Melbourne City FC will be looking to bounce back and pick up three points on Monday night when it takes on Wellington Phoenix.
City had been on a roll, winning six consecutives matches before succumbing to defeat on Thursday night against Western United, despite recording 27 shots to nine.
One of the big factors in the win-streak was the play of Craig Noone who has been a big threat in his second season at the Club.
How cheeky was this from Nooney to equalise? 😅🍟
📹 @FOXFOOTBALL#CmonCity | #MCYvWSW | #ALeague pic.twitter.com/xqmRweGDQm
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) March 26, 2021
Also plying his trade down the left hand side while also playing in an attacking midfield role at some stages this season is Wellington gun Reno Piscopo.
Piscopo missed the Phoenix’s last match due to calf tightness but is on track to return for this fixture.
Although both players are almost at opposite ends of their careers, they have had big influences on the way their team has played this season and will again be looking to have a big impact on Monday.
Noone has seen more time on the pitch this season, starting in all 13 of City’s fixtures while Piscopo has made nine appearances – starting all but one.
This means the City winger has seen a little over 400 more minutes, important to remember when comparing the raw numbers.
What a finish this was from Nooney for our first of the night! 🔥🔥🔥#MCYvWUN #ALeague #CmonCity pic.twitter.com/SSxt5Te5Wx
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 16, 2021
At 53%, Piscopo boasts the higher duel win rate, with Noone winning 43.3% of his but having also competed in almost double that of his Phoenix counterpart.
Piscopo does see slightly more of the ball and also passes it at a more efficient rate, finding a teammate 82.2% of the time, while Noone’s has a passing success rate of 71.1%.
The goal-scoring and creating metrics is where Noone has really shined this season, while Piscopo’s numbers are a little lower.
𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 '𝑪'.
Nooney and Luna combine for the opener away from home!
📽 @FOXFOOTBALL#CmonCity #CCMvMCY #ALeague pic.twitter.com/a7en9AfJJ3
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) February 3, 2021
Noone has made 40 key passes for four assists as part of a deadly front three with Jamie Maclaren and Andrew Nabbout.
Piscopo has assisted twice this season from his total of 12 key passes and has also found the back of the net once.
On the other hand, Noone has scored five times this season with three coming from his right boot and two on the left.
Both players keep referee’s busy; Piscopo having won a huge 31 fouls and Noone 16, while both have been cautioned once this season.
