City Insider - City v Victory - Saturday 22 December

CITY INSIDER

DOUBLE HEADER ROUND 8

v CANBERRA UNITED

SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER, 5.00PM

ROUND 9

v MELBOURNE VICTORY

SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER, 7.50PM

MELBOURNE CITY v MELBOURNE VICTORY

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE EVERY TIME WE TAKE THE FIELD IN FRONT OF OUR HOME FANS IS A SPECIAL MOMENT, BUT THERE’S SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL ABOUT THE MELBOURNE DERBY. It’s a chance for us – together with our fans behind us – to battle it out against our fierce rivals.

As a team, we can’t wait to get out there tonight in front of the City faithful. We’re coming off a complete team performance, defeating the in-form Reds on their home deck in Adelaide.

Heading into the match we knew that a spot in the top-four was on the line and as a team we were desperate to return to winning ways. I’m extremely proud of how the team bounced back and leapfrogged A tough side at a difficult venue.

In saying that, the Melbourne Derby is the type of game that form heading into the match can be thrown out the window, where big game players step up to the occasion and grasp the moment. It’s us – as a team – fighting for City blue superiority, for the city's bragging rights and for our fans. We’ve beaten Victory once already on their home turf, and there’s no reason why we can’t make it two from two on ours. As a team, we thank you – the City fans – for supporting us today and together let’s do this! We hope that we can begin your festive season period on a high, and from all the team, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas!

Scott Jamieson Melbourne City FC Captain Firstly, I would like to thank you – the City fans – for your endless support. We’ve had a mixed start to the season but after a solid win on the road against the Jets in Round 6, we strongly believe that together we can continue a push towards a top-four finish in the second-half of the season.

Our win over Newcastle was great, not only were the threepoints vital, but every one of my teammates played their role and put in a great shift for the team. We were also able to celebrate Lydia Williams’ 100th Westfield W-League match which is an incredible achievement and a special moment for her. Watching the first five rounds from the side-lines was difficult, but it was wonderful to finally get back out there against the Jets, getting a valuable 45-minutes under my belt.

It’s always tough when you’re injured, but I’m so happy to finally be back out there with the girls and playing my role for the team. With our full squad beginning to take shape, we are determined to give the second-half of the season all that we’ve got as we strive towards the ultimate goal, an unprecedented fourth consecutive Westfield W-League championship. On behalf of all my teammates, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year, as we look to begin your festive season holidays with a win! There’s nothing better than playing in front of our home fans and we can’t wait to get back out there today, so cheer your loudest and enjoy the match!

Steph Catley Melbourne City FC Captain

GAME AHEAD OF THE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

OFFICIAL PARTNER

MELBOURNE CITY v MELBOURNE VICTORY

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

DERBY BRINGS TIMELY TEST FOR CITY IT'S SECOND AGAINST FOURTH BUT THE BATTLE COULD MEAN SO MUCH MORE HEADING INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH BOTH TEAMS LOOKING TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES AS FINALS CONTENDERS. Following a frustrating 1-0 loss to Perth Glory at nib Stadium in Round 7, Melbourne City FC bounced back last Sunday night, securing an important three-points against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.

With a place in the top-four on the line, City leapfrogged their South Australian rivals with an impressive 2-0 win on the road.

Youngsters Lachlan Wales and Riley McGree continued their impressive starts to life in City blue, combining well on the wing before the latter forced Jordan Elsey into finding the back of his own net as he looked to hit Ramy Najjarine with a dangerous ball across the penalty area.

Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side continued to press in the second-half and made it 2-0 On 50 minutes. In-form midfielder Luke Brattan buried a powerful strike from the edge of the area, his second from that range in as many weeks, beating Reds shot-stopper Paul Izzo for pace and power.

in front of their home fans, the Reds continued to press in search of finding the back of the net, but City’s defence stood firm as veteran gloveman Eugene Galekovic continued his impressive run of form this season, making several vital saves and securing his third clean sheet of the season.

Last weekend’s result sets up a mouthwatering Melbourne Derby against fierce rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Kevin Muscat’s team continued their strong start to the season last weekend, with an entertaining 4-2 win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium. Victory attacker Kosta Barbarouses opened the scoring in the six-goal contest with a strike in the 13th minute, before in-form Roar striker Adam Taggart levelled the scoring. With all six goals scored in the first-half, Toivonen made it 2-1,

ONE TO WATCH

LAST A-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

KEISUKE HONDA

BRISBANE ROAR

Since joining Melbourne Victory at the beginning of the season, Keisuke Honda has wasted no time stamping his authority on the competition and showcasing his world-class talent.

The 32-year-old Japanese star is an intelligent attacker, whose football smarts and creativity makes him one of the most dangerous opponents in the competition.

The play-maker is a genius on the football pitch, creating chances for his teammates as well as finishing clinically when called upon.

He’s the type of player that can change the contest in a split-second, meaning that City will need to be constantly on their guard as they look to nullify his influence.

20

SHOTS

86

2

MELBOURNE VICTORY 4 A-League 2018/19 - Round 8 Friday 14 December, 2018 Suncorp Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET

MELBOURNE VICTORY 1

KEY STATS - MELBOURNE VICTORY A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

before Keisuke Honda converted from the spot. Toivonen then pegged one back for the Roar, finding the back of his own net, before Barbaurouses secured his brace and the three-points with a strike on the cusp of half-time.

Both City and Victory head into tonight’s match full of confidence, but if history is anything to go by, anything can happen in a Christmas Derby. City currently hold a 1-0 head-to-head lead over their rivals this season, with a 2-1 win at Marvel Stadium in Round 1, and there is no doubt that Joyce’s men will be looking to make it two from two as they not only look to claim bragging rights, but also close the gap on the top two.

GOALS CONCEDED

9

MELBOURNE CITY

A-League 2018/19 - Round 1 Saturday 20 October, 2018 Marvel Stadium

2

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY v MELBOURNE VICTORY

RILEY READY FOR MORE RILEY MCGREE MAY HAVE COME TO INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION FOLLOWING HIS SCORPION-KICK GOAL AGAINST THE CLUB LAST SEASON BUT THE 20-YEAR-OLD HAS PROVEN THAT HE IS MUCH MORE THAN A ONE-HIT WONDER. Since joining City at the beginning of the season on-loan from Belgium side Club Brugge, McGree has wasted no time making his mark in City blue. From his brilliant strike in the FFA Cup Quarter-Finals against Western Sydney Wanderers to his match-winner against Melbourne Victory which was three-minutes into his league debut for the Club and with his first touch - McGree’s transition has been nothing short of impressive.

The 20-year-old shows poise beyond his years on the football pitch, as he continues to build as one of Australia’s brightest young talents. The attacker has stuck to his word since starting his time at the City Football Academy, working tirelessly on the training track to improve as a footballer.

“I came here for the professionalism of the club, the highquality facilities and coaching staff and players. Now I want to get a good pre-season under my belt, have a good season and develop myself as a player,” McGree said following his signing. “I could see that this Club is going places, and I want to be here winning more trophies.”

“My aim is to work hard and let the rest take care of itself.

Hopefully I can score many more goals for the Club and entertain the fans,” he added.

Following his breakout campaign with the Newcastle Jets last season, McGree joined Club Brugge. It was an experience that he gained an enormous amount from, but after limited opportunities he decided to return home and join City.

“Belgium was a really good experience, training in that firstteam environment with top quality players and coaching staff, I definitely benefited from that and grew in ability," he told The Age.

"But it just wasn't happening for me, I wasn't getting senior game time and it was quite hard leaving home and being away but you take these things and you learn from them.

"I preferred to come back to Australia [on loan, rather than stay in Europe on loan]. It was a more familiar league and the lifestyle also, I think the club [Brugge] would have preferred maybe a European loan but I thought to myself this would be the best bet for me."

McGree has praised the way his teammates and the Club as a whole have welcomed him to Melbourne, highlighting that his famous scorpion-kick was an ice-breaker upon his arrival at the CFA. “They gave me a bit of friendly banter about that but it helped to break the ice and get me involved,” he said.

“They kind of just called me ‘Flukey’ and all those kinds of remarks, and it’s not my nickname but every now and then they will call me that to take the mickey a little bit.”

In seven appearances so far this season, McGree has played an important role in City’s attacking third. With two goals already to his name, the 20-year-old has also registered one assist and created eight chances. His impressive start to the season has seen him earn praise from Head Coach Warren Joyce.

“I think Riley has done fantastically well,” Joyce said. “I think he’s possibly one of our best players.”

McGree will be looking to build on his impressive start to the season when City host Melbourne Victory in tonight’s Christmas Derby. The attacker will be looking to make it two-from-two on the scoresheet after netting City’s winner the last time the two teams met in Round 1.

KEY STATS - RILEY MCGREE A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

8

KEY PASSES

9

PASS ACCURACY

81%

GOALS

2

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

MELBOURNE CITY v MELBOURNE VICTORY

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

W-LEAGUE SET FOR GRANDSTAND FINISH MELBOURNE CITY FC WILL BE LOOKING FOR REVENGE FOLLOWING THEIR ROUND 1 LOSS WHEN THEY HOST CANBERRA UNITED IN A CRUCIAL CLASH THAT WILL SHAPE THE RACE TO THE FINALS. Melbourne City FC’s W-League side will be looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they host Canberra United at AAMI Park.

Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side are undefeated in their past two fixtures, recording a 1-1 draw with Adelaide United in Round 5 before defeated Newcastle Jets 3-1 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 6.

Ahead of their clash with the Jets, Vidosic’s side welcomed back two key defensive inclusions, captain Steph Catley and Rebekah Stott. In the mustwin fixture with the Jets, City came out of the blocks firing with an electrifying opening five minutes of play.

City’s dominance would eventually prevail with two quick fire goals before half-time. The first came through Yukari Kinga after the Japanese star finished truly off Rhali Dobson’s cross, before Tameka Butt notched her 50th

Westfield W-League goal and her first in City blue four-minutes later.

As the Jets continued to push forward, in-form City striker Jasmyne Spencer took the wind from their sails with a brilliant effort from the edge of the box – registering her fourth goal of the season and adding to her already impressive highlights reel in City blue.

Canberra United are coming off a frustrating 2-2 draw with bottomplaced Western Sydney Wanderers at Spotless Stadium.

After a goalless first-half, Matildas international Ellie Carpenter pounced on an opportunistic effort to open the scoring. The defender noticed that Wanderers keeper Jada Whyman was down hurt leaving her net unmanned, before finishing truly from range.

Leena Khamis then hit back for the

ONE TO WATCH

LAST W-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

ELLIE CARPENTER Matildas star Ellie Carpenter is one of Australia’s brightest talents. The 18-year-old shows experience, composure and ability beyond her years, both at the domestic level and on the international stage. Not only does she fulfil her defensive duties well, but Carpenter is one of Canberra’s most threatening players in the attacking half of the field. Her willingness to work tirelessly up and down the wing sees her rewarded for her effort. Her eagerness to support her teammates in the attacking third has seen her register 11 key passes and score two goals in the opening six matches of the season.

As one of Canberra’s most influential players at either side of the field, there’s no doubt City will look to nullify the impact of her transition play.

10

SHOTS

74

WESTERN SYDNEY

2

CANBERRA UNITED

2

W-League 2018/19 - Round 6 Friday 7 December, 2018 Spotless Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - CANBERRA UNITED W-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

Wanderers, before the home side conceded an 85th minute own-goal which looked to have secured the points for Canberra. Despite taking the lead, Canberra let it slip, as Kylie Ledbrook found the back of the net three-minutes later.

With both teams sitting out Round 7 with the bye and fighting for a position in the top-four, we are set for an enthralling encounter. With a chance to leapfrog Canberra on the ladder and make amends for their Round 1 loss, Vidosic’s side will be looking to secure the three-points in front of their home fans.

GOALS CONCEDED

9

CANBERRA UNITED

2

MELBOURNE CITY

0

W-League 2018/19 - Round 1 Sunday 28 October, 2018 McKellar Park

2018/19

A-LEAGUE FIXTURES Round 1 Melbourne Victory 1 Melbourne City 2

Round 2 CC Mariners 1 Melbourne City 1

Round 3 Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3

Round 4 Melbourne City 2 Wellington Phoenix 0

Round 5 Brisbane Roar 2 Melbourne City 0

Round 6 Melbourne City 3 Newcastle Jets 0

Round 7 Perth Glory 1 Melbourne City 0

Round 8 Adelaide United 0 Melbourne City 2

Round 9 Sat 22 Dec, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 10 Tue 1 Jan, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 11 Sun 6 Jan, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 12 Fri 11 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 13 Wed 16 Jan, 7.50pm Central Coast Stad.

Round 14 Sat 19 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 15 Tue 22 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 16 Sat 26 Jan, 5.35pm Westpac Stadium

Round 17 Sun 3 Feb, 5.00pm Jubilee Oval

Round 18 Sat 9 Feb, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 19 Fri 15 Feb, 7.50pm McDonald Jones

Round 20 Sat 23 Feb, 7.50pm Marvel Stadium

Round 21 Sun 3 Mar, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 22 Sat 16 Mar, 7.50pm SCG

Round 23 Sat 30 Mar, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 24 Friday 5 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 25 Sat 13 Apr, 5.35pm AAMI Park

Round 26 Sun 21 Apr, 5.00pm Westpac Stadium

Round 27 Fri 26 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

All times are AEST. Fixtures subject to change.

THE BEST TEAMS DESERVE THE BEST SUPPORT.

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14.12.18 15:03

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v MELBOURNE VICTORY

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY FC

CANBERRA UNITED

HEAD COACH: RADO VIDOSIC

HEAD COACH: HEATHER GARRIOCK

1 23

LYDIA WILLIAMS MELISSA BARBIERI

1 20

MELISSA MAIZELS SHAM KHAMIS

3 4 7 13 88

LAUREN BARNES CHELSEA BLISSETT STEPH CATLEY REBEKAH STOTT THERESA NIELSEN

4 5 21

RACHEL KORSIE NIKOLA ORGILL ELLIE CARPENTER

2 5 8 10 15 16 31

YUKARI KINGA HELEN CACERES ELISE KELLOND-KNIGHT NIA STAMATOPOULOS AMY JACKSON SOFIA SAKALIS TAMEKA BUTT

2 3 6 8 11 16 18

LAURA HUGHES NATASHA PRIOR REFILOE JANE OLIVIA PRICE DENISE O'SULLIVAN KARLY ROESTBAKKEN KAREN KING

9 11 12 17 22

JODIE TAYLOR RHALI DOBSON ADRIANA JONES KYAH SIMON JASMYNE SPENCER

7 9 10 13 17 19

AOIFE COLVILL RHODA MULAUDZI PAIGE NIELSEN MEGAN MCELLIGOTT MADELYN WHITTALL NIKKI FLANNERY

ROUND 9 TUESDAY 1 JANUARY KICK-OFF 5.20PM ANZ STADIUM

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

ROUND 10 SATURDAY 5 JANUARY KICK-OFF 4.00PM EPPING STADIUM

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 11 FRIDAY 11 JANUARY KICK-OFF 5.20PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v MELBOURNE VICTORY

MELBOURNE CITY FC

MELBOURNE VICTORY

HEAD COACH: WARREN JOYCE

HEAD COACH: KEVIN MUSCAT

1 18 42

MARK BIRIGHITTI EUGENE GALEKOVIC JAMES DELIANOV

1 20 30

MATTHEW ACTON LAWRENCE THOMAS MATTHEEW SUTTON

2 3 4 5 13 22 25 36

RITCHIE DE LAET SCOTT JAMIESON HARRISON DELBRIDGE BART SCHENKEVELD NATHANIEL ATKINSON CURTIS GOOD IACOPO LA ROCCA DYLAN PIERIAS

2 3 5 14 22

STORM ROUX COREY BROWN GEORG NIEDERMEIER THOMAS DENG NICK ANSELL

6 7 8 10 15 21 26 34 38 39

OSAMA MALIK ROSTYN GRIFFITHS RILEY MCGREE DARIO VIDOSIC KEARYN BACCUS RAMY NAJJARINE LUKE BRATTAN CONNOR METCALFE JOSH CAVALLO ANTHONY LESIOTIS

4 6 8 13 15 16 19 21

KEISUKE HONDA LEIGH BROXHAM TERRY ANTONIS BIRKAN KIRDAR RAUL BAENA JOSH HOPE RAHMAT AKBARI CARL VALERI

11 19 23 27 30 37

MICHAEL O'HALLORAN LACHLAN WALES BRUNO FORNAROLI FLORIN BERENGUER MOUDI NAJJAR GIANLUCA IANNUCCI

7 9 10 11 23 26

KENNY ATHIU KOSTA BARBAROUSES JAMES TROISI OLA TOIVONEN JAI INGHAM NICHOLAS SETTE

ROUND 10 TUESDAY 1 JANUARY KICK-OFF 7.50PM ANZ STADIUM

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

ROUND 11 SUNDAY 6 JANUARY KICK-OFF 5.00PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 12 FRIDAY 11 JANUARY KICK-OFF 7.50PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY