It’s been a long wait… 20 days in fact, but it’s finally almost time to welcome our City boys back to the pitch.
An international break immediately followed by our first bye of the season meant a far longer layoff than usual following our huge road win over Perth Glory.
Here’s what to look out for as we finally welcome our boys back to the pitch.
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ANY SIGNS OF RUST?
While the extended break did allow us to freshen up, it came at a less-than-ideal time, halting our momentum after what was a mostly strong start to the season.
Other than a disappointing Melbourne Derby, we’re three wins from three to start the season – including two strong performances on the road.
The most recent of these was a memorable win over Perth. The dominant display was headlined by a rare Steven Ugarkovic first-half double.
Our next challenge comes this evening with the Western Sydney Wanderers coming to town.
Things have been far from smooth sailing for Alan Stajcic in his first season at the helm, taking just four points from their first five games.
This rough start also includes two Derby defeats, the most recent coming last weekend in a disappointing display at Allianz Stadium.
There’s no doubt that Stajcic will have his team breathing fire fresh off that loss, so Aurelio Vidmar will have to ensure we are up for the fight right from kick off and there are no signs of rust following our long layoff.
KEEPING FAITH IN THE YOUTH
While it now seems a little while to cast the mind back to, last time out saw an Academy link-up which we hope was a sign of things to come.
Kavian Rahmani – on professional debut – started the foray forward, driving into the middle of the park and playing Ben Dunbar who laid it off straight back to him.
The 17-year-old then whipped in an inch-perfect cross to Medin Memeti, the third Academy graduate involved in the move, who tapped home his first senior goal.
Vidmar showed plenty of faith in the youth across the 90 minutes, Memeti (17 years old) receiving his first start, Zane Schreiber (19) starting his second consecutive game, plus of course the cameos from the aforementioned Academy graduates.
Captain Aziz Behich is likely to come straight into the XI after returning from selection, but given the strong showings from the younger brigade, the likes of Jimmy Jeggo and Germán Ferreyra are far from certain starters.
PICKING UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF
Last week’s bye means our ladder position isn’t quite reflective of our season to date.
Our four fixtures on the horizon pre-Christmas could see us cement a position at the top end of the table, with three of those to be played in Melbourne.
Following this weekend we’re off to Brisbane for a Friday night clash against the Roar, before returning to AAMI Park for our inaugural meeting with Auckland FC then an away Melbourne Derby.
It shapes up as the perfect chance to finish the season with a flurry of wins to ensure we bring plenty of momentum into 2025.
MATCH DETAILS
A-League Men: Round 6
Melbourne City FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 30 November, 5:00pm KO
AAMI Park
