Melbourne City is set to ring in the New Year with an exciting doubleheader in Gosford, as both squads take on Central Coast in the final A-Leagues fixtures of 2024.
The goal is clear: return to Melbourne with six points to close out the year on a high.
Preparation has been markedly different for the two squads. Aurelio Vidmar’s men have had a 10-day break since their Christmas Derby draw, while Michael Matricciani’s team were in action just two days ago at home.
Our City Women remain unbeaten and top of the table after yet another impressive come-from-behind victory on Saturday, with Laura Hughes scoring the decisive goal at the ctrl:cyber Pitch.
Both Head Coaches have now locked in their extended squads for New Year’s Eve, but there are some notable absences for these crucial matches.
Speaking to the media on Monday morning, Vidmar confirmed that Jimmy Jeggo will be sidelined for an extended period due to an Achilles injury. Andreas Kuen will also miss the trip to Gosford with a foot issue but is a chance to return for Friday’s home game against Wellington.
To bolster the squad, young talents Emin Durakovic, Ben Dunbar, and Mikey Ghossaini have been called up and are a chance to be involved against the Mariners.
In the earlier clash on Tuesday, Matricciani’s team will be without experienced fullback Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, who is dealing with a minor hamstring injury.
Stepping in are Shelby McMahon, Emilia Murray, and Kiera Meyers, all included in the extended squad.
ALW Round 9 Squad
5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 7. Kathryn HARVEY, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 11. Emilia MURRAY, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 14. Laura HUGHES, 15. Kiera MEYERS, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK).
In: 11. Emilia MURRAY, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 15. Kiera MEYERS (all promoted).
Out: 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC (hamstring).
Unavailable: 20. Caitlin KARIC (hamstring).
ALM Round 11 Squad
1. Jamie YOUNG (GK), 2. Callum TALBOT, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 20. Arion SULEMANI, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 35. Medin MEMETI, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 41. Lawrence WONG, 42. Ben DUNBAR, 46. Ben MAZZEO, 47. Kavian RAHMANI, 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI.
In: 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 42. Ben DUNBAR, 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI (all promoted).
Out: 30. Andreas KUEN (foot).
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hamstring), 8. Jimmy JEGGO (achilles), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (knee), 17. Max CAPUTO (leg), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (knee), 23. Marco TILIO (hamstring), 30. Andreas KUEN (foot), 34. Jayden NECOVSKI (knee).
