The clash
An intriguing clash between City and Western Sydney awaits on Sunday night as the hosts look to bounce back from their first loss of the season last week.
City’s perfect record was blemished last Friday against Sydney however City still sit second on the league table, two points behind the reigning Champions.
The Wanderers are one of three teams still unbeaten in the league however, their four draws and one win record sees them sit five points behind City in fourth.
All eyes will be on the Wanderers and how they line up this week with new coach Josep Gombau at the helm for the first time. It’s still yet to be seen what changes he will make to the side but it will be the unknown for City in this one.
Warren Joyce’s men have been consistent in their performances this season and don’t expect too much to change them. With only two goals against them this season, their defensive side of the game has improved as they look to get their scoring boots on this week, being held to nil by Sydney last week.
Team News
Osama Malik returns for City this week after serving his one-match suspension picked up against Adelaide. See our full team news here.
Last time they met
It was a day to forget for City as they were defeated 3-1 last time out against the Wanderers in March. Brendon Santalab was the man who would be the difference between the sides as his hat-trick secured the result at Spotless Stadium after Neil Kilkenny opened the scoring early in the match.
Stats and facts
- None of the last 11 games between these teams has seen the same result in consecutive games, with the last fixture between these teams ending in a 3-1 victory to the Wanderers.
- Melbourne City have won three of their last four meetings with the Wanderers at AAMI Park, including each of the last two.
- 10 of the Wanderers’ last 13 goals against Melbourne City have come in the second half.
- Melbourne City have scored three goals from outside the box this campaign, more than any other team.
- Bruce Kamau has a shot conversion rate of 60%, the best of any player to have attempted at least five shots this campaign.
Where and when
City take on the Wanderers on Sunday at AAMI Park, kick-off 7pm. Our W-League side will also be in action on Sunday as they face Newcastle, kick-off 4.30pm. Click here to get your tickets for the double header!
