ALW PREVIEW: City v Canberra

Staff Writers

11 December, 2025

Melbourne City are on the road in Round 7 of the Ninja A-League, taking on the in-form Canberra United at McKellar Park on Saturday 13 December.

Ahead of the important fixture, we take a look at some of the key talking points.

BATTLE OF THE UNBEATEN RUNS

City’s resilience was on full display last weekend. Despite an occasionally disjointed performance after a long break, the squad dug deep and found a late winner thanks to Rebekah Stott’s 85th-minute header.

That result extended the unbeaten start to City’s 2025/26 campaign, but things won’t get any easier this weekend.

Canberra United are the hottest team in the competition right now. They’ve chalked up three consecutive wins, including impressive scalps in Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, and will be full of confidence in front of a vocal home crowd.

With both sides carrying momentum, one undefeated, the other surging, this clash looms as a compelling test.

FINDING WAYS TO WIN

Last Sunday’s win over Wellington wasn’t pretty – and that’s precisely what made it so valuable.

Coming off a month without domestic football and against a well-organised Phoenix outfit, City were made to scrap for every moment. A few defensive scares were survived, but Matricciani’s team held firm and ultimately found a way to secure all three points.

The ability to grind out wins, even on off-days, is the mark of a serious contender. It’s a trait City carried through last season’s historic run, and early signs suggest this team is building similar habits.

A BUSY FIXTURE AWAITS

With just four days between Saturday’s fixture with Canberra and a return home to host Adelaide United on Wednesday, squad management could be key.

Michael Matricciani will be mindful of player loads, especially with a busy schedule ahead.

City fans could see some squad rotation, with the likes of Deven Jackson, Chinaza Uchendu and Danella Butrus all pushing. Balancing rotation while keeping rhythm will be a challenge, but City’s depth could prove a decisive advantage over the coming week.