Melbourne City will be looking to return from the A-League Women’s international break with a bang when we face Canberra United in the nation’s capital on Saturday.
With just six matches remaining before Finals, City remains remarkably undefeated, extending our streak to 20 matches across all competitions.
As the business end of the season approaches, three points will be crucial in maintaining the team’s dominance at the top of the table.
Here are all the key talking points ahead of Saturday’s clash:
More History Awaits
Much has been made of City’s incredible undefeated run, which has now stretched to 20 games across all competitions.
Since taking charge, Head Coach Michael Matricciani has yet to taste defeat, guiding the team through three unbeaten AFC Women’s Champions League fixtures and an impressive 17-game streak in the Ninja A-League.
Now, City has the chance to etch its name in the competition’s history books. Avoiding defeat on Saturday will see the team equal the A-League Women’s all-time longest unbeaten streak, a record currently shared by Brisbane Roar, Canberra United, and City ourselves—having first achieved the feat across our inaugural 18 matches in the competition.
Matricciani’s squad has already rewritten the record books on multiple occasions this season, and they’ll have their sights set on another milestone this weekend.
Staying Clinical in Front of Goal
City began the season in lethal form in front of goal, but a slight dip saw the team average just one goal per game over a six-match stretch to start 2025.
However, the attacking spark returned in emphatic fashion with a dominant 5-1 win over Western United three weeks ago, followed by back-to-back victories over Newcastle (2-0) and Sydney FC (2-1) heading into the international break.
Despite the brief scoring slump (if you can even call it that), City leads the league in big chances created per 90 minutes, highlighting that creativity has never been an issue. Converting those chances will be key to securing another strong performance.
Rhianna Pollicina, who leads the league in assists, will play a crucial role in the attacking build-up, meanwhile, the usual suspects in Mariana Speckmaier and Lourdes Bosch will also be eyeing big performances to ensure City remains potent in front of goal.
A Crucial Game for Both Teams
With the business end of the season here, every match takes on extra significance. The prospect of back-to-back Premiers Plate wins is creeping closer, but it’s essential that City continues to pick up points and prevent our closest challengers from gaining ground.
City currently sits seven points clear at the top of the table but has played an extra game compared to our nearest rivals. Maintaining momentum will be vital in securing silverware.
For Canberra, the stakes are just as high but for a different reason. Currently sitting one point and goal difference outside the top six, United is deep in the race for Finals and will be desperate to keep their push alive.
Canberra has been on a solid run of form, going unbeaten in its last five matches with two wins and three draws. Given what’s at stake for both teams, Saturday’s clash is shaping up to be an intense battle.
Fixture Details
A-League Women: Round 17
Canberra United v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 1 March, 4:00pm KO
McKellar Park
Live on 10play and Paramount+
