Melbourne City are gearing up for their return to A-League action with an away fixture against Sydney FC. Aurelio Vidmar’s side faces a crucial match on Tuesday night.
Following a two-week break from domestic competition due to their AFC Champions League Elite commitments, City are now refocusing on the A-League. With the season’s final stretch approaching, every result will be vital as City seeks to climb the table and secure a place in the Finals series.
City Look to Bounce Back After Continental Exit
The squad will be aiming to bounce back after a disappointing end to their continental campaign. City bowed out of the AFC Champions League Elite after a penalty shootout defeat to Buriram United in Thailand.
After taking a few days to reflect on that result and return to Melbourne, the team’s focus has shifted back to league football and the push towards Finals.
Squad Updates Ahead of Sydney Trip
Vidmar has confirmed a 20-player extended squad for the trip. There are a couple of changes from the group that travelled to Auckland for their most recent A-League fixture on February 28.
Defender Germán Ferreyra returns to the squad after missing the match against Auckland. However, he did feature in both legs of City’s AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 tie against Buriram United.
Young midfielder Lawrence Wong has also been promoted into the extended squad. There are no omissions from their last league match.
- In: 22. Germán FERREYRA, 41. Lawrence WONG (both promoted).
- Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 10. Takeshi KANAMORI (knee), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (calf), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (quad).
The confirmed squad list is as follows:
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 4. Liam BONETIG, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 41. Lawrence WONG, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
Tough Test Against the Sky Blues
Tuesday night’s clash against Sydney FC presents an immediate challenge. The Sky Blues are currently sitting third on the ladder.
Sydney FC are in strong form heading into the contest.
With seven matches remaining in the regular season, every result will be crucial as City looks to climb the table and secure a place in the Finals series.