Melbourne City has locked in both our Men’s and Women’s squads ahead of a pair of crucial fixtures this weekend, with points at a premium as both competitions move deeper into the second half of the season.
With both leagues now well past the halfway mark, the race for Finals positions is beginning to intensify, and City will be looking to build momentum across both squads as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast.
City’s Men will kick off the weekend on Saturday night, travelling to CommBank Stadium to face Western Sydney Wanderers. Aurelio Vidmar’s side will take confidence from last week’s spirited second-half comeback against Wellington Phoenix, which saw City fight back from two goals down to secure a valuable point across the ditch.
Saturday’s clash shapes as another significant test, with the added context of City set to depart for Korea shortly after the fixture as preparations begin for a huge AFC Champions League Elite showdown against Ulsan HD next week.
There is plenty of intrigue in the squad selection, with Daniel Arzani and Harrison Delbridge both named in the extended group and a chance to make their first appearances since returning to the Club on loan.
The pair add further experience to Vidmar’s options, while Nathaniel Atkinson also returns after missing last week’s trip to Wellington through suspension.
Unfortunately, City will be without Takeshi Kanamori for an extended period, with the Japanese winger sidelined after sustaining an MCL injury that is expected to rule him out for at least the next two months.
On the Women’s side, City will be aiming to arrest a mid-season form slump when we return to action this weekend. A challenging run of results has seen the team record just one win in our past five outings, and Michael Matricciani’s squad will be eager to respond as they look to reassert themselves in the race for silverware.
There are no confirmed omissions from Wednesday night’s squad at this stage, with Danella Butrus set to return from concussion. Young midfielder Izabella Rako has again been promoted to the extended group.
Round 16 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 4. Liam BONETIG, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 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.
In: 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE (new signing), 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON (returns from suspension), 14. Daniel ARZANI (new signing).
Out: 10. Takeshi KANAMORI (knee).
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 10. Takeshi KANAMORI (knee), 11. Elbasan RASHANI (hamstring), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (calf), 47. Kavian RAHMANI (knee).
Round 16 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, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK).
In: 7. Danella BUTRUS (returns from injury), 10. Izabella RAKO (promoted).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 14. Laura HUGHES (knee), 18. Leah DAVIDSON (knee).
