For the first time in three weeks, we’ll have both City squads at home with a big pair of fixtures to come this weekend.
The action kicks off on Saturday evening at AAMI Park when our Men’s squad hosts the league-leading Wellington Phoenix.
Our attention then turns to our City Women, set to return to City Football Academy where we will host Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
As we enter the business end of the season both clashes are shaping up as pivotal to where we end the season on the respective tables.
We’re currently five points adrift of Western Sydney for the last finals place on the A-League Men’s table, but the gap may not be as large as it seems given we play them twice in the weeks ahead.
It certainly won’t come easy this weekend against Wellington, but Aurelio Vidmar will know anything less than three points for his team will leave us with an uphill battle to sneak into finals.
Looking at the A-League Women’s table, we sit in second place – four points behind Western United.
Given they take on 3rd placed Sydney FC this weekend, a win against Newcastle could see us right in the mix for the Premiers Plate and go a long way to our hopes of securing a top-two spot.
Both Head Coaches have confirmed their squads for the weekend, with two players added to the extended team lists.
Mathew Leckie has been added to our Men’s squad after the Socceroo was left out due to soreness last week, while young midfielder Zane Schreiber has also been promoted.
Unfortunately, the news isn’t as good for Marco Tilio, who will be sidelined in the short term due to a hamstring injury.
Youngsters Caitlin Karic and Sophia Varley have been added to our extended Women’s squad for Sunday’s clash at CFA.
Round 20 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, 25. Callum TALBOT, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 35. Zane SCHREIBER, 37. Max CAPUTO, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 44. Marin JAKOLIS.
In: 7. Mathew LECKIE (returns from injury), 35. Zane SCHREIBER (promoted).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 2. Scott GALLOWAY (calf), 23. Marco TILIO (hamstring), 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: 1. Sophia VARLEY, 20. Caitlin KARIC (both promoted).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 3. Naomi CHINNAMA (international duty), 7. Julia GROSSO (calf), 9. Holly McNAMARA (ACL), 19. Tijan McKENNA, 24. Daniela GALIC (both international duty).
