It’s been a long time between fixtures on home soil, but Melbourne City will finally return to domestic action this Sunday with a home clash against Wellington Phoenix.
After an extended block away – first for the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage in Thailand, followed by last weekend’s international break – Michael Matricciani’s side is back in Ninja A-League action and looking to continue their strong early-season momentum.
Here are the major talking points heading into Sunday.
Rust or rest?
By the time City walks out at the ctrl:cyber Pitch on Sunday, close to three weeks will have passed since our last competitive outing, and almost a month since our most recent Ninja A-League appearance.
A few days off after returning from the undefeated AWCL Group Stage hub were well-earned, but Matricciani and his staff have since enjoyed a rare stretch to reset, recharge and prepare specifically for Wellington. Whether that long gap results in freshness or a touch of rust will be one of the early storylines to watch.
Wellington, meanwhile, hasn’t exactly been overloaded with football either. They’ve played only once since our AWCL campaign – a well-earned 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory, sealed by Pia Vlok’s first-half strike. After drawing in their opening two fixtures, the Phoenix also enter this match undefeated, adding another wrinkle to an intriguing matchup.
Another undefeated streak brewing
Last year’s historic run – a remarkable 28 games undefeated across all competitions and an invincible home-and-away league campaign – set a benchmark few clubs anywhere in the world have matched. While no one inside the dressing room is looking that far ahead, City’s current form has quietly laid the foundations for another impressive streak.
Matricciani’s side is five unbeaten to start the season, combining an opening-round draw away to Sydney FC with a dominant 4-0 home win over Central Coast Mariners.
That momentum only grew in Thailand, where City stormed through the AWCL Group Stage with three wins from three, 15 goals scored and three consecutive clean sheets.
With a busy domestic run ahead, Sunday presents the chance to carry that form back into league play and keep building steadily – not toward records, but toward consistency and rhythm.
Almost a full squad to pick from
If the long break has delivered one clear positive, it’s recovery time. City heads into the weekend with the healthiest squad we’ve seen all season.
Bryleeh Henry remains the only confirmed absentee as she continues her steady return from a back injury, but the rest of the group is in strong shape.
Ellie Wilson (concussion), Karly Roestbakken (knee) and Chinaza Uchendu (hamstring) all missed fixtures earlier in the campaign through injury, but have been named in the extended squad for Sunday.
Attacking stars Holly McNamara and Deven Jackson also return after being on opposite sides of the recent Matildas–Football Ferns friendly series. Both have banked valuable match minutes and should be among the sharper players on the pitch after the break.
Fixture Details
Ninja A-League: Round 6
Melbourne City FC v Wellington Phoenix
Sunday 7 December, 3:00pm
ctrl:cyber Pitch, City Football Academy
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