ALM EF PREVIEW: Auckland v City

Finals football has arrived in the Isuzu UTE A-League, with Melbourne City deep in preparations for a huge Elimination Final across the ditch on Saturday evening.

Auckland FC awaits at Go Media Stadium, with both teams knowing a win is required to keep their season alive and secure a place in the final four.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s clash.

All on the line

It all comes down to this for City, with our season on the line when we take to the pitch in Auckland. After an up-and-down regular season, we found our rhythm at the most important time, stringing together five wins from six games to secure our place in a league-record 12th consecutive Finals Series.

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While that momentum was halted on the final day with defeat to Adelaide United, there has been little time to dwell. Aurelio Vidmar’s side has quickly shifted focus to the challenge ahead, knowing a strong performance on Saturday will keep our campaign alive.

A win would see us progress to a two-legged Semi Final against Newcastle Jets, with the first leg set to be played at home next weekend.

A tough opponent awaits

There will be no shortage of belief within the group, but City will be under no illusions as to the task at hand against a quality Auckland side.

Last season’s Premiers have again been among the competition’s strongest teams, although a late dip in form has seen them slide to third on the table. That only adds further intrigue to Saturday’s clash, with the hosts set to be highly motivated to respond in front of what is expected to be a vocal home crowd.

It’s a venue that has proven challenging for City in the past, but we’ll take confidence from our most recent meeting which came back home at AAMI Park, where late goals secured a come-from-behind win earlier this year.

As always in Finals football though, previous results count for little once the match begins, with everything to be decided across 90 minutes – or perhaps more if required.

Returning stars ready to make an impact

City’s squad has been bolstered at the perfect time, with Nathaniel Atkinson, Andrew Nabbout and Ryan Teague all making the trip to New Zealand.

Speaking pre-match, Vidmar confirmed both Atkinson and Nabbout are available to start, while Teague is likely to be eased back into action from the bench following a knee injury.

There’s further good news with Mathew Leckie building towards full match fitness and in line for increased minutes, adding valuable experience and quality to the side.

At least one change will be required, with Samuel Souprayen unavailable due to injury, opening the door for Harrison Delbridge to return to the starting XI. With a strong squad to choose from, Vidmar and his coaching staff will have plenty to consider ahead of naming the final team.