After a gritty 1-0 win over Sydney FC at ctrl:cyber pitch, Melbourne City now turn their focus to New Zealand, making the trip to Porirua Park for a Saturday afternoon clash with Wellington Phoenix.
With confidence high and the squad continuing to build rhythm, City will be eyeing another strong performance to begin a crucial stretch on the road.
Here are the key talking points ahead of City’s clash with the Nix.
CITY KEEP BUILDING
City’s attack is clicking into gear, and now Chinaza Uchendu is officially off the mark.
The Nigerian international scored her first City goal in the win over Sydney, latching onto a perfect pass from Holly McNamara, who was again instrumental. The goal came after a brilliant build-up, starting with Rebekah Stott’s lofted long ball that cut Sydney open from deep.
With Uchendu growing in confidence and chemistry with McNamara, and Bryleeh Henry returning to action after a long injury layoff, Michael Matricciani now has a number of attacking options to work with in the front third.
Henry made her first appearance of the season off the bench and looked sharp on the wing, adding another dimension to City’s attacking options which already includes the likes of Danella Butrus, Aideen Keane and Deven Jackson.
As the squad continues to grow in cohesion and firepower, there’s plenty of upside to come.
ROAD STRETCH BEGINS
Saturday’s trip to Wellington marks the beginning of a critical January run, with City set to spend much of the month away from home.
Following this weekend’s clash, City return to Melbourne to face Newcastle Jets on Friday 16 January in a massive AAMI Park doubleheader, before hitting the road for three consecutive away games: Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
It’s a demanding stretch, but also a season-shaping opportunity. With several games in hand and momentum starting to build, this period presents a real chance to climb the ladder and solidify a top-four spot.
Navigating the travel, short turnarounds and tough away conditions will be a key test of the squad’s depth, but a challenge this team will be no doubt looking forward to.
A BATTLE IN THE WINDY CITY
This weekend’s match marks the second meeting between City and Wellington Phoenix in the space of a month.
The last time they met, it was a tight battle at ctrl:cyber pitch where Rebekah Stott’s 85th-minute header sealed a 1-0 win for City after a hard-fought contest.
Wellington showed plenty of defensive discipline and threatened in attack that day, and will be even more dangerous at home in what’s expected to be windy and challenging conditions.
To secure another result, City will need to match that same defensive focus, manage the conditions smartly, and take their chances when they come. With two of the league’s most in-form teams going head-to-head, this is set to be an entertaining battle.
