Melbourne City has locked in our squads for a massive weekend of A-Leagues action, with our Women set to light up Gosford on Friday night before attention turns to Saturday’s Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park.
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For City’s Women, Friday night’s clash shapes as our final outing for almost a month, with the Ninja A-League set to pause for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Michael Matricciani’s side will be eager to head into the break with momentum, and the return of captain Rebekah Stott provides a timely boost.
The experienced defender is back in the squad after missing last weekend’s match following thumb surgery. Her inclusion adds leadership and composure to the backline as City look to finish this block of fixtures strongly, while Izabella Rako has again been promoted to the extended group.
Laura Hughes remains sidelined with a knee injury but is progressing well through her rehabilitation and is on track to be in the mix for selection following the international break.
24 hours later, focus shifts to the Men’s Melbourne Derby under the lights, with Aurelio Vidmar’s side returning to domestic competition for the first time in a couple of weeks.
City head into the clash on the back of a successful continental stretch, having secured qualification to the AFC Champions League Elite knockout stages for the first time in Club history.
With our Round of 16 tie now locked in against Buriram United, attention turns back to the Isuzu UTE A-League and a huge Derby opportunity.
Vidmar has been handed a welcome selection boost, with four inclusions to the extended squad.
Harrison Delbridge could be set for his first domestic appearance since rejoining the Club, having already featured in the AFC Champions League Elite last week.
Young winger Kavian Rahmani is also in line for a league return after overcoming the knee injury that sidelined him for over a month. After building minutes in back-to-back continental fixtures, he shapes as an exciting option once again in A-League action.
Emin Durakovic and Besian Kutleshi have both been promoted, further strengthening City’s depth ahead of what promises to be a high-intensity contest. With those four inclusions, Peter Antoniou and Lawrence Wong have been omitted from the extended group.
Round 18 ALW Squad
3. Danielle TURNER, 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia MCKENNA, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK).
In: 10. Izabella RAKO (promoted), 13. Rebekah STOTT (returns from injury).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 2. Ellie WILSON (ankle), 14. Laura HUGHES (knee).
Round 18 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 4. Liam BONETIG, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 21. Alessandro LOPANE, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 44. Besian KUTLESHI, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
In: 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE (new signing), 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 44. Besian KUTLESHI (both promoted), 47. Kavian RAHMANI (returns from injury).
Out: 37. Peter ANTONIOU, 41. Lawrence WONG (both omitted).
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 10. Takeshi KANAMORI (knee), 11. Elbasan RASHANI (hamstring), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (calf).
