League action returns for Melbourne City on Tuesday night as Aurelio Vidmar’s side prepares for an important away clash against Sydney FC, with the extended squad now confirmed ahead of the trip.
After a break of more than two weeks from domestic competition due to our AFC Champions League Elite commitments, City now turns its full attention back to the Isuzu UTE A-League with the final stretch of the season fast approaching.
The squad will be eager to respond after a disappointing end to our continental campaign last week, when City bowed out of the AFC Champions League Elite following a penalty shootout defeat to Buriram United in Thailand. After taking a few days to reflect on that result and return home to Melbourne, the focus has quickly shifted back to league football and the push towards Finals.
With seven matches remaining in the regular season, every result will be crucial as City looks to climb the table and secure a place in the Finals series.
Tuesday night’s clash against Sydney FC presents an immediate challenge, with the Sky Blues currently sitting third on the ladder and in strong form heading into the contest.
Vidmar has confirmed a 20-player extended squad for the trip, with a couple of changes from the group that travelled to Auckland for our most recent A-League fixture on February 28.
Defender Germán Ferreyra returns to the squad after missing that match, although he did feature in both legs of City’s AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 tie against Buriram United.
Young midfielder Lawrence Wong has also been promoted into the extended squad, which has no omissions from our last league match.
Round 21 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 4. Liam BONETIG, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 41. Lawrence WONG, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
In: 22. Germán FERREYRA, 41. Lawrence WONG (both promoted).
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 10. Takeshi KANAMORI (knee), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (calf), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (quad).
