Our first W-League game in three weeks
City fans have been deprived of W-League action in recent times, with snap lockdowns and fixturing chaos resulting in a three-week break for the team following their 2-0 loss to Sydney on February 4th.
We may not know when our next game is but that doesn't mean the work on the training pitch stops! 🤷♀️ pic.twitter.com/xBcX26rTTG
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) February 16, 2021
With plenty of time for the team to refresh and prepare for their next big clash, expect a fired-up City outfit who’ll be itching to get back out on the park.
‘Hersday’ night football
W-League fixtures on a Thursday mean one thing… ‘Hersday’ night football!
With no other games being played in either the W-League or the A-League, all eyes will be on our City women as they kick off against the Wanderers at the prime time of 7:05pm.
The Wanderers too are hoping to make a late run at the top four so expect neither side to give an inch when Thursday night rolls around.
Sam’s back!
After missing the Sydney clash through suspension for yellow card accumulation, fans are set for the return of defender Samantha Johnson to the matchday squad.
Rado Vidosic has locked in his squad for tomorrow's away fixture to Western Sydney. 🔒
There are 4️⃣ inclusions, click below to find out who's in! 👇
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) February 24, 2021
Johnson’s tough tackling and adventurous forays with the ball at her feet make the centre-back an entertaining individual to watch, especially considering the typically conservative position that she plays.
Fans will hope that the American’s return can bolster our chances of three points and a clean sheet as we look to turn our form around ahead of a potential finals push.
History’s on our side
City boast an impressive record against the team from Sydney’s west, recording five wins from our six meetings with the Wanderers so far.
Western Sydney has only triumphed over City once, with that 2-1 result occurring back in December 2016, meaning the side from Melbourne have gone four years without suffering defeat against Thursday’s opposition.
Time for the players to jell ahead of a late crack at Finals
With so much time having elapsed since our defeat against Sydney FC, the W-League squad will have had even more time to refine their game, as well as further opportunity for late arrivals to jell with the rest of the team.
Norwegian recruit Noor Eckhoff has been impressive in her limited opportunities so far, whilst Emma Checker has quickly returned to her best since making a late return from injury over the past few games. Both players have now had time to settle into the routine of training and should be at their prime when Thursday night rolls around.
