Melbourne City will take to the pitch for their third game in just eight days this Saturday night, making the long trip west to face Perth Glory at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
After a much-improved showing in Queensland, Michael Matricciani’s side will be aiming to turn a midweek draw into three points, as they look to finish the second leg of their road trip on a high.
Here are the key talking points heading into Round 14.
ROAD TRIP CONTINUES
It’s been a demanding start to 2026, and City’s two-game road trip wraps up with one of the toughest away trips in the competition.
After a frustrating home loss to Newcastle Jets, City responded with a gritty 1-1 draw against Brisbane Roar on Tuesday night. Holly McNamara’s penalty gave the visitors a deserved lead, only for Brisbane to level late with an impressive strike against the run of play.
The team now faces a long turnaround and cross-country flight to face the Glory, and while three games in eight days poses a physical and mental test, it’s one Matricciani’s squad is embracing as part of their tough schedule.
With the ladder still tight and City holding top spot, the motivation to return home with a win couldn’t be higher.
PERTH, PART TWO
Saturday’s clash will mark the second time City and Perth have faced off in less than a month.
Back on December 28 at AAMI Park, it was the Holly McNamara show, with the Matildas star netting a stunning hat-trick to lead City to a 3-1 win.
Since then, Perth has hit their stride, going unbeaten in their last three matches to climb up the ladder and build momentum. They’ll be a different proposition at home, and City will need to be sharp and clinical to replicate December’s result.
McNamara, who leads the Ninja A-League Golden Boot race with nine goals, will be key again, but she’ll be supported by the likes of Aideen Keane and Bryleeh Henry, who continue to offer threats from wide areas.
BOUNCE BACK ABILITY
After putting together four straight wins, City has been forced to settle for just one point from their last two matches.
While there’s no panic, City still sit top of the table by two points, the group will be eager to rediscover their winning rhythm before heading into another stretch of key fixtures.
The team responded well to their loss against the Jets with a strong showing in Brisbane, but will need to be at their best if they’re to defeat a Glory side who is yet to drop points at home.
Finding that attacking sharpness in the final third will be key, with the likes of McNamara, Keane and Henry leading the line, with Shelby McMahon gaining minutes off the bench and Deven Jackson pushing for a greater role. If City can capitalise on the chances they create, they’ll be well-positioned to return from the west with maximum points.
Fixture Details
Ninja A-League: Round 14
Perth Glory v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 24 January, 8:00pm (AEDT)
Sam Kerr Football Centre
Watch live via 10 streaming or Paramount+
