A new year is upon us, and both Melbourne City squads will kick off 2026 with clashes against Sydney FC.
Unlike the final rounds of 2025, it won’t be a doubleheader this time around, with Aurelio Vidmar’s Men set to take to the AAMI Park pitch on Saturday night before Michael Matricciani’s City Women host the Sky Blues at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Sunday afternoon.
For City’s Men, Saturday presents an important opportunity to reset and start the new year on a positive note after a frustrating end to 2025. Vidmar’s side closed out the year with four matches without a win across all competitions, a run that included tight contests and moments of promise without the rewards to match.
With a fresh calendar year now underway, City will be eager to draw a line under December and rediscover the consistency that defined earlier parts of the season.
There is some positive news on the selection front for Vidmar, with Kosovan international Elbasan Rashani returning to the matchday squad after being rested last time out following a heavy run of fixtures.
Highly rated young defender Besian Kutleshi has also been promoted to the extended squad, continuing his steady involvement around the first team.
City fans will also see a change in the goalkeeping ranks this weekend, with Dakota Ochsenham set to miss after suffering a knee injury in training. In better news, James Nieuwenhuizen returns after being cleared from the ACL injury that has sidelined him since March last year.
On the Women’s side, confidence remains high following a strong end to 2025 that saw City produce back-to-back home wins either side of Christmas. A memorable come-from-behind Christmas Derby victory over Melbourne Victory was followed by a dominant 3-1 win over Perth Glory, with Holly McNamara at the centre of everything.
City’s number nine struck the late Derby winner before backing it up with a superb hat-trick against Perth, capping off a stellar close to the year.
Matricciani’s squad now turns its focus firmly to the challenge Sydney FC will pose, with minimal changes made to the extended group. There is welcome injury news, with Bryleeh Henry named in the squad for the first time this season after overcoming a back injury.
Young defender Keira Sarris is also included, joining an otherwise settled squad as City look to carry their momentum into the new year.
With both squads now locked in, all attention turns to the weekend as we aim to open 2026 with strong performances against a familiar rival.
Round 11 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 4. Liam BONETIG, 10. Takeshi KANAMORI, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 37. Peter ANTONIOU, 38. Beckham BAKER, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN, 44. Besian KUTLESHI, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
In: 11. Elbasan RASHANI (promoted), 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (return from injury), 44. Besian KUTLESHI (promoted).
Out: 33. Dakota OCHSENHAM (knee).
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 20. Ben MAZZEO (quad), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (ankle), 33. Dakota OCHSENHAM (knee), 41. Lawrence WONG (MCL).
Round 11 ALW Squad
2. Ellie WILSON, 3. Danielle TURNER, 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia MCKENNA, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Keira SARRIS, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK).
In: 19. Keira SARRIS (promoted), 22. Bryleeh HENRY (returns from injury).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 12. Shelby McMAHON (knee), 14. Laura HUGHES (knee), 20. Caitlin KARIC (knee).
