The clash
Head Coach Erick Mombaerts and his men will be eager to make it four games unbeaten to open the 2019/20 season when they host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park on Sunday.
After opening the season with a 0-0 Melbourne Derby draw, City claimed back-to-back wins, securing three points over both Adelaide United and Western United.
Last weekend’s 2-1 win over A-League newcomers Western United was a historic first game to remember for the team in City blue. In the Club’s first ever match at GMHBA Stadium, Jamie Maclaren’s first half strike saw the team take a 1-0 lead into the break.
City were reduced to 10-men in the second period as Harrison Delbridge received a second yellow card for a handball in the penalty area, Besart Berisha stepped up to the spot, converting his spot kick and levelling the scores.
With five minutes of regulation time remaining Josh Brillante’s looping ball forwards was run onto by Maclaren who produced a piece of brilliance with an expertly timed first-time finish to secure the win and a vital three points away from home with 10-men.
Mombaerts’ men now face a Wellington Phoenix outfit who will be eager to secure their first win of the season.
The ‘Nix opened their campaign at Westpac Stadium where they suffered a 1-0 loss to Western United, before travelling to Leichhart Oval and conceding a late goal which saw them go down 2-1 to Sydney FC. In Round 3, Wellington returned to New Zealand where two first half strikes from Perth Glory saw the ‘Nix suffer back-to-back 2-1 losses.
Bruno Fornaroli opened his Glory account with a close range finish before Christ Ikonomidis doubled the visitors lead. Ulises Davila converted a 90+5 minute penalty which proved to be merely a consolation goal for the side who will be looking to hit back at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Unbeaten in their past 13 Hyundai A-League games at AAMI Park, City will be looking to make it seven consecutive wins over Wellington at the same venue.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was in Round 26 of last season, as Roy Krishna’s 90+4’ minute winner sunk City at Westpac Stadium.
Krishna opened the scoring in the 27th minute, before Riley McGree hit back on the stroke of half time. The ‘Nix regained the lead six minutes into the second period, before McGree levelled the scoring once again. Despite coming from behind on two occasions, City were undone by stoppage time strike from Wellington’s star attacker.
Team news
Four youngsters are promoted in this week’s team. For City’s full Team News.
What was said?
Melbourne City FC Head Coach Erick Mombaerts
“We need to be strong in transition, we want to control the game with possession-based football. We know that we need to be very organised with our transition football to win the match.”
Where and when?
City host back-to-back games at AAMI Park, starting with Wellington Phoenix on Sunday 3 November, kick-off 4:00pm, before taking on Central Coast Mariners next Friday 8 November, kick-off 7:30pm. Get your tickets here!
