgery to repair the damage which has seen him sit out more than a month with the delicate nature of the injury.
His class in the opening two rounds was immense and his delivery from set pieces has been something we have been missing in the past month, which was the source of so many goals last season with Aaron Mooy standing over the ball.
You can’t keep Bruno quiet
It’s not often Bruno Fornaroli is kept quiet on the scoresheet and it’s even more peculiar that the Uruguayan superstar doesn’t bounce back the week after.
The UFC boys were out at CFA Melbourne this week but we had our taste of some of the action last Friday night as Bruno was man-handled by the Western Sydney defence, in most part, without referee support.
His hold up play should not be something we discourage in the game, it’s an art form, and if defenders can’t deal with it legally, then they’ll have to find solutions. Despite this, ‘El Tuna’ will look to return to his goal scoring ways in the place he now calls home and we can’t wait to see what he has to offer.
Wellington’s record at AAMI
There’s no hiding Wellington’s record at AAMI Park against City in the last couple of season and we think that trend will continue on Sunday.
2013 was the last time the Nix picked up three points against us on the road and in that time, they have conceded 13 goals in five matches.
There is no doubt the Nix will be rested and refreshed from their week off and there is plenty of talent in their squad but with our current squad and form so far this season, we think we should be able to get maximum points out of Sunday’s contest.
Cup final looming
Although the focus is on this week, it’s hard not to think about Wednesday’s massive Westfield FFA Cup Final.
There is no better preparation for one of the biggest matches in the Club’s history than three points on Sunday and a relatively quiet recovery room after the match will be a bonus.
Although the turn-around will be shorter than Sydney’s, who play on Saturday, there is no doubt the home ground advantage will play a massive role for us with the Sky Blues only travelling twice out of New South Wales so far this season.
Three points is first on the agenda…But our first prize is just on the horizon.
