The clash
Melbourne City will be eager to open the New Year with three points when they head to the Sunshine State to take on Brisbane Roar at Dolphin Stadium on Thursday 2 January.
After sitting out Round 7 with the bye, City will look to extend their unbeaten start to the season when they head north to take on the Roar.
Prior to the bye, Rado Vidosic’s side secured their fifth consecutive win with a 1-0 win over Perth Glory at ABD Stadium.
In a clash that City dominated, Vidosic’s side failed to capitalise on their opportunities until Rebekah Stott broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Steph Catley fired a fierce dead ball strike towards goal which cannoned off the crossbar falling to Kyah Simon, the attacker headed a looping effort which looked goal-bound before the Football Ferns international made sure the ball went over the line with a desperate effort to secure the three points.
Despite City’s strong start to the season, the team will need to be at their best to overcome a star-studded Brisbane Roar outfit who are full of confidence following a string of strong results.
Brisbane are unbeaten in their past four fixtures, including three wins, and are coming off a 2-1 win over a resilient Newcastle Jets outfit in Round 7 at Lions FC Stadium.
Tara Andrews opened the scoring for the Jets on the 22nd minute mark with a fierce strike before Brisbane captain Claire Polkinghorne levelled the scores on the cusp of half time.
A dominant second half performance from the hosts saw Hollie Palmer secure the points with a 69th minute strike in a match that saw former City midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight make her first appearance of the season with a second half cameo as she returns from injury.
With both teams entering the match in good form and both battling it out for a top four finish, we’re set for an entertaining clash at Dolphin Stadium on Thursday night!
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was in Round 11 last season as Brisbane Roar pinched a 1-0 victory at AAMI Park on Friday 11 January.
It was a tale of missed opportunities for City who dominated the contest and the play in the attacking third but were unable to capitalise, including a missed penalty from Elise Kellond-Knight. Brisbane’s defence held firm and were rewarded for their efforts when a swift counter led to Chioma Ubogagu’s 74th minute winner.
Team news
Rhali Dobson returns as we name our Round 8 squad. See who’s in and who’s out in our Team News.
How to watch
The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports! You can also stream it on Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
Where and when
City head to Queensland to take on Brisbane Roar at Dolphin Stadium on Thursday 2 January, kick off 7:30pm, before returning to Melbourne to host Canberra United at ABD Stadium on Thursday 9 January, kick off 7:30pm. Get your tickets here!
