Melbourne City has locked in our squad for the final match of a crucial three-game home stretch, with Aurelio Vidmar’s side set to host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park on Sunday.
It has already proven to be a defining run for City, as we’ve taken maximum points from our opening two fixtures with impressive wins over Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners.
Confidence is building at exactly the right time of the season, with the team now firmly focused on finishing the home run strongly and continuing our push towards Finals football.
Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over the Mariners saw Andreas Kuen and Andrew Nabbout both find the back of the net, with City in control for much of the contest before a late consolation goal to the visitors.
The challenge now ramps up again, with Wellington arriving in strong form themselves. The Phoenix have put together a three-game winning streak and remain firmly in the hunt for a place in the top six, setting the stage for another high-stakes clash at AAMI Park.
City will be boosted by the return of several key players for Sunday’s fixture, headlined by goalkeeper Patrick Beach. The shot-stopper returns after missing the past two matches with a quad niggle sustained while on international duty.
In his absence, James Nieuwenhuizen has performed admirably – just seconds away from making it two clean sheets in a row – but there’s no doubt Beach’s return adds experience and stability between the posts.
There is also a welcome attacking boost with Marcus Younis back in the squad following suspension. The 20-year-old has been a standout since arriving in January, leading the team with nine goal involvements (four goals and five assists), and his return provides Vidmar with another dynamic option in the final third.
Midfielder Ryan Teague has also been named in the extended squad after missing the midweek clash as he manages knee soreness. His availability will continue to be assessed leading into Sunday, but his inclusion adds further depth to City’s midfield options.
With momentum building and a near full-strength squad to choose from, City will be looking to make it three wins in eight days and take another significant step forward in the race for Finals.
Round 24 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 20. Ben MAZZEO, 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), 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
In: 1. Patrick BEACH, 8. Ryan TEAGUE (both return from injury), 28. Marcus YOUNIS (returns from suspension).
Out: 60. Lachie CHARLES (omitted).
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 10. Takeshi KANAMORI (knee), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (quad).
