Melbourne City faces a quick turnaround for our first match of 2025, returning to AAMI Park to take on Wellington Phoenix this Friday evening.
Just three days after sharing the points against Central Coast on New Year’s Eve, our City boys are ready to kick off the new year on home turf.
Here are the key talking points ahead of Friday’s clash:
ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY IN ATTACK
The extent of Yonatan Cohen’s knee injury, sustained in Gosford on Tuesday, remains unclear, but what we do know is we’ll be without him this Friday.
Cohen joins a growing injury list in attack, with Max Caputo (leg), Mathew Leckie (hamstring), Marco Tilio (hamstring), Ale Lopane (knee), and Andrew Nabbout (knee) all currently sidelined.
While the injury list certainly doesn’t make for pretty reading, on a positive note it has given plenty of opportunities to a host of young talent – showcasing the strength of the City Academy.
Seventeen-year-old striker Mikey Ghossaini made his senior debut on New Year’s Eve, showing promise during his brief appearance.
He, alongside Kavian Rahmani, will likely be considered for a first professional start in the now-vacant position on the wing. Ben Mazzeo, who logged extended minutes after Cohen’s early exit, will also be in contention.
In more positive news on the injury front, Andreas Kuen has been included in our extended squad and is set to return after missing Tuesday’s game due to a foot issue.
BEGINNING 2025 ON A POSITIVE NOTE
While 2024 didn’t end badly, it concluded with some frustration as City recorded three consecutive draws, each after taking the lead.
Aurelio Vidmar will be eager to turn those missed opportunities into wins, but he’ll also draw confidence from the strong performances of a youthful, injury-hit squad.
With three consecutive home games in just eight days, starting Friday, this stretch could play a crucial role in shaping our season.
Securing three points will undoubtedly be the focus as we aim to start the new year on a high.
A REMARKABLE RECORD ON THE LINE
Wellington Phoenix’s record at AAMI Park is one of the more intriguing narratives heading into this clash.
The visitors haven’t secured a win at the venue in their last 21 A-League matches, a streak that dates back over a decade.
While this is unlikely to be a focal point for Vidmar’s squad, it’s safe to assume the Phoenix will be extra motivated to break their unwanted streak.
The two sides met twice last season, with the home team claiming the win by a 1-0 scoreline on both occasions.
Samuel Souprayen’s first City goal clinched the points in the most recent AAMI Park meeting in March.
FIXTURE DETAILS
A-League Men: Round 12
Melbourne City FC vs. Wellington Phoenix
Friday 3 January, 5:00pm KO
AAMI Park
