Melbourne City will prepare for its second pre-season Friendly on Tuesday night as they face 2016 NPL Victoria Premiers Bentleigh Greens.
The clash
Warren Joyce’s side head into the clash coming off a resounding 10-0 win over fellow NPL Victoria side Oakleigh Cannons and the squad will be looking to get more vital minutes under the belt before the Club’s first competitive match in Brisbane.
With a clean bill of health from Tuesday’s match, it will be interesting to see the what the Head Coach has in store for his squad with the Englishman making his first change after 80 minutes against the Cannons.
At the start of Round 23, Bentleigh sit equal first on 42 points with goal difference keeping them in third behind Heidelberg United and South Melbourne.
The Greens boast a number of former A-League and NYL players from both the city blue and navy sides of Melbourne. Ross Archibald would be the most familiar to City fans, with the defender returning to Australia to join the NPL side, while Nick Ward, Andy Brennan, Kieran Dover and Luke Pilkington join him in Head Coach John Anastasiadis’ squad.
Tuesday’s contest will be City’s last pre-season friendly before the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 clash against Peninsula Power on Tuesday 1 August.
Team News
City will remain with much of the same side that took on Oakleigh for the clash against Bentleigh with Ruon Tongyik, Daniel Arzani and Bruce Kamau still away with the Australian Under 23 side.
Tim Cahill has returned from his extended break after the Confederations Cup in Russia but will more than likely not play a part in the contest.
What was said this week
Warren Joyce
“There’s only two games to go before the cup game so we’ve had a few in-house games where nearly everyone has got 90 minutes. Some of the younger lads have picked up little niggles because they found it hard adapting to the tempo of the training but you want more of the senior players to head out there and get 90 minutes in the legs.
“Pre-season is about getting everyone to a certain level. So far everyone has mainlined a good level and they will keep on building throughout the pre-season. We’re just looking to build on this and get an understanding of the roles with and without the ball. You put certain challenges to them before the game and we’re looking to continue this on Tuesday.”
Neil Kilkenny
“I want to play 90 minutes every game this season and I’m not going to hide that. I love playing football and I want to carry on playing 90 minutes.
“Now though, it’s about keeping ourselves fit and making sure we are ready for all of the competitive games we play. I want to keep injury-free and get as fit as possible in the games that we have available.
Where and when
City face Bentleigh Greens on Tuesday night at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, kick-off 7.30pm. 2017/18 members will receive a personalised email on Tuesday with ticketing information. Show the email with a valid ID to receive the members price of $5. Tickets are $10.
Warren Joyce’s side will then prepare for the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday 1 August as they face Football Queensland’s Peninsula Power. Click here for ticket information.
