It’s been a minute… but we’re finally back in action! We take a look at the five things we’re looking forward to ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster return to football clash with Sydney FC.
City football is BACK!
It has now been well over four months since our last competitive fixture but on Saturday evening, we will finally take to the field again!
Our last outing was back on Monday 23 March, where we suffered a tight 2-1 loss to the Jets. A lot has changed since that day, but it is now finally time to finish what we started and get back out on the pitch.
Three games remain in our season before finals, with matches on Tuesday 11 August against Adelaide United and Wednesday 19 August against Western United still to come after Saturday.
Cityzens Giving match worn and signed jerseys available for a good cause!
You can bid on your favourite City star’s match worn and signed jersey from this Saturday’s clash, plus have YOUR NAME on the back of his warm up jersey for our clash with Adelaide United thanks to our Cityzens Giving for Recovery Auction!
With all proceeds supporting those who have been hit hard by COVID-19, help us make a difference with a unique piece of memorabilia.
New opportunities
With the departures of Dean Bouzanis, Denis Genreau and Markel Susaeta ahead of football’s restart, an opportunity presents itself for other players to step up.
Tom Glover will now certainly be City’s number one keeper while youngsters such as Lachie Wales, Ramy Najjarine and Stefan Colakovski could all be given the chance to fill Susaeta’s spot on the wing.
A fit and firing Richard Windbichler will be pushing his case after a heavily interrupted start to the season due to injuries, while Rostyn Griffiths remains in quarantine, opening up another opportunity in Head Coach Erick Mombaerts’ starting XI.
Setting ourselves up for finals
With three regular season fixtures remaining, we are currently sitting in third spot on the table, equal on points with the second placed ‘Nix.
Hunting a club-best second placed finish, City will also be looking to carry vital momentum into the final series.
A second placed finish would see City secure a semi-final spot. While of course, it won’t be played in Melbourne, it would mean City would need to win just one game to progress to the grand final.
Along with Wellington and City, Perth and Brisbane are also eyeing off second spot with plenty to keep an eye on over the next couple of weeks as we lead into finals.
A test against the best
There are not many tougher ways to return to football after over four months off than facing a top of the table Sydney FC outfit. This is what faces City on Saturday evening and it will provide a great opportunity to re-start the season with a BANG.
Since the season recommenced, Sydney have played one match, going down 2-1 to Newcastle last Tuesday thanks to a late Kosta Petratos winner.
With the Sky Blues looking to respond strongly and City keen to make a statement, we’re set for a mouth-watering contest between two of the league’s strongest teams.
