The clash
Melbourne City FC return to action this week, going head-to-head with cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 16 February.
It’s been just under a month since Rado Vidosic’s team last took to the field in the Westfield W-League, where they defeated Newcastle Jets 2-0 at AAMI Park in Round 10.
Milica Mijatovic opened the scoring inside the first seven minutes, blasting her effort home from inside the area. Following a dominant display, Emily van Egmond sealed the points against the side she previously captained with a brilliant low drive from range.
A bye and international break later, City are back in action when they take on Melbourne Victory in what is set to be an enthralling encounter between two sides that have it all to play for.
From one in-form team to another, Melbourne Victory haven’t suffered defeat since going down 1-0 to Melbourne City in Round 5.
Since then, Jeff Hopkins’ side has recorded one draw followed by four consecutive wins. Their most recent victory came in Round 11, where they defeated Canberra United 3-0 at Lakeside Stadium – the same venue that they will host City at this weekend.
An impressive performance from their attackers saw Melina Ayres register a first-half brace before captain Natasha Dowie sealed the points with a strike in 77th minute.
With Victory eager to secure a top-four finish and a spot in the 2019/20 finals series and City eagerly as keen to move one step closer to lifting the Premiers Plate, we are set for an enthralling contest between two fierce rivals that bring out the best in each other.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was in Round 5, where Yukari Kinga’s late heroics ensured that City’s winning streak would continue.
Starting with Lauren Barnes in defence, the American played it out to Emily van Egmond who slipped it through to skipper Steph Catley. Catley then played a dangerous cut back which sat perfectly for the Japanese star to blast it home and secure a memorable derby win at ABD Stadium.
Team news
January signing Ally Watt is a chance to make her debut!
What was said
Melbourne City FC defender Rebekah Stott
“It’s the biggest game of the year for us. We definitely want to win and if we do, we could potentially be the premiers.”
Where and when
Melbourne City take on Melbourne Victory at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 16 February, kick off 4:00pm, before travelling to Western Sydney to take on the Wanderers next Thursday 20 February at Marconi Stadium, kick off 7:30pm.
Vidosic’s side return to AAMI Park in the final game of the regular season on Sunday 1 March, where they will host Brisbane Roar in a blockbuster double header.
