Following a disappointing result at home on Sunday night, Melbourne City FC will be back in action in the A-League when it takes on Central Coast on Wednesday night.
The clash
City could’ve counted itself unlucky going into half-time on Sunday night with the score locked away at 1-1, with a handful of chances missed in the opening 45 minutes.
Perth opened scoring in the 11th minute before Jamie Maclaren pulled one back for City not long before the break.
Goal number 2️⃣ of the season for Macca.
📽 @FOXFOOTBALL#MCYvPER #ALeague #CmonCity pic.twitter.com/P8BvuFBzuw
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 31, 2021
Although City dominated possession, had more shots on target and passed the ball better – it was Glory who were the more clinical and took their chances when they presented themselves, leading to a 1-3 win to the away side.
The result now leaves City with two wins and two losses to show from its first four fixtures and in eighth place on the table – although it is just three points away from the Mariners who sit second.
With five games under its belt, Central Coast have been one of the biggest surprises of the season picking up three wins and probably being unlucky to go down to Wellington in its most recent fixture.
Despite have 11 more shots and double the shots on target of the Phoenix, Central Coast lost 1-2 at home on Sunday.
With both teams coming into this mid-week clash off the back of home losses, it’s a big three points on the line so expect a fierce contest from both teams.
This is the middle game of three fixtures in eight days for City so Patrick Kisnorbo may look to make some changes to his squad. While it’s still early in the season, we’ve already seen just how much depth City have across the pitch so should the likes of Stefan Colakovski or Marco Tilio be called on, we know they have what it takes to perform.
Nathaniel Atkinson returned from a hamstring injury on Sunday making his first appearance of the season, while Florin Berenguer also came off the bench and Scott Jamieson was an unused substitute.
Team news
Portuguese defender Nuno Reis has been named in City’s squad for the first time after having completed hotel quarantine late last week.
🇵🇹 Our new man will be wearing number 4️⃣#CmonCity pic.twitter.com/4TKsSZU3PK
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) February 1, 2021
Rostyn Griffiths has also recovered from the injury that kept him out of our last match against Perth and makes his return to the squad.
Melbourne City FC squad
1.Tom GLOVER (gk), 2.Scott GALLOWAY, 3. Scott JAMIESON (c), 4. Nuno REIS, 7. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9.Jamie MACLAREN, 10.Florin BERENGUER-BOHRER, 11.Craig NOONE, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 14.Naoki TSUBAKI, 16.Taras GOMULKA, 17.Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 18.Connor METCALFE, 19.Ben GARUCCIO, 20. Adrian LUNA, 22.Curtis GOOD, 23.Marco TILIO, 33.Matthew SUTTON (gk), 35. Raphael BORGES RODRIGUES, 36.Kerrin STOKES.
**2-4 to be omitted**
Ins: 4. Nuno REIS (completed quarantine), 7. Rostyn GRIFFITHS (returns from injury).
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 15. Andrew NABBOUT (hamstring).
Match Details
A-League Round 6
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City FC
Wednesday 3 February, kick-off 7.05pm
Bluetongue Stadium
