Melbourne City FC faces another short turnaround in the A-League Men as the team prepares to face Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The team will be eager for their chance at redemption against the Jets following their midweek loss against Adelaide United.
It was a familiar tale for the City boys, who started strongly through Jamie Maclaren, with the striker netting his eighth goal of the season.
However, for all of City’s dominance, the team failed to beat Joe Gauci for a second time as the young Reds keeper had a pivotal performance in goal. His side was fortunate to find the back of the net twice, first through Javi Lopez’ unintentional cross and then late on when a mistake at the back allowed Mohamed Toure to win the game for the visitors.
The City boys will need to have quickly refocused again as they face a short turnaround following the result, having had just three days to prepare for our return to AAMI Park against Newcastle Jets.
The team’s attacking performance in the last meeting between the teams just over a week ago will no doubt serve as a confidence booster, with the City boys putting four past Jets keeper Jack Duncan.
It was Jamie Maclaren who starred on the night, coming away with two goals and an assist for Mathew Leckie, with Florin Berenguer netting City’s opener at McDonald Jones Stadium.
City should be wary of our upcoming opposition given the Jets most recent result in the A-League Men’s competition, a 2-1 away win against Melbourne Victory. The Jets resisted the home side’s attacking pressure and were in turn clinical in their limited opportunities, netting twice from just eight total shots.
Though the team will have every intention of ensuring otherwise, this rematch between City and the Jets could very likely be another high-scoring affair, with the teams recording the highest goals-per-game figures in the league and having secured just one clean sheet apiece this season.
Maclaren and Newcastle striker Beka Mikeltadze will inevitably be at the heart of the shootout, should it occur, as the pair currently occupy the top two places in the A-League Men’s Golden Boot standings.
The boys will welcome being back at AAMI Park again, with the team having won 62.5% of games against the Jets when playing at home.
Match Details
Izuzu UTE A-League
Melbourne City FC vs Newcastle Jets FC
Friday 18 February, kick-off 7:45pm
AAMI Park
