Melbourne City FC will be looking to improve on last week’s disappointing result when it again takes on Melbourne Victory this Sunday.
The clash
City last week were beaten convincingly by their cross-town rival and it’s been a big week on the track for Rado Vidosic’s squad as they aim for a big turnaround on that result.
Victory led 0-2 at half time and City did have a couple of early chances to get back into the match but couldn’t find the back of the net, before Victory capitalised and scored four goals in the final 20 minutes to record a big win.
Plenty of lessons will have been taken out of that fixture as City now have the opportunity to immediately improve on that result with the unique situation of back to back derbies.
Prior to that result, City fought a scoreless draw against Brisbane Roar and conceded in stoppage time to go down 2-1 away from home against Canberra United.
The opening goal of our @WLeague season was an absolute 🚀from the head of @jen_mccormick.#CBRvMCY #WLeague pic.twitter.com/Yf0JIoEug3
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 3, 2021
Matilda Alex Chidiac last week made her first appearance since returning to the Club, coming off the bench for the final half an hour after having completed hotel quarantine earlier in the week.
Now with another week of training under her belt, expect to see a lot more of her controlling City’s midfield.
We also are likely to see her team up with Chinatsu Kira for an extended period after sharing the pitch for 15 minutes last match.
It’s been a big week on the track for City as it looks to record its first win of the season and gain some momentum as the squad continues to get closer to full strength and full fitness.
Team news
Captain Emma Checker is back as she returns from a stress fracture and is available to make her first appearance of the season!
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Teagan MICAH (gk), 3.Teigen ALLEN, 5.Tori TUMETH, 7.Julia SARDO, 8.Hollie PALMER, 10.Chinatsu KIRA, 11.Rhali DOBSON, 12.Harriet WITHERS, 13.Sarah CAIN, 14.Margot ROBINNE, 15. Emma CHECKER (c), 17.Sam JOHNSON, 18.Leah DAVIDSON, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 20.Lia MULDEARY, 21.Jenna McCORMICK, 23.Melissa BARBIERI (gk).
**2-4 to be omitted**
Ins: 15. Emma CHECKER (returns from injury), 20. Lia MULDEARY (promoted).
Outs:
Unavailable: 4.Chelsea BLISSETT (ACL), 16.Sofia SAKALIS (ACL).
What was said
“We spoke quite openly after last week’s game about what was going on and how we need to improve. We’ve been working extremely hard on the training pitch and making sure our game plan is right and it doesn’t happen again.”
-Alex Chidiac
Match details
Westfield W-League Round 4
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City
Epping Stadium
Sunday January 17, 4.05pm
