The away fixtures continue for both Melbourne City squads this weekend, with another pair of road challenges awaiting our Men’s and Women’s sides.
City’s Men will be eager to respond after a disappointing result last time out, crossing the ditch to face Wellington Phoenix on Friday evening, while our City Women head back on the road for a Saturday afternoon clash against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
Both Head Coaches have now locked in their squads for the weekend, with some returning players and changes across both teams.
On the Men’s side, Aurelio Vidmar has welcomed Andreas Kuen back into the squad after the midfielder missed last weekend with a minor knee complaint. Young defender Peter Antoniou has also been included in the squad as City looks to build depth ahead of a challenging away fixture.
Daniel Arzani has been named in the extended squad as he continues to build fitness and could be in line for his first appearance following his return to the Club.
However, we will be without Nathaniel Atkinson for the trip to Wellington, with the defender suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Speaking with media on Wednesday, Vidmar also confirmed that Harrison Delbridge is likely still a week or two away from being considered for selection, having only joined the team in training this week.
Over on the Women’s side, Michael Matricciani’s squad comes into the weekend full of confidence after a productive extended road trip last week. City claimed four points from two matches, drawing 1-1 with Brisbane Roar before backing it up with a composed 2-0 win over Perth Glory, with Holly McNamara netting all three goals across the trip.
After returning home briefly, our City Women are back on the road once more, with positive news on the selection front. Attacking duo Chinaza Uchendu and Danella Butrus have both been named in the extended squad after progressing through concussion protocols and will be in contention to make the trip to Adelaide.
With momentum building and important fixtures ahead, both squads will be aiming to deliver strong performances away from home and return to Melbourne with positive results.
Round 15 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 4. Liam BONETIG, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 10. Takeshi KANAMORI, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 20. Ben MAZZEO, 21. Alessandro LOPANE, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 37. Peter ANTONIOU, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN, 41. Lawrence WONG, 44. Besian KUTLESHI.
In: 14. Daniel ARZANI (promoted), 30. Andreas KUEN (returns from injury), 37. Peter ANTONIOU (promoted).
Out: 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON (suspension).
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 11. Elbasan RASHANI (hamstring), 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON (suspension), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (calf), 33. Dakota OCHSENHAM (knee), 39. Emin DURAKOVIC (concussion), 47. Kavian RAHMANI (knee).
Round 15 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, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 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: 7. Danella BUTRUS, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU (both return from injury).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 14. Laura HUGHES (knee), 18. Leah DAVIDSON (knee), 20. Caitlin KARIC (knee).
