After a week off during the international window, our City Women return to action at AAMI Park this Sunday.
Still undefeated and sitting pretty on top of the table, we’ll be aiming to pick up right where we left off a fortnight ago with another strong performance at home.
Here’s what to watch for on Sunday night!
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The Mac Is Back!
It’s the news every City fan has been eagerly waiting for – Holly McNamara is back in the squad!
Over 12 months have passed since we last saw our star number 9 on the pitch. After a long rehab process and countless hours on the training track, McNamara has finally been given the green light to return to the matchday squad.
While Michael Matricciani and his staff will continue a cautious approach as they build her back to full match fitness, expect AAMI Park to erupt the moment McNamara sets foot on the pitch.
She’s not the only big name back in the mix, with Leah Davidson and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic returning from international duty and Lourdes Bosch also available after recovering from a quad injury that sidelined her last time out.
Do We Change a Winning Formula?
It’s often said you should ‘never change a winning formula,’ but is there ever a point where that rule goes out the window?
City’s final match before the break was a commanding 2-0 win over the Wanderers, with plenty to like about the team’s performance and seemingly little need for change.
However, with Davidson, Bosch, and Vlajnic all back in contention – plus Shelby McMahon pushing hard for her first start of the season – the coaching staff could face some tough selection decisions.
The beauty of this squad’s depth is that no matter how the starting XI looks on Sunday night, there will be plenty of firepower on the bench ready to come on and make an impact if needed.
Keeping It Clinical
City currently boasts the best scoring record in the competition, but interestingly, we trail Newcastle when it comes to ‘big chances created.’
This highlights just how clinical we’ve been in front of goal, converting opportunities at an impressive rate. Maintaining that edge will be key once again on Sunday.
Earlier in the season, we showcased our attacking firepower both in Thailand and during the opening rounds of the domestic campaign, proving we can score freely when the chances come. Equally, it’s a mark of a quality team to make the most of opportunities even when they’re not as frequent.
The return of Bosch and McNamara only strengthens an already formidable attacking unit, giving Matricciani a wealth of options to create chances and, hopefully, see plenty of goals hit the back of the net this weekend.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Ninja A-League: Round 7
Melbourne City FC v Canberra United
Sunday 15 December, 5:00pm KO
AAMI Park
