A first away trip of the season is on the cards for Melbourne City FC this Friday night when it faces Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
The new season couldn’t have gotten off to a better start than a 2-1 win over Western United last weekend.
While it may not sound like the most comprehensive scoreline, City looked the better team for long periods of the contest.
Jamie Maclaren was unlucky to have an early goal ruled out after a questionable VAR decision, while Western’s sole goal came in the dying stages in what had been a very strong defensive performance for City up until that point.
Some big Tom Glover saves kept the hosts in the contest early, before a Leo Lacroix own goal in the 38th minute preceded a second half Maclaren finish that VAR couldn’t rule out this time around.
On the night he made his 300th appearance, Scott Jamieson was thrust into an unfamiliar centre-back role with the City skipper looking far from out of place.
This came about after Curtis Good and Nuno Reis were ruled out with injury, although the former looks set for a return this week.
Good’s impending return comes at a good time as City are set to face off against former Premier League striker Charlie Austin.
While Brisbane may’ve played out a scoreless draw last week, the combination of Austin and the recently returned Riku Danzaki – who scored twice in Roar’s Australia Cup run – will ensure City’s defence are on its toes.
Up the other end of the pitch, Maclaren will be looking to make his 100th City appearance another scoring one. He becomes just the fourth player club history to reach the milestone, joining Jamieson, Good and David Williams.
While Friday is set to be City’s first time at Suncorp Stadium in almost three years, the team has enjoyed a good run of form against Brisbane in recent seasons, suffering defeat just once in the past seven meetings between teams.
Match Details
Izuzu UTE A-League: Round 2
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City FC
Friday 14 October, 7:45pm kick-off (AEDT)
Suncorp Stadium
Live on Paramount+
