One final assignment remains in 2025 for Melbourne City as Aurelio Vidmar’s side returns to AAMI Park on Sunday night for a clash with Perth Glory.
With one last showing in front of the City faithful ahead, we’ll be eager to close out a memorable calendar year on a positive note and build momentum heading into the new year.
It shapes as another important opportunity during a busy festive period, with City continuing a long run of home fixtures after an intense travel schedule earlier in the season. As attention turns to Perth’s visit, there are several key storylines to watch in City’s final outing of the year.
Ending 2025 on a high
It has been a year City supporters will remember fondly, highlighted by our Championship triumph back in May and a return to the continental stage in the AFC Champions League Elite.
City currently sits fourth in the East Region League Stage with two fixtures still to come in February, underlining the progress made on multiple fronts in 2025.
AAMI Park has once again proven a difficult venue for visiting sides, with City losing just twice at home in league action across the calendar year.
That strong foundation will give Vidmar’s men confidence as they look to deliver one more positive performance in front of our fans. Perth Glory arrive eager to end their own year on a high, but City will be determined to ensure the final performance of 2025 brings a late Christmas present to the City fans.
Building momentum at home
Sunday’s fixture marks City’s third consecutive home match, and while the performances have largely been there, the results haven’t quite followed in the past two games.
A narrow Derby defeat was followed by a 1-1 draw against Macarthur on Tuesday night, a match in which City dominated possession and territory but were unable to find a late winner.
That contest saw Aziz Behich open the scoring with a stunning free kick, only for Macarthur to respond quickly and hold firm under heavy pressure late.
While only one point was taken, the display showed plenty of encouraging signs as City continue to settle into a rhythm after a demanding run of fixtures. With a longer home stretch still to come, Sunday night shapes as an important chance to turn strong performances into maximum reward.
Are changes on the horizon?
With this match City’s third in eight days, some rotation could be considered, though short turnarounds have been a regular feature of the season due to continental commitments. Vidmar made just one change last time out, with Liam Bonetig introduced into defence and Kai Trewin shifting into midfield, a flexibility that again provides several tactical options.
There is also growing optimism around the availability of key personnel. Samuel Souprayen is edging closer to a return after Aurelio Vidmar confirmed post-match on Tuesday that the experienced defender was nearing full fitness, while Kavian Rahmani is in line to return from concussion protocols after missing the last two fixtures.
The teenager had been in outstanding form prior to his injury, scoring a match-winning goal in Newcastle and delivering a Player of the Match performance in Asia against FC Seoul.
With attacking options such as Andrew Nabbout and Medin Memeti also pushing for starting roles after recent cameos, Vidmar has no shortage of choices as City look to finish the year with a statement performance.
Fixture Details
Isuzu UTE A-League: Round 10
Melbourne City FC v Perth Glory
Sunday 28 December, 7:00pm
AAMI Park
GET TICKETS!
