Match Preview: City v Western United

Melbourne City will return to AAMI Park for the first time in 2023 when it faces Western United this Saturday.

City came away with all three points thanks to a 3-1 win against Wellington Phoenix over in New Zealand earlier this week, with goal-scoring machine Jamie Maclaren scoring another double.

Maclaren claimed the outright A-Leagues record for goals scored in consecutive games, with City’s number 9 converting from the spot early in the second half after Socceroos teammate Marco Tilio won the penalty.

It was Maclaren again in the thick of the action for City deep into stoppage time, tapping in a lovely weighted pass from Andrew Nabbout to clinch the victory against a spirited Wellington side.

As City now turns it attention to the weekend’s clash against Western United, it will be hoping it can replicate the well-rounded performance shown on Monday.

The team has enjoyed consistency both on and off the pitch, with Head Coach Rado Vidosic able to name the same starting XI over the past three fixtures.

The only real concern ahead of this weekend’s clash will be the injury cloud hanging over defender Curtis Good, after the defender had to be subbed off at half time due to a knock on Monday.

It’s set to be business as usual up front for City however, with our dynamic front three of Leckie, Maclaren and Tilio continuing to dominate opposition defensive lines.

Coming up against a side that has conceded the most goals of any team this season in Western United, City’s attacking threats will no doubt be presented with plenty of opportunities in front of goal should the midfield fire on all cylinders once again.

The past three meetings have seen one of each possible result occur, although taking out the Round 1 clash this season, City hadn’t won in its five past attempts against Western.

The now 10^th placed United comes into Saturday’s clash off an eight-day turnaround following their 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar back on December 30.