It’s Semi-Final time!
Melbourne City FC returns to Friday night finals football when they travel to the Hunter Valley to face Newcastle Jets in what is set to be a blockbuster Semi-Final at McDonald Jones Stadium.
With the Jets and City finishing the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season in second and third position respectively, Friday night’s clash is set to be an enthralling contest between two of the league’s most potent attacking outfits.
Win and you are in the Grand Final. Lose and it’s season over.
History in the making?
Warren Joyce and his men are within touching distance of the Club’s first A-League Grand Final appearance.
Fresh off a comprehensive 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar in last Friday night’s Elimination Final at AAMI Park, the side from Melbourne will be looking to continue their dominance in the attacking third as they face the Jets.
City are a solid 90 minute performance away from a Grand Final, and will be doing everything in their power to get over the line on Friday night and give themselves every opportunity to create club history.
The Hunter a happy place
If recent history is anything to go by, City enjoys a trip to McDonald Jones Stadium to face the Jets.
City faced the Jets in Newcastle twice in the regular season, where they hopped back on the plane with maximum points in hand on both occasions.
City defeated Newcastle 2-1 in Round 9 following a memorable Manny Muscat winner, before defeating the Jets 3-0 in a dominant performance at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 25.
All eyes on the big game players
City will be looking at their key men to step up on the big stage as they look to continue their journey towards an inaugural Championship trophy.
In City’s Elimination Final win over Brisbane, Bruno Fornaroli again showcased his ability to rise to the occasion and perform on the biggest of stages, but the most pleasing thing for the hosts was that he was not the only one. Fornaroli was joined by an array of teammates in an excellent team performance.
In a contest that is set to be decided by the team who capitalisers on their chances in front of goal, Joyce will be looking towards the likes of Fornaroli, Dario Vidosic, Daniel Arzani and Stefan Mauk for match-winning performances.
Goals, goals and more goals
If we have learned anything from this match-up in recent times, it is that we are set for an action-packed period of enthralling football in the attacking third from both sides.
In three matches between the two sides this season, there have been a total of 10 goals scored and plenty more chances created.
With both City and the Jets possessing two of the league’s most potent attacking units, Friday night’s clash is set to be a blockbuster!
