Melbourne City FC will be looking to return to the winner’s list and strengthen their hold on a top-four position when they host Brisbane Roar in a blockbuster double header at AAMI Park on Sunday.
How to watch
Don’t miss our last regular season double header of the season! See our Women take on Brisbane Roar in a must-win clash at 4:30pm (AEDT), before our Men’s side face Adelaide United in what is set to be an enthralling A-League contest at 7:00pm (AEDT). Get your tickets here.
For those of you who can’t make it to AAMI Park on Sunday, the match will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 501 and SBS VICELAND.
You can also keep up with all the action as it happens by following our official Twitter account @MelbCityWFC.
Set the scene for me…
Another season-defining-League clash awaits fans at AAMI Park on Sunday, as City will be looking to make amends for last week’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory.
In a Melbourne Derby that ebbed and flowed, Patrick Kisnorbo’s side broke the deadlock early in the second period before eventually being undone by a spectacular Melina Ayres goal and Christina Gibbons strike from close range.
A dominant first-half showing by City saw them control proceedings and suffocate Victory when in possession with their press, but despite their dominance chances were few and far between.
As she has done for much of the season, Jess Fishlock continued to pull the strings in the midfield, as Victory appeared to allow Yukari Kinga to roam free throughout the middle of the park.
With scores locked at 0-0 at the break, the contest opened up in the second period, as American Ashley Hatch began to exploit the space in front of her.
City would go on to take the lead in the 61st minute, when Lauren Barnes whipped in a fierce free-kick which resulted in Laura Alleway putting the ball into the back of her own net.
City’s opener looked to have sparked Victory into action, with the home side equalising 10 minutes on when Melina Ayres struck from 35 yards.
Jeff Hopkins’ side wrestled back the momentum and secured all three points when Christina Gibbons pounced on an opportunistic effort from close range in the 81st minute.
With 10 minutes of additional time played, City pushed hard to find a late equaliser but it wasn’t to be as Kisnorbo’s side dropped vital points, setting up a must-win clash against ladder leaders Brisbane Roar.
City last faced Brisbane in Round 8 at Suncorp Stadium, where a comprehensive second-half performance by the Roar saw them down the Melbourne side 2-0.
It’s a result that Kisnorbo’s side will be looking to rectify as a loss could see their finals chances dissipate.
In saying that, it won’t come easy for City. Brisbane has been the benchmark team in the competition this season, registering seven wins and two losses.
Their star-studded line-up includes Matildas Clare Polkinghorne, Tameka Butt, Katrina Gorry, Mackenzie Arnold and Hayley Raso, as well as imports Carson Pickett, Cheung Wai Ki and Celeste Boureille.
Mel Andreatta’s side enjoyed a week off in Round 11 following three successive wins, and will no doubt be raring to go against the home side. But if there is anything that we have learned from this City team, it’s that they love the big occasion and will thrive on the pressure.
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 12
Sunday, 21 January 2018
Melbourne City FC vs Brisbane Roar
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 4:30pm (AEDT)
