The clash
Melbourne City FC will look to bounce back when they host Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Sunday night.
Following a 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix in Round 4, City were dealt a blow, suffering their second loss of the season with a 2-0 defeat to Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday night.
Brisbane attacker Adam Taggart’s brace was enough to sink the visitors. Despite returning to Melbourne without the points, City were unfortunate not to find the back of the net, with Lachlan Wales coming closest when he struck the woodwork at 1-0.
Following a slow start to the season, the Jets recorded their first win of the season last weekend with a 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Spotless Stadium.
Jason Hoffman opened the scoring for the Newcastle-based side on the 25th minute mark, before Ronald Vargas secured the points and the Jets first win with a second-half stoppage-time strike.
Three-points to City could see Joyce’s side finish the round inside the top-four, while three-points to the visitors will see them close the gap on City. With a lot riding on the result in terms of league standings, Sunday night’s clash is set to be a cracker.
Team news
City come unchanged into the contest. See our full Team News.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was in the FFA Cup Round of 16 at AAMI Park in August.
City booked a spot in the Quarter-Finals with a 1-0 win over the Jets, courtesy of a Bruno Fornaroli strike in the 54th minute.
What was said
Defender Ritchie De Laet
“It’s all about the three points.”
Newcastle Jets Head Coach Ernie Merrick
“We’ll go out with the same game plan to play attacking football and win the game.”
Where and when
Melbourne City host Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Sunday 2 December, kick-off 7:00pm (AEDT).
