City Insider - City v Perth - Saturday 19 January

CITY INSIDER

ROUND 14

v PERTH GLORY

SATURDAY 19 JANUARY, 7.50PM

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 19 JANUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v PERTH GLORY

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE THERE’S NO DOUBT THAT THE MONTH OF JANUARY IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING PERIODS OF THE SEASON. THE FIXTURES ARE GRUELLING AND IT TESTS YOU BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY, AS INDIVIDUALS AND TOGETHER AS A TEAM.

Despite how testing it can be, it’s also one of the most rewarding times of the year.

It’s the first month of the year, it’s school holidays and it’s the summer of football. It’s one of the most enjoyable times to head down to AAMI Park and play in front of our fans with plenty of sunshine.

Tonight’s match is no different, it’s our second of three games in six days and it’s against the league leaders.

As a team, we are looking forward to the challenge. Perth leads the way on top of the A-League ladder for good reason, losing just one game, but we know that on our day we can beat anyone.

We are well aware of Perth’s attacking threat, as they have scored the most goals in the competition, but we back our defensive unit to hold out against the leaders. We have built our game off the back of our defensive steel which has seen us concede the least amount of goals this season - and registered the most clean sheets so far, and that’s something that we will look to continue building tonight.

It’s the league’s best defence against the league’s best attack, and we can’t wait for the challenge. I look forward to seeing you – the City fans – out there chanting your loudest and getting behind the boys. C’mon City!

Scott Jamieson Melbourne City FC captain

GAME AHEAD OF THE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

OFFICIAL PARTNER

MELBOURNE CITY v PERTH GLORY

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 19 JANUARY

THE BATTLE AT THE TOP CONTINUES

MELBOURNE CITY FC ARE SET FOR A BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH TOPOF-THE-TABLE PERTH GLORY AT AAMI PARK ON TONIGHT AS BOTH SIDES LOOK TO CONTINUE THEIR MARCH TOWARDS THE FINALS. The clash under lights is set to be the match-of-the-round, as the league’s most threatening attack in Perth Glory takes on the strongest defence in Melbourne City.

Led by experienced shot-stopper Eugene Galekovic in goal, City’s defence will look to keep out the likes of Diego Castro and Andy Keogh for the Glory. Head Coach Warren Joyce has shown unpredictability in his selection’s this season, which could make it difficult for the Glory to plan ahead.

Ritchie De Laet may be thrown forward again or could remain at right-back, where he has spent most of the season to date. City will also be boosted by the availability of Harrison Delbridge who missed the mid-week clash

with Central Coast Mariners at Central Coast Stadium due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

As well as keeping the league’s most threatening attack at bay, City will be looking to make the most of their chances down the other end. The individual brilliance of Luke Brattan, De Laet, Lachie Wales, Riley McGree and Dario Vidosic will be key.

Tonight’s match will be the first time the two teams go head-tohead at AAMI Park this season, with their only previous encounter coming in Round 7 at HBF Park. Last time round it was the hosts that ran out 1-0

ONE TO WATCH

LAST A-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

DIEGO CASTRO Perth Glory attacker Diego Castro continues to show the competition why he is one of the most technically gifted players in the league.

The 36-year-old has had an interrupted start to the season, but that hasn’t stopped him from netting two goals in two starts. His ability to find the back of the net with either foot has been evident, with one goal scored on his right and one on his left. The Spaniard led Perth Glory to a remarkable come-from-behind victory over the Wanderers, as his incredible passing ability resulted in three goals being scored. With 11 successful dribbles this season, City will look to nullify his influence through shutting down the time and space that he is allowed.

31

SHOTS ON TARGET

67

PERTH GLORY

4

WESTERN SYDNEY

3

A-League 2018/19 – Round 13 Sunday 13 January, 2019 HBF Park

LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - PERTH GLORY A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

winners, after Glory captain Andy Keogh’s deflected cross fell to Chris Ikonomidis who pounced on an opportunistic effort to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half-time.

Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side had their fair share of chances in the attacking third, but were unable to test Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy between the sticks.

As the vigorous January period continues, City will look to claim maximum points in front of their home fans against fellow championship contenders Perth Glory.

GOALS AGAINST

16

PERTH GLORY

1

MELBOURNE CITY

0

A-League 2018/19 – Round 7 Saturday 8 December, 2018 HBF Park

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14.12.18 15:03

MELBOURNE CITY v PERTH GLORY

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 19 JANUARY

W-LEAGUE FATE OUT OF THEIR HANDS

MELBOURNE CITY WILL LOOK TO KEEP THEIR FINALS HOPES ALIVE ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON AS THEY FACE NEWCASTLE JETS IN A MUST-WIN CLASH AT CB SMITH RESERVE. Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side is coming off a gutwrenching loss to Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park in Round 11, where the hosts dominated the contest before suffering a goal against the run of play, on the counter attack in the closing stages.

With 23 shots at goal to Brisbane’s five, City dominated the contest but lacked the polish in the attacking third that was needed to claim the points.

City’s missed opportunities also included a missed penalty, as Elise Kellond-Knight put her effort from the spot wide after American import Jasmyne Spencer was fouled inside the area.

With 15-minutes of regulation time remaining, Brisbane struck, as Chioma Ubogagu turned Yukari Kinga before finishing clinically from inside the area.

City’s finals chances remain alive, but they will need to win both of their remaining two games as they hope other results go their way.

Sunday afternoon’s clash won’t be easy, coming up against a Newcastle Jets outfit full of confidence

following their upset win over Perth Glory last weekend.

The Jets came back from a goal down, to run out 3-1 winners over the top-four hopefuls in Newcastle.

Samantha Kerr opened the scoring in the 34th minute, before the Jets produced a blistering second-half performance to score three goals without reply, courtesy of Arin Wright, Tara Andrews and Cortnee Vine.

Newcastle, who were missing three key figures in Emily van Egmond, Katie Stengel and Taylor Smith, produced one of the greatest upsets in W-League history and will no doubt be looking to make it two from two when they take on the reigning champions.

Fate might be out of City’s hands, but to keep any chance of a top-four finish alive, Vidosic’s side will need to secure all three-points in their last remaining home fixture of the season.

KEY STATS - MELBOURNE CITY W-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

10

GOALS SCORED

15

SHOTS ON TARGET

50

GOALS AGAINST

15

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 19 JANUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v PERTH GLORY

GOOD TO BE HOME THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WORDS THAT YOU COULD USE TO DESCRIBE CURTIS GOOD, BUT THE ONE THAT STICKS OUT MOST, IS RESILIENCE.

The City defender made his debut for the Club in the 2011/12 season, before joining Newcastle United on a six-year deal in 2012.

Shortly after joining The Magpies, Good earned his first and only Socceroos cap, where he suffered a horrific hip injury which led to him spending an extended period on the side-lines.

On Sunday 2 December 2018 against the Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park in Round 6, the Melbournian made his long-awaited return to A-League football.

February 28, 2014, was the defender’s last league game. It came in the Scottish Premier League for Dundee United, a week before his Socceroos debut.

It may have been a long time between drinks for the defender, but his soul focus is on what lies ahead.

“Yeah, long, long time [between drinks]. That’s what those [stats] say,” Good told the Herald Sun following his return.

“Experiencing it myself, it seems a bit longer if I’m being honest. You’ve just got to put it behind you and get back to what you love and that’s just being fit and involved all the time.

“Melbourne City’s given me this opportunity, which I’m grateful for.

“It felt fine. I wasn’t as nervous as my Melbourne Heart debut. I enjoyed the experience and being a part of it.”

It’s a competitive battle for positions in City’s defensive line, as Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side continues to lead the competition for clean sheets kept and goals conceded. But it’s a battle that can only benefit the level and overall standards of the team, according to the 25year-old.

“For me personally, like a lot of the boys here, it’s about putting pressure on people in your position. As a whole that brings the level of training up, so you just keep fighting,” Good told the Herald Sun. “Just had a little setback fitness wise, very brief. Just went back to the roots of it, strength work in the gym. Since then [I’ve] been flying, been involved every session, so happy days.”

The gaffer has praised Good’s defensive qualities and willingness to work hard on the training track as he fights for a spot in the team.

“He returned to Melbourne on a week-long trial and has shown the attitude and desire needed to rebuild his career after suffering an injury setback,” said Joyce.

“With the support of our coaching staff and the rest of the players, Curtis has the chance to push and challenge for a place in the team and set himself back on the right track.”

The defender is eager to share the experiences he took from his time in the UK, as he looks to play an important role in leading City to success.

KEY STATS - CURTIS GOOD A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

4

AERIAL DUELS

9

TACKLE SUCCESS

75%

CLEARANCES

6

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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 Melbourne City 1 Melbourne Victory 1

Round 10 Western Sydney 0 Melbourne City 2

Round 11 Melbourne City 2 Newcastle Jets 1

Round 12 Melbourne City 1 Brisbane Roar 0

Round 13 Wed 16 Jan, 7.50pm Result after print

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.

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 19 JANUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v PERTH GLORY

Y-LEAGUE SET FOR TENSE FINALE MELBOURNE CITY YOUTH WILL BE LOOKING TO HUNT DOWN BRISBANE ROAR IN TOP SPOT OF GROUP A, WHEN THEY HOST PERTH GLORY AT C.B. SMITH RESERVE ON SUNDAY NIGHT. Sitting one-point behind the Roar, Head Coach Joe Palatsides and his team will be looking to pile on the pressure with two league games remaining. The winners of Group A and Group B in the Y-League will face off in the Grand Final, meaning City will need to claim maximum points from their remaining two games as they hope Brisbane falter.

City are fresh off an impressive come-from-behind Melbourne Derby win, their second win from a losing position in succession. Following a remarkable comeback against Adelaide United at C.B. Smith Reserve the week prior, Palatsides’ side headed to Epping Stadium to face their cross-town rivals full of confidence.

For the second consecutive fixture, City battled back from 2-0 down to make it 3-2 as Gianluca Iannucci fired home the winner in the impressive comeback that kept the Y-League side a point away from top spot.

City’s result sets up a mouth-watering must-win clash with Perth Glory at C.B. Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon. The last time the two teams met was at Dorrien Gardens in Western Australia back in Round 3, as City ran out 3-0 winners with a flawless display.

2018/19 Y-LEAGUE FIXTURES Round 2 Brisbane Roar 2 Melbourne City 0

Round 3 Perth Glory 0 Melbourne City 3

Round 4 Melbourne City 4 Melbourne Victory 1

Round 6 Melbourne City 1 Brisbane Roar 3

Round 7 Melbourne City 3 Brisbane Roar 2

Round 8 Melbourne Victory 2 Melbourne City 3

Round 9 Sun 20 Jan 4.00pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 10 Fri 25 Jan, 4.30pm Marsden Complex

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 19 JANUARY

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v PERTH GLORY

MELBOURNE CITY FC

PERTH GLORY

HEAD COACH: WARREN JOYCE

HEAD COACH: TONY POPOVIC

1 18 42

MARK BIRIGHITTI EUGENE GALEKOVIC JAMES DELIANOV

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

6 7 8 10 15 21 26 34 38

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

19 23 27 30 37

LACHLAN WALES BRUNO FORNAROLI FLORIN BERENGUER MOUDI NAJJAR GIANLUCA IANNUCCI

ROUND 15 TUESDAY 22 JANUARY KICK-OFF 7.50PM AAMI PARK

FOLLOW US

1 33

TANDO VELAPHI LIAM REDDY

2 3 4 5 6 13 16

ALEX GRANT JASON DAVIDSON SHANE LOWRY IVAN FRANJIC DINO DJULBIC MATTHEW SPIRANOVIC TOMISLAV MRCELA

15 17 19 20 21 22 27 88

BRANDON WILSON DIEGO CASTRO CHRIS IKONOMIDIS JAKE BRIMMER JACOB ITALIANO FABIO FERREIRA JUANDE NEIL KILKENNY

7 9 11 14

JOEL CHIANESE ANDY KEOGH BRENDON SANTALAB CHRIS HAROLD

ROUND 16 SATURDAY 26 JANUARY KICK-OFF 5.35PM (AEDT) WESTPAC STADIUM

MELBOURNE CITY FC

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 17 SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY KICK-OFF 5.00PM JUBILEE STADIUM

@MELBOURNECITY