Melbourne City kicks off a demanding run of away fixtures this Saturday night with a trip to Campbelltown Sports Stadium, where they’ll face Macarthur FC under the lights.
Following a spirited comeback win at home last Friday, Aurelio Vidmar’s side will be eager to build momentum, with new signings a chance to feature and a busy schedule ahead.
Here are the key talking points heading into Saturday night’s clash with the Bulls.
NEW YEAR, NEW FACES
City fans could be treated to their first look at two new attacking signings, with Daniel Arzani and Marcus Younis both selected for this weekend’s clash.
While Arzani returns to City colours after beginning his professional career at the club, Younis is a chance to make his club debut when Aurelio Vidmar’s side take to the pitch on Saturday. Both are exciting Australian talents who bring creativity, pace, and attacking flair to City’s evolving front third.
They join Ryan Teague, another January arrival, who made a composed debut in last Friday’s win over Auckland. With fresh faces and added depth, City’s squad is looking sharper heading into the second half of the campaign.
WINNING MOMENTUM KEY
City showed character and composure last time out, coming from behind to defeat Auckland FC 2-1 at AAMI Park.
After trailing in the first period, Max Caputo continued his outstanding season, netting his eighth goal of the campaign to level the scores, before Medin Memeti sealed the result with a well-taken finish late.
The performance marked an important return to the winner’s list and a reminder of the team’s resilience, and now the challenge is to take that form on the road and keep climbing the table.
A tough opponent remains in the way, but if City are able to gain a vital three points in New South Wales, the momentum will swing back in the team’s favour heading into another tricky schedule.
THE RUN ON THE ROAD BEGINS
Saturday’s fixture marks the first of four consecutive away games across two competitions for Vidmar’s men.
After a long stretch at home, City now faces a tricky road run, Macarthur on Saturday, followed by trips to Wellington Phoenix, Western Sydney Wanderers, and then Ulsan HD FC in South Korea for the AFC Champions League Elite.
It’s a defining period in City’s season, one that will test squad depth and consistency, but also provide a chance to string results together and push toward the top of the table domestically, while making a mark in Asia.
While City won’t be looking beyond their clash with Macarthur, three points on Saturday would be an important start to a stretch of games on the road.
Fixture Details
Isuzu UTE A-League: Round 14
Macarthur FC v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 24 January, 7:35pm KO
Campbelltown Sports Stadium
