Melbourne City will be back in action in the A-League Women at Casey Fields this Saturday, hosting Newcastle Jets in another big clash.
Dario Vidosic’s squad has been on fire so far this season, finding the back of the net seven times in just two games while conceding only once.
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There’s plenty to be excited about for this weekend’s clash against Newcastle, but here’s a few things to keep a close eye on.
Three consecutive wins to open the season?
City has the opportunity to get through the first month of the A-League Women’s season without dropping points, needing to secure another win at Casey Fields this Saturday to do so.
City opened its 2022/23 campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory against Wellington Phoenix before a Round 2 bye.
Despite the disrupted start to the season, a week off didn’t faze the squad, with City notching a convincing 3-0 win at home against Brisbane Roar last Saturday.
The game against the Jets is a chance for City to take home all nine points on offer from the opening month of the season, and will leave it sitting pretty on top of the A-League Women’s table.
Can Henry and Rojas make it three on the trot?
Exciting new recruits Bryleeh Henry and Maria Jose Rojas have enjoyed blistering starts to their careers at City, with the duo scoring in the opening two matches of the team’s season.
Despite Hannah Wilkinson, City’s top-scorer last season, being ruled out to the end of December with a quad injury and forward Holly McNamara out with an ACL injury, City has had no issues in front of goal, scoring seven times in the first two matches.
Rojas, who was brought in as an injury replacement for Wilkinson, has quickly found a home up front for City, recording two goals and an assist already this season.
Bryleeh Henry has been equally impressive, finding the back of the net twice to kickstart her City career.
A return to the XI for captain Checker?
City captain Emma Checker eased her way back from a knee injury in last week’s 3-0 win over Brisbane, coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute.
Checker missed the opening match of the season against the Wellington Phoenix but is now nearing full fitness and will certainly be pushing for a starting spot this Saturday against the Jets.
Despite City only conceding the one goal in its opening two games, Checker’s impending return to the XI will force Vidosic into a tough call at the selection table.
Checker would be a welcome boost an already high-flying City side, with her defensive prowess and leadership a welcome addition to the side as it looks to extend its winning streak to begin the season.
