The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat when they host Sydney FC in a Grand Final rematch at AAMI Park on Friday.
In their first ever outing at McKellar Park, Rado Vidosic’s side was downed 2-0 by Canberra United in Round 1.
Despite City having their fair share of chances in front of goal, Heather Garriock’s team proved to be more clinical with both Ellie Carpenter and Rhoda Mulaudzi finding the back of the net.
City may have lost their opening fixture, but Vidosic can be pleased with the way his team performed under testing circumstances. The reigning champions had eight players making their first appearance in City blue, which included five W-League debutants.
Ahead of their match against Sydney, Vidosic’s side is set to be boosted by the return of Yukari Kinga, while Matildas international Elise Kellond-Knight is set to make her City debut.
Although City will be desperate to return to winning ways, it won’t be easy as they face a determined Sky Blues outfit, who are coming off a comprehensive Sydney Derby win.
Ante Juric’s side will be looking to get one back on City who defeated them 2-0 in last season’s Grand Final.
In Round 1, Sydney defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0, as Chloe Logarzo found the back of the net and Caitlin Foord netted a brace.
City’s back four will need to be at their best on Friday, as Sydney’s attacking third looks to have already hit their straps.
Team news
Matildas international Elise Kellond-Knight is set to make her City debut as Yukari Kinga returns to the squad. See the full squad in our Team News.
Last time they met
Melbourne City defeated Sydney FC 2-0 in last season’s Grand Final at Allianz Stadium.
Welsh international Jess Fishlock opened the scoring in the 35th minute, before Jodie Taylor secured the championship win with a 75th minute poachers effort.
What was said
Head Coach Rado Vidosic
“The focus this week with the short turnaround has been to make sure girls have recovered. We are getting two new players into the squad this week with KK [Elise Kellond-Knight] and [Yukari] Kinga, so we had a technical training session this morning.”
“Sydney were very powerful in the front third last week, they looked dangerous, but I think our back four did quite well against Canberra. Hopefully we can keep a clean sheet, and get something down the other end.”
Melbourne City midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight
“We need points, this season is so short you just can’t afford to drop points so we’re obviously going in for the win. It’s obviously a Grand Final rematch and a double-header so it’s a massive event, a big stage and we’re going to hopefully turn up for the game.”
Where and when
City host Sydney in what is set to be a blockbuster double-header at AAMI Park on Friday, 2 November, kick-off 5:20pm.
