Melbourne City FC head into its first match of the pre-season on Wednesday as they take on Victorian PS4 NPL side Port Melbourne at JL Murphy Reserve. See our five things you need to know ahead of the encounter.
New season, new faces.
As City prepares for its first encounter of the pre-season, it will also sport a side that will consist of new signings and young NPL players vying for National Youth League and senior A-League contracts. Tuesday night’s encounter will see the likes of Ruon Tongyik, Bruce Kamau, Manny Muscat, Daniel Arzani and Luke Brattan have the chance to pull on the City shirt for the first time as they become accustomed to their new side. It will also be an opportunity for John van’t Schip and his new coaching staff to prepare for early August’s Westfield FFA Cup encounter.
Members free entry
Our 2016/17 members will have the chance to see the match for free on Tuesday night, giving our fans the chance to get their first taste of football for the upcoming season. With our NPL boys still vying for promotion, the chance to head out in a central location for mid-week football should be an opportunity all members must not miss. Our two matches with NPL opposition will be our last before we head to Perth for the FFA Cup Round of 32.
Not a member? Sign up today to receive guaranteed access to the match! Members will be sent an e-ticket to the match before the match. Print it out and bring it to the match.
Port Melbourne, how are they faring?
Wins: 6
Draws: 3
Losses: 12
Last 5 matches:
Northcote City: L 3-1
Heidelberg United: L 0-1
Green Gully: L 0-1
Pascoe Vale: L 3-0
Melbourne Knights: L 1-0
After a solid start to the season that saw punters asking if Port Melbourne were finals contenders this season, the Sharks have dramatically fallen off the pace, only winning one of its last ten matches. It’s last win, against bottom side Melbourne Victory, came in early June and Erik Vassiliadis’ men are now in danger of being dragged into the relegation equation if their form doesn’t change soon.
Who we should keep an eye on?
Although Port’s run of form has not been ideal, the Sharks have weapons in their side with plenty of bite. Jamie De Abreu is a fast winger with plenty of skill on the ball, netting four times this season and an ever-present threat in front of goal with former youth and senior player Adrian Zahra playing his part on the opposite wing.
A relatively young side, Port will have the legs to run out the contest, and make the match a 90 minute affair.
Squad list as of last match against Northcote City:
Luke GAVALAS (GK), Andrew VIOLA, James RICCOBENE, Jamie DE ABREU, Adrian Zahra, Alec GOOWIN, Alan KEARNEY, Sean KELLY, Jacob ELIOPOULOS, Michael STARK (GK), James KARVELIS, James GOULOPOULOS, Bonel OBRADOVIC, Trent MANICAS, Dennis KOUTROULIS, Anthony THOMAS.
Who, what, when, where?
City take on Port Melbourne on Wednesday 20 July at 7.15pm at JL Murphy Reserve. 430 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne.
Members will receive free entry to the match with their e-ticket. Prices for non-members are $10 for Adults and $5 for Juniors.
