It’s Melbourne Derby week, and with three crucial points on the line we take a look at the five things to look forward to ahead of Saturday’s clash with Melbourne Victory.
Bragging rights on the line
It’s mate against mate. Family against family. Bragging rights are on the line.
There’s nothing quite like the passion that comes with the Melbourne Derby. The intensity is heightened and the game is quicker, as both teams battle it out to claim the cities bragging rights.
Four league fixtures remain and with both teams fighting for a finals position we are set for a belter at Epping Stadium on Saturday 5 January, kick-off 4:00pm.
The finals march continues…
Following an interrupted start to the season with player availability, City have hit their straps in recent weeks, remaining unbeaten since the first day in December.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side will be looking to make it five games unbeaten and four wins a row when they take on their fierce rivals on Saturday afternoon.
Currently sitting in fifth position, one place outside the top-four due to goal difference, City will be desperate to secure the points as they look to continue piling on the pressure on the top-four.
It might be a must-win game, but if we have learned anything about this team in recent seasons, it’s that you can never ride them off.
Super sub
In a game that ebbed and flowed with momentum in the first-half, City dominated proceedings in the second period against the Wanderers on New Year’s Day.
Despite controlling possession, Vidosic’s side struggled to produce many meaningful shots on target. That was until super-sub Adriana Jones was introduced.
In the 81st minute, the attacker latched onto Rhali Dobson’s intelligent flick running onto a one-on-one position before rounding the keeper and finding the back of the net, to secure a 2-1 win and her first goal in City blue.
Off the back of her heroics, Jones will be looking to continue her goal-scoring momentum when we take on Victory this weekend.
A chance to square the ledger
City will be looking to get one back on Melbourne Victory, following their 2-0 loss at AAMI Park in Round 3.
On that day, top-of-the-table Victory proved too strong, as Emily Gielnik secured the win with a 65th minute strike following an early own-goal.
With the bragging rights currently sitting in the hands of our rivals, City will be determined to level the record on Saturday.
Butt brilliance
Tameka Butt continues to blossom in City blue. With over 100 W-League appearances and over 50 league goals to her name, the attacker’s experience and on-field expertise have been crucial to City’s performances this season.
With two goals, including a brilliant chip against Western Sydney, to her name, the attacker has also showcased her ability to create chances for her teammates in the attacking third, with three assists and 11 key passes registered in six games.
The attacker will be looking to continue her strong run of form in Saturday’s crucial Melbourne Derby.
City take on Melbourne Victory at Epping Stadium this Saturday 5 January, kick-off 4:00pm, before hosting Brisbane Roar on Friday 11 January, kick-off 5:20pm. Get your tickets here.
