Melbourne City will make the trip to Wanderers Football Park this Sunday afternoon, as the team enters the final stretch of the Ninja A-League season.
After a demanding week and a tight turnaround, City was forced to settle for a 0-0 draw with Adelaide United at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Wednesday night, a result that keeps the race for the Premiers Plate finely poised heading into the final rounds.
Here are the key talking points ahead of Sunday’s clash.
TWO TO GO…
With just two matches remaining in the regular season for Michael Matricciani’s side, every point is critical, and both of City’s remaining fixtures come away from home.
As the Premiers Plate race looks poised to go down to the final fixtures, City’s concentration will remain firmly on their clash with the Wanderers.
After suffering a disappointing defeat to Western Sydney in their previous meeting, City will be eager to bounce back with a strong performance on the road.
With the ladder so tight at the top, maximum points are the priority, and City will know the importance of delivering on the road against a Wanderers side capable of causing problems.
RETURN OF THE MAC?
There could be a timely boost on the horizon for City, with Holly McNamara a chance to return to the squad.
The Golden Boot leader has missed the last two matches while away on international duty with the Matildas, who contest the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final against Japan on Saturday.
Should she be available, McNamara’s return would provide a significant lift to City’s attack at a crucial stage of the season. Her goal-scoring instinct and ability to change games in an instant could prove decisive as City looks to finish strongly.
CONTROL AND CONSISTENCY…
City showed strong control in Wednesday night’s clash with Adelaide, dictating large periods of possession and territory against one of the league’s top sides.
While the breakthrough didn’t come, the performance reinforced the team’s ability to manage big games and impose their style against quality opposition.
As the season enters its final stages, maintaining that level of control, particularly away from home, will be key as City looks to finish strongly.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Ninja A-League: Round 20
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne City FC
Sunday 22 March, 4:00pm KO
Wanderers Football Park
