Melbourne City will look to make it two wins from two to begin the Ninja A-League’s season when it takes on Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Fresh off a thrilling come-from-behind win over Wellington Phoenix in Matchweek 1, Michael Matricciani’s side will be eager to build on its winning start before turning its attention to the AFC Women’s Champions League.
With another big away fixture awaiting, we preview Sunday’s clash with one of our long-time rivals.
BUILDING MOMENTUM BEFORE ASIA
It’s a challenging start to City’s Premiership and Championship defence, with consecutive away fixtures to open the 2026/27 campaign.
But after securing all three points in Wellington last weekend, Matricciani’s side has the opportunity to make it two wins from two before heading overseas for continental football.
City showed plenty of character in its season opener, fighting back from a goal down to secure a dramatic 2-1 win thanks to second-half strikes from Melina Ayres and Momo Hayashi.
While there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, the new-look squad will be looking to continue building its combinations and finding its rhythm.
With the AFC Women’s Champions League group stage in Uzbekistan fast approaching, another strong performance and three points on Sunday would provide the perfect platform heading into a busy period of football.
NEW FACES LOOK TO CONTINUE MAKING THEIR MARK
It didn’t take long for City’s new arrivals to make an impact, with both Ayres and Hayashi finding the back of the net in last weekend’s season-opening win.
Making her first City appearance in almost a decade, Ayres calmly converted from the penalty spot to bring City level before Hayashi stole the headlines with a stunning late free kick to secure all three points.
The pair weren’t the only new faces to impress, with several of City’s off-season recruits showing promising signs in their first competitive outing together.
Sunday will also see Matildas star Cortnee Vine come up against her former Club for the first time since making the move to Melbourne.
Having spent several seasons in Sky Blue before heading to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in America, Vine will be eager to make her mark against familiar opposition as she continues to settle into City’s attacking lineup.
There could also be a welcome return to the starting XI for captain Rebekah Stott, who was managed carefully in the season opener following a minor pre-season niggle.
Introduced at half-time against Wellington, Stott’s experience and leadership proved important as City fought its way back into the contest.
With another tough challenge awaiting, City will need to be at their best to return home with the three points secured.
ANOTHER BIG OCCASION ON THE ROAD
For the second consecutive weekend, City will be on the road, this time heading to Sydney for a Sunday afternoon showdown at Allianz Stadium.
The fixture forms part of another A-Leagues doubleheader, giving Matricciani’s side the opportunity to take centre stage at one of Australia’s premier football venues.
While City will be looking to continue its perfect start to the season, Sydney will provide another stern test against familiar opposition.
The two Clubs have shared plenty of memorable battles over the years, and Sunday’s meeting promises to be another competitive encounter.
After overcoming Wellington in dramatic fashion last weekend, City will be hoping for a more complete performance as it looks to secure consecutive away victories and head into its AFC Women’s Champions League campaign full of confidence.
MATCH DETAILS
Ninja A-League Women: Matchweek 2
Sydney FC v Melbourne City FC
Sunday 25 October 2026, 5:45pm AEDT
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Watch live on 10 streaming and Paramount+
