ALM PREVIEW: City v Western Sydney

For the third consecutive weekend, Melbourne City is back at AAMI Park, with another big Saturday night clash awaiting!

Western Sydney Wanderers are the visitors this weekend as Aurelio Vidmar’s side looks to build on our first win of the A-League Men’s season and head into the upcoming international break with another three points.

And with a lengthy wait until our next home fixture, Saturday is one you won’t want to miss!

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Here are three of the biggest talking points ahead of Saturday night’s clash.

Keeping the momentum rolling

It’s been a steady build into the new campaign, but the signs are certainly encouraging as things begin to click for Vidmar’s squad.

After a much-improved second half saw us fight back to earn a point in the Melbourne Derby, City went one better last weekend with a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Sydney FC.

Once again, Emiliano Marcondes was at the heart of it all.

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The Danish playmaker made an immediate impact after his half-time introduction, scoring just seconds after entering the contest before setting up Awer Mabil for a stunning winner.

It was a memorable afternoon for both new arrivals, who opened their City goalscoring accounts in front of the home faithful.

Now, with another AAMI Park fixture awaiting, the challenge is to keep that momentum rolling.

But the Wanderers won’t make life easy.

While Western Sydney have played out scoreless draws in two of their opening three fixtures, their other result was a statement 5-2 victory over reigning Champions Auckland FC.

It’s a reminder of the attacking threat Saturday’s visitors possess, and City will need to be switched on defensively if we’re to secure another important three points.

Adding experience to midfield

Could we see a different look to City’s midfield this Saturday?

While our youthful starting combinations have shown plenty of promise throughout the opening weeks, Vidmar now has some intriguing options at his disposal as several experienced players push for greater involvement.

Marcondes is perhaps the most obvious candidate.

After making a huge impact from the bench in consecutive appearances, the Dane has already registered a goal and two assists in City colours.

With his fitness continuing to build, could Saturday be the night he makes his first start?

Mathew Leckie is another player working his way towards full match fitness, having featured for around half an hour off the bench in each of our past two matches.

And there’s another exciting name now firmly in the mix.

Brazilian midfielder Matheus Rossetto has been cleared to return after a calf injury delayed the beginning of his City career, with the experienced defensive midfielder named in this week’s extended squad.

It means we could finally see all three of our newest international arrivals; Rossetto, Marcondes and Costa Rican defender Julio Cascante, sharing the pitch for the first time.

Just how much involvement each will have remains to be seen, but there’s certainly plenty for City fans to look forward to!

Going into the break on a high

If you haven’t made it to AAMI Park yet this season, Saturday night’s the time to change that!

While it’s our third consecutive weekend at the venue, it’ll also be our last home appearance for six weeks.

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Following the Wanderers clash, City will head into the international break before returning to action away to Macarthur FC on Friday 27 November.

A trip to Perth Glory will then follow in early December, meaning our next AAMI Park fixture won’t arrive until the Christmas Derby on Saturday 19 December.

It’s a lengthy stretch away from home, making this weekend’s clash an important opportunity to build some early-season momentum before the break.

With City beginning to find our rhythm and three valuable points on offer, there’s plenty of motivation to put in another big performance.

One last chance to see your City boys at AAMI Park before Christmas Derby week. Make sure you’re there!