We’re set for a crucial clash with the Jets at C.B. Smith Reserve on Sunday. See the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of the encounter.
Bounce back ability
Melbourne City will look to return to the winner’s list on Sunday night, hosting Newcastle Jets in a must-win clash at C.B. Smith Reserve.
City has suffered two consecutive losses, conceding a goal against the run of play in both matches to suffer defeat.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side will look to draw the positives from both matches, as they battle it out against the Jets at home to keep their finals chances alive. Get your tickets here.
If history is anything to by…
Since City’s inaugural season in the Westfield W-League in 2015/16, the three-time champions have never lost a match against Newcastle.
In six previous meetings, City has claimed maximum points with six wins.
The last time the two teams met was in Round 6, when City secured a 3-1 win at McDonald Jones Stadium following goals to Yukari Kinga, Tameka Butt and Jasmyne Spencer.
The hosts will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches when they take on the Jets for the last time this season.
Down but not out
City may have suffered back-to-back defeats, but their hopes of qualifying for this season’s finals series remain alive.
Sitting in sixth position, one-point outside the top-four, Vidosic’s side will need to respond with a win over the Jets to keep their finals chances alive.
Despite the disappointment of the last two results, City have played some of their best football to date, controlling possession and creating chances from all over the park. Lacking the efficiency in the attacking third, City will need to be more clinical in front of goal in order to secure the points.
Leading by example
Following an interrupted start to the season due to knee surgery, captain Steph Catley is back to her world-class best.
The left-back has been instrumental over the past month, working tirelessly both defensively and in attack to help her team get over the line.
Catley has demonstrated why she is one of the best attacking fullbacks in the world, skipping past the opposition’s defence with ease before creating chances for her teammates.
Will the floodgates open?
Despite having 35 shots at goal in the past two games, City have been unable to muster a single goal.
Vidosic’s side has been exceptional in the lead up to the attacking third, but has lacked the efficiency to make it count.
With their dominance growing with each week, there’s a strong chance that the floodgates could open with an early goal against the Jets in front of their home fans at C.B. Smith Reserve.
