It’s our home opener. It’s a double header. It’s set to be a blockbuster. Here are the five things we are looking forward to ahead of our Round 3 clash with Sydney FC.

Homecoming

Melbourne City FC host their first match of the 2018/19 A-League season when they play Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Friday night.

After two consecutive games away from home, City return to AAMI Park looking to continue their impressive home record..

In what is set to be a huge double-header with the W-League side, don’t miss the chance to watch 180 minutes of enthralling football.

It’s always a tough battle against the Sky Blues, so get down to AAMI Park and show your support for the team. Click here to get your tickets or sign up as a member today!

Six-pointer

On Friday night, City have an opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to three games.

Following their 2-1 Melbourne Derby win at Marvel Stadium, City drew 1-1 with Central Coast at Central Coast Stadium.

City’s draw against the Mariners sees them level on points with Sydney FC, Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix atop the A-League ladder. The Sydneysiders currently sit on top of the standings due to goal difference, with City in third.

It might only be Round 3, but it’s always important to beat your rivals and set yourselves up for the pointy end of the season.

Home sweet home

Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side has won their last three league games at AAMI Park.

The team’s current winning streak sits at four wins at the same venue, extending from February to March in 2016.

Sydney may have had the better of us over recent times, but with a mid-week fixture ahead of the match and the game being played on our home deck, there’s no better time to beat them.

The floodgates will burst

Despite having to settle for a 1-1 draw in Gosford last weekend, City dominated the contest and had several chances to win the match.

Warren Joyce’s men had 62.1% of possession and 23 shots on goal, 19 more than their opposition.

Although they were unable to convert in front of goal, the statistical dominance suggests that the team is not too far away from burying their chances.

Midfield Battleground

When City faces Sydney on Friday night, two of the league’s strongest midfields will go head-to-head.

Milos Ninkovic is one of the most prolific footballers in the competition, while both Joshua Brillante and Brandon O’Neill have played key roles in Sydney’s recent success.

While for City, Kearyn Baccus and Riley McGree have been standout performers in the opening two rounds of the season.

Then there is Luke Brattan, a man who has started this season in terrific form. Brattan has been one of the Club’s most consistent performers in recent times and this season is no different. So far this season, the 28-year-old has made 28 passes in the final third, more than any other player in the competition.

If City are to break their drought against last season’s premiers, there is no doubt that the 28-year-old will play a crucial role in doing so.