Melbourne City’s 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s season officially kicks off this Saturday evening, with Aurelio Vidmar’s side set to face Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium.
After a busy pre-season highlighted by some new arrivals and already two competitive fixtures in the AFC Champions League Elite, City now turns our focus to domestic duties as we look to begin the home campaign on a positive note.
An edge in match fitness
While Saturday marks Round 1 of the ALM season, City will take confidence from having already played two competitive fixtures in recent weeks as part of our ACL Elite campaign.
Despite results not quite going our way – including a heartbreaking late equaliser away to Vissel Kobe – those matches, along with a strong pre-season program, have provided valuable minutes against top opposition.
Vidmar’s side will now be eager to translate that match fitness into a fast start against a Wanderers outfit that has enjoyed a productive off-season under Alan Stajic.
Saturday’s hosts have impressed in pre-season, bolstered by several key arrivals, including former City Championship winner Steven Ugarkovic and midfielder Angus Thurgate, rounding out their own preparations with a 2-1 win over Perth Glory last weekend.
City have also continued to build momentum around our ACL commitments, drawing in pre-season friendlies with ALM opposition Adelaide United and Auckland FC, as well as recording a solid win over Newcastle Jets.
New faces ready to shine
Several new and emerging faces could feature in City colours for the first time in the A-League this weekend.
International attacking duo Takeshi Kanamori and Elbasan Rashani are both in line for their league debuts, having already pulled on the shirt in recent ACL Elite outings. The pair have shown promising glimpses in attack and will be looking to make their mark in domestic competition.
They may be joined by a couple of City’s exciting Academy products, with Beckham Baker and Besian Kutleshi included in the extended squad and pushing for a place in the matchday 18, and with that, potentially, an A-League debut.
Vidmar will be hoping his refreshed squad can combine quickly and make a strong early statement, with City looking to improve on last season’s results against Western Sydney, where we suffered a 2-0 home defeat before a 2-2 draw away.
Midfield boosts and attacking options
City have been handed a major boost ahead of Round 1, with Mathew Leckie and Andreas Kuen both cleared to return from minor hamstring and quad issues respectively.
The Championship-winning duo bring vital experience and composure to the midfield and are likely to slot straight back into Vidmar’s starting XI.
There’s also additional firepower available in attack, with Max Caputo back in Melbourne and full of confidence after scoring a brace for the Young Socceroos at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Competition for places remains fierce across the front line, particularly on the left wing, where Kavian Rahmani, Emin Durakovic, and Rashani are all strong options after featuring in that position at different stages throughout our first two ACL Elite fixtures.
With a mix of experienced stars, in-form internationals, and hungry young talent all expected to take to the pitch, City will be aiming to start our Championship defence in style on Saturday evening.
Fixture Details
Isuzu UTE A-League Men: Round 1
Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 18 October, 5:00pm KO
CommBank Stadium
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