Melbourne City are back at AAMI Park this Friday night to host Sydney FC following a week and a half on the road.
That trip saw a pair of contrasting results, an AFC Champions League win over Buriram United in Thailand coming before a disappointing defeat away to Adelaide in Round 2 of the A-League Men’s.
Here’s what to keep an eye on when we look to bounce back on Friday night.
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A new face at the helm
It was announced on Wednesday that Rado Vidosic has departed the Club by mutual agreement, with Aurelio Vidmar to step in for the remainder of the season.
Assistant Coaches Scott Jamieson and Petr Kratky, along with Goalkeeper Coach, Mike van Houten, will remain in their existing roles as Vidmar takes the reins for the first time on Friday.
He didn’t waste any time getting hands-on with his players, meeting the squad and in at the Club from Wednesday once the team returned to training following last week’s away trip.
A former Socceroos captain in his playing days, Vidmar’s coaching career began with Adelaide United, before spending time in the Australian national team youth set-up as well as Thailand.
Now set to take charge in Melbourne for the first time this weekend, City fans will be hoping to see plenty of goals under our new Head Coach.
A much-needed three points on the line
There’s no sugar coating it’s been a disappointing start to the season, but the chance to kickstart our ALM campaign comes this Friday at home.
Sydney FC will be coming to town as Vidmar looks to begin his coaching tenure with what shapes up to be a crucial three points.
It won’t be easy against a Sydney FC side who are also desperate for a win after having dropped their first two games, but City will be looking to replicate the form shown in our ACL campaign.
Now having returned home and with no midweek games to contend with, expect to see a refreshed City side out on AAMI Park, eager to put recent league results behind us and do everything it takes to secure the three points.
City fans will be hoping to see the return of Tolgay Arslan after the star midfielder missed last weekend’s clash, while a first start is nearing closer for Leo Natel after he played the entire second half last time out.
Our busy schedule continues
After a tough start to the season domestically, a busy schedule could come as a blessing in disguise.
Three games are on the agenda in the next nine days as we face Buriram United in the ACL between our next two league fixtures.
This provides a great chance for City to build some momentum and currently sitting three points clear on top of our ACL group, Vidmar will be aiming to translate that form in Asia to the A-League.
Following the Sydney FC clash, Buriram United will be coming to town midweek, before we face Macarthur FC next Sunday prior to the international break.
In pleasing news, all three of these fixtures are at home which will give the squad plenty of time to come to grips with their new coach’s approach and any tweaks to the game plan that might come.
Match Details
A-League Men’s: Round 3
Melbourne City FC v Sydney FC
AAMI Park
Friday 3 November, 7:45pm KO
