City host Central Coast Mariners in their final home game of the season on Friday night. See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of the clash.
Final home fixture
Following a disappointing loss to the ‘Nix in Wellington in Round 26, City return to AAMI Park on Friday night determined to return to the winner’s list ahead of the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League finals series.
Defeated in only one game at the venue this season, a loss that came all the way back in Round 3, Head Coach Warren Joyce and his men will be looking to continue their strong run of form at home in front of the City faithful.
In our final hit out of the regular season, don’t miss the chance to get behind the team as you watch them in action. Get your tickets here.
Back with a bang
Forcing his way back into the starting XI, Riley McGree made the most of his opportunity against Wellington, netting an impressive brace.
The attacking midfielder equalised on two occasions for City, placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net on both occasions, leaving Wellington shot-stopper Filip Kurto with no chance.
Hitting form at the right time of the season, McGree will be looking to continue his goal scoring run when City take on the Mariners at AAMI Park. The 20-year-old has proven that he loves performing on the big stage, as he sets himself for another successful finals campaign.
Finals momentum
With the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League finals series fast approaching, City will be looking to gain some crucial winning-momentum heading into the knockout stage.
If history is anything to go by, an Elimination Final is anyone’s game, but there is no doubt that a strong performance leading into the knockout stage will be vital to the team.
The home run continues…
City remain unbeaten in their past 11-games at AAMI Park, registering six wins and five draws during that time.
The team in City blue has also enjoyed a strong run at home against this weekend’s opponents, claiming five straight wins against the Mariners at home, with their last loss coming all the way back in March 2014.
With one home game left to go, the team will be looking to extend their run to 12 consecutive games unbeaten at AAMI Park.
Bounce back ability
City’s 10-match unbeaten run against the Mariners came to an end in Round 12 as Matt Simon made no mistake from his initial penalty miss to put away the rebound in the 89th minute to secure a 2-1 win at Central Coast Stadium.
Following the disappointment of their last encounter and the fact that they are yet to beat the Mariners this season, there is no doubt that Joyce and his men will be looking to get one back on their opponents as they face off for the first time in Melbourne this season.
With one week left until the 2018/19 finals series, there’s no better time to get behind the team, as we rally together to push towards a successful finals campaign. Get your tickets here.
