A big Friday night awaits Melbourne City fans, with both squads set to take centre stage in a bumper doubleheader at AAMI Park.
City’s Women will kick proceedings off as they look to continue an impressive run of form in the Ninja A-League, before the Men return to action later in the evening for a highly anticipated clash against Auckland FC.
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Michael Matricciani’s side comes into the weekend full of confidence, targeting a fifth consecutive league win when we host Newcastle Jets on Friday evening.
Our most recent outing saw us cross the ditch to Wellington, where early goals from Leticia McKenna and Aideen Keane put us in control. While the Phoenix pulled a goal back in the dying stages to set up a tense finish, City showed composure and class to ensure all three points returned to Melbourne.
Friday’s contest also sees us take on a Newcastle side we’ve never lost to in 19 previous meetings, as we look to maintain our strong momentum and consolidate our position at the top end of the table.
There is some mixed news on the team front for our City Women, with Leah Davidson set to spend around a month on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to clear out a meniscus injury.
In positive news, young talents Izabella Rako and Keira Sarris have once again been promoted to the extended squad as they continue to push for further opportunities.
On the Men’s side, attention now turns to a crucial contest against Auckland FC, marking the first meeting between last season’s Champions and Premiers in the 2025/26 campaign.
While our most recent outing ended in frustration against Newcastle Jets, with the visitors scoring against the run of play in the second half, the focus is now firmly on responding.
Aurelio Vidmar’s side receives a boost with new signing Ryan Teague named in the extended squad following his arrival in Melbourne earlier this week. The Socceroo midfielder has now had a couple of training sessions with his new teammates and could be in line to make his City debut on Friday night.
Young defender Besian Kutleshi has also been promoted to the extended squad as City prepares to close out a busy run of home fixtures.
Round 13 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, 19. Keira SARRIS, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK).
In: 10. Izabella RAKO, 19. Keira SARRIS (both promoted).
Out: 18. Leah DAVIDSON (knee).
Unavailable: 12. Shelby McMAHON (knee), 14. Laura HUGHES (knee), 18. Leah DAVIDSON (knee), 20. Caitlin KARIC (knee).
Round 13 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 4. Liam BONETIG, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 20. Ben MAZZEO, 21. Alessandro LOPANE, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN, 41. Lawrence WONG, 44. Besian KUTLESHI.
In: 8. Ryan TEAGUE (new signing), 44. Besian KUTLESHI (promoted).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 10. Takeshi KANAMORI (groin), 11. Elbasan RASHANI (hamstring), 33. Dakota OCHSENHAM (knee), 47. Kavian RAHMANI (knee).
