After back-to-back wins at AAMI Park, Melbourne City return to ctrl:cyber pitch this Sunday for a blockbuster clash with Sydney FC.
It’s the first time the two sides meet in Melbourne this season, and with confidence high and attacking combinations clicking, City will be looking to turn home advantage into another important result.
Fresh off a 3-1 win over Perth Glory, Michael Matricciani’s team comes into the match riding a wave of momentum, having claimed two wins in five days and scored five goals in the process.
A third straight victory would further boost City’s rise up the table, although a tough opponent awaits. Here are the key talking points ahead of Sunday’s fixture at home.
A GROWING ATTACK
Few players in the league are in better form than Holly McNamara right now.
The Matildas forward stole the show against the Glory with a clinical hat-trick and is beginning to form a dangerous partnership with Nigerian international Chinaza Uchendu, who continues to impress as a central striker.
Uchendu’s hold-up play and movement have created new opportunities for McNamara to drift deeper, drive at defenders, and influence the game from central areas, with City’s number 9 netting four goals in her last two games.
Against a typically well-organised Sydney backline, City’s front third will again be crucial.
SECOND TIME UP
This will be the first team City has faced twice this season, having opened the 2025/26 campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Sydney FC.
That day, Shelby McMahon and Aideen Keane got on the scoresheet as City came from behind to earn a share of the points on the road.
Much has changed since then. With more minutes under their belt and a growing sense of cohesion, City will be eager to turn one point into three this time around, especially with home support behind them.
A BATTLE OF THE MIDFIELD
With Laura Hughes and Shelby McMahon still sidelined, City’s midfield has had to adapt, and Leah Davidson has stepped up in a big way.
Her hat-trick of assists against Perth underlined her growing influence, and with Leticia McKenna dropping into a deeper role in the past two fixtures, the duo have continued to build a strong partnership.
City’s midfield will need to be at their best against a high-quality Sydney midfield led by Mackenzie Hawkesby and Sarah Hunter.
Whichever midfield duo gains control on Sunday could go a long way in deciding the outcome.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Ninja A-League: Round 11
Melbourne City FC v Sydney FC
Sunday 4 January, 5:00pm KO
ctrl:cyber Pitch
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