The clash
Melbourne City FC will be on the hunt for its second consecutive win on Saturday evening when it takes on Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
After two losses in a row, City bounced back last round to defeat Western United 3-2, in their first ever clash at AAMI Park.
Three first half City goals looked to have the hosts home but two penalties within a few minutes late in the second half gave Western United hope. With Harrison Delbridge given his marching orders as a result of the second penalty, City did just enough to hold on for the remaining minutes with 10 men.
Following a much-needed win, Erick Mombaerts’ men will now look to use the result as a momentum builder as we near the halfway point of the season.
After picking up one point from its previous three matches, Brisbane were able to get back on the winners list last week away to the Wanderers.
Mitchell Duke opened the scoring for the home side, but it was all square 15 minutes later when Scott Neville found the back of the net before Bradden Inman put home the winner in the second half.
Goals have been hard to come by this season for the Roar, having scored just 12 times in 11 matches with half of those being scored by Roy O’Donovan.
Sitting second on the table, City haven’t had this problem with Jamie Maclaren scoring 12 goals in just nine games, almost half of the team’s total of 25.
With Delbridge watching from the sidelines through suspension, City’s defence will have to be at the top of its game if it is to help the team to all three points away from home.
Last time they met
These teams have already met once this season and it was a seven-goal thriller back in Round 6 at Queensland’s Dolphin Stadium.
Maclaren and O’Donovan both scored hattricks for their teams and despite twice leading by two goals (2-0 and 3-1), City suffered a disappointing 4-3 loss which was its first of the season.
Team news
Three youngsters are promoted as Harrison Delbridge misses with suspension. See full Team News here.
Where and when
The fixture will be held at Brisbane’s home ground, Suncorp Stadium and will kick-off at 5pm on Saturday 11 January. City will then return home a week later to host Newcastle on the 18th of January in a blockbuster double header at AAMI Park, you can grab your tickets here!
