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What to watch for: Sydney FC v City

Melbourne City is yet to taste defeat this season and will be hoping it can continue the strong form shown prior to the World Cup break when it faces Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.

The team is set for its first proper hitout under Head Coach Rado Vidosic, while Socceroos trio Matthew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren and Marco Tilio all return from a remarkable World Cup campaign with the Socceroos.

Here’s a few things to keep an eye out for come gameday in what will be City’s first game in just under a month.

Maclaren looking to extend historic goalscoring streak

Prior to departing on World Cup duties, Jamie Maclaren was in some fine goalscoring form, finding the back of the net in six straight games on his way to racking up eight goals – the next best in the league five behind.

Only twice in the competition’s history has any player enjoyed a longer streak, with Maclaren now in touching distance of Marc Janko (seven) and Andy Keogh (eight).

Such is Maclaren’s dominance over the years, this is the second time in his illustrious career that he’s managed the feat.

Up against Sydney FC, a side that has conceded the second most goals this season, Maclaren is certainly a big chance to keep the streak alive.

New voice, same message

Things will look just a little different when City travels to face Sydney FC this Saturday night.

After two years at the helm, we said goodbye to much loved manager and club legend Patrick Kisnorbo after he secured a move to sister City Football Group club ES Troyes AC in Ligue 1.

Rado Vidosic has taken over as Men’s Head Coach and is set to take charge of the squad for the first time in an official match this Saturday night.

Vidosic is no stranger to the A-League Men’s competition, following previous stints with Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix.

Although the voice may’ve changed, the past few weeks have been very much business as usual as City gears up for a return to action this Saturday.

A chance to pick up points on the road

Coming out of the World Cup break, City boasts an impressive record of five wins, one draw and zero losses, sitting pretty at the top of the A-League Men’s table.

City has been dominant right across the pitch this season, with its stout defending complimented by a ruthlessness in front of goal.

Throw in the fact that Sydney FC is yet to win at its new home in a league fixture, this Saturday’s game looms as a big opportunity for City to extend its unbeaten run.

While the timing of the World Cup break wasn’t ideal for the high-flying side, Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren and Marco Tilio’s positive experience from their recent campaign with the Socceroos will only give the side more confidence heading into the resumption of the A-League Men.

If the side can pick up from where it left off prior to the break, it’ll certainly send a reminder to the rest of the competition that its well and truly a force to be reckoned with this season.