We’ll have both Melbourne City squads on the road this weekend as fans get set to cheer on a couple of important fixtures from home.
Our City Women return to the pitch in Brisbane on Saturday evening following the international break, looking to get back to winning ways after a tricky last month or so.
Prior to that, our A-League Men’s side will be away for the second consecutive week when they face Macarthur at Campbelltown Stadium to begin the weekend’s action on Friday night.
Aurelio Vidmar’s team selection brings some good news for City fans, with stars Tolgay Arslan (suspension) and Leo Natel (illness) both returning to the squad.
Speaking to media pre-match, Vidmar also revealed the disappointing news that young winger Ben Mazzeo is expected to be out for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury sustained in our VPL1 draw against Werribee City.
Saturday’s Women’s squad features several changes, the return of Football Ferns duo Rebekah Stott and Hannah Wilkinson softening the blow of losing a trio of young guns to the Young Matildas as they begin their AFC U20 Asian Cup campaign.
Also included in this week’s extended squad is new signing Bárbara, the Brazilian international goalkeeper available for selection after joining the squad in training last week.
Round 19 ALM Squad
1. Jamie YOUNG (GK), 4. Nuno REIS, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 7. Mathew LECKIE, 8. James JEGGO, 9. Jamie MACLAREN (C), 10. Tolgay ARSLAN, 11. Leo NATEL, 14. Vicente FERNÁNDEZ, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 17. Terry ANTONIS, 21. Alessandro LOPANE, 22. Curtis GOOD, 23. Marco TILIO, 25. Callum TALBOT, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 37. Max CAPUTO, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 44. Marin JAKOLIS.
In: 10. Tolgay ARSLAN (returns from suspension), 11. Leo NATEL (returns from illness).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 2. Scott GALLOWAY (calf), 34. Arion SULEMANI (ACL), 46. Ben MAZZEO (ankle).
Round 19 ALW Squad
1. Sophia VARLEY (GK), 2. Leia VARLEY, 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 11. Emina EKIC, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14. Laura HUGHES, 15. Kiera MEYERS, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Hannah WILKINSON, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 21. Isabella ACCARDO, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 88. BÁRBARA (GK).
In: 2. Leia VARLEY (promoted), 13. Rebekah STOTT (returns from international duty), 17. Hannah WILKINSON (returns from international duty), 20. Caitlin KARIC (promoted), 21. Isabella ACCARDO (promoted), 88. BÁRBARA (new signing).
Out: 3. Naomi CHINNAMA, 19. Tijan McKENNA, 24. Daniela GALIC (all international duty).
Unavailable: 3. Naomi CHINNAMA (international duty), 7. Julia GROSSO (calf), 9. Holly McNAMARA (ACL), 19. Tijan McKENNA, 24. Daniela GALIC (both international duty).
