City Insider - City v Western Sydney - Tuesday 22 January

CITY INSIDER

ROUND 15 v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS TUESDAY 22 JANUARY, 7.50PM

CITY INSIDER TUESDAY 22 JANUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v WESTERN SYDNEY

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE JANUARY’S BUSY SCHEDULE CONTINUES TONIGHT BUT WE ARE WELL RESTED AND RECOVERED AND CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK OUT THERE TO GET THE THREE POINTS.

After reflecting on Saturday night’s clash with league-leaders Perth, I’m proud of the side’s efforts. Going into the match we were well aware of their attacking firepower, and as a team, did exceptionally well to nullify their ability to find time and space to strike at goal.

It was a hard-earned point against the league leaders and there is no doubt that you guys were with us every step of the way.

Our attention now turns to tonight’s clash and it’s been a gruelling couple of weeks but we are ready for the challenge! As a team, we know that it’s crucial to make the most of playing in front of our home fans and three points tonight will be vital to us going forwards as we look to chase down the top three.

With two consecutive away trips, first facing the in-form Phoenix in Wellington before travelling to Sydney to take on Sydney FC, we are aware of the importance of capitalising on our fortress at AAMI Park.

We are familiar with the threat that the Wanderers pose following their last couple of performances, but we back ourselves to deliver under tonight. It’s always an entertaining clash when we take on the Wanderers, and we hope that with a great performance from the boys, tonight will be no different.

On behalf of the entire team, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support, we can’t wait to run out there in front of you again!

C’mon City!

Scott Jamieson Melbourne City FC captain

GAME AHEAD OF THE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

OFFICIAL PARTNER

MELBOURNE CITY v WESTERN SYDNEY

CITY INSIDER TUESDAY 22 JANUARY

BEWARE THE

WEARY WANDERER MELBOURNE CITY FC WILL LOOK TO KEEP PACE WITH THE LEADING PACK WHEN THEY HOST WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS AT AAMI PARK TONIGHT. Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side returns to the venue just three days after earning a share of the spoils against league-leaders Perth Glory.

In perfect conditions under lights, it was evident from the get-go that neither side was willing to allow their opponent time and space with the ball in the attacking half.

Curtis Good was a clear standout at the back, sweeping up any Glory chances.

City’s first chance of the match came in the 36th minute, when Ritchie De Laet found Florin Berenguer on the edge of the sixyard box. The Frenchman looked to hit the ball first time, but was unable to clear his feet, as the danger cleared for the visitors.

City’s defence were forced into making a number of key blocks, before captain Scott Jamieson went inches away from breaking the deadlock at the other end.

The left-back whipped in a dangerous ball, beating Liam Reddy for pace and height, before striking the top of the crossbar and skidding away to safety. Joyce’s side continued to press in the closing stages, but were unable to break through a resilient Glory outfit.

This week’s opponents, the Wanderers, are coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Adelaide United at ANZ Stadium.

ONE TO WATCH

LAST A-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

ALEXANDER BAUMJOHANN Wanderers attacker Alexander Baumjohann is one of the competition’s stars. The 31-yearold German arrived at the beginning of the season, following stints with the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin and FC Kaiserslautern. Since his arrival, the attacker has had immediate impact. In 12 matches with the Wanderers, he has demonstrated his ability to pull the strings in front of the attacking third making an impressive 36 key passes and scoring two goals from inside the box, both on his right foot. With the ability to pierce the smallest of gaps in any defence, City will need to keep aware of the midfielder, denying him any time and space over the ball as they look to nullify his impact.

18

SHOTS ON TARGET

73

WESTERN SYDNEY

1

ADELAIDE UNITED

2

A-League 2018/19 – Round 14 Friday 18 January, 2019 ANZ Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - WESTERN SYDNEY A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

Despite their plight, Markus Babbel’s men have put up a fight in recent weeks, leading Perth Glory 3-1 until the 79th minute where they were overrun by the rampant Glory side and conceding a last minute winner at home to Wellington.

City only have to look back to New Year’s day to see the challenge the Western Sydney will bring, needing a Eugene Galekovic masterclass to get over the line.

As the busy January period continues, three points at home before a tough trip to Wellington to play the Nix will be crucial.

GOALS AGAINST

29

WESTERN SYDNEY

0

MELBOURNE CITY

2

A-League 2018/19 – Round 10 Tuesday 1 January, 2019 ANZ Stadium

THE BEST TEAMS DESERVE THE BEST SUPPORT.

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14.12.18 15:03

MELBOURNE CITY v WESTERN SYDNEY

CITY INSIDER TUESDAY 22 JANUARY

FAINT FINALS HOPES REMAIN ALIVE

MELBOURNE CITY FC KEPT THEIR FINALS HOPES ALIVE WITH A COMPREHENSIVE 4-0 DEMOLITION OF NEWCASTLE JETS AT C.B. SMITH RESERVE ON SUNDAY NIGHT. Tameka Butt was the main catalyst in the midfield, pulling the strings in the attacking third. 20 minutes into the contest, Butt slipped the ball through to Rhali Dobson, who swivelled onto her right foot from the edge of the area before striking the upright.

It was a sign of things to come, as less than 10 minutes later City broke the deadlock. Elise KellondKnight played a short corner to Butt, who then turned Cassidy Davis expertly forcing the Jets defender to foul her in the area. Japanese import Yukari Kinga stepped up, firing the ball into the back of the net, beating the diving Eckerstrom for pace.

Moments later, Rebekah Stott went inches away from doubling City’s lead. The central defender pierced the Jets defence with a darting run, meeting Butt’s ball, before clattering her effort into the crossbar. Soon after, City secured their second goal of the game as Kellond-Knight’s perfectly weighted corner was met by captain Steph Catley’s thumping header at the back post. Under lights in Fawkner,

the second-half kicked off much like the first ended with City on the front foot.

In the 58th minute, Helen Caceres found Kinga superbly, who made a neat turn within the area before firing home her second goal for the night and extending the margin to 3-0.

The dominance continued deep into the half for Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side and soon after they made it 4-0. Butt’s influence grew, this time finding debutant Hailie Mace, who took a touch inside the area before showing great composure to slide home City’s fourth of the night only moments after entering the field of play.

City will sit out Round 13 with the bye, before taking on Sydney FC at WIN Stadium on Thursday 31 January. Depending on how results fair in Round 13, City’s clash with the Sky Blues could very well be for a place in the 2018/19 Westfield W-League Finals Series.

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

MATCHES PLAYED

11

GOALS SCORED

18

SHOTS ON TARGET

56

GOALS AGAINST

15

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

CITY INSIDER TUESDAY 22 JANUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v WESTERN SYDNEY

BACK TO BACCUS DESPITE JOINING CITY ON THE EVE OF THE SEASON, KEARYN BACCUS HAS SLOTTED IN SEAMLESSLY, PLAYING A KEY ROLE FOR HEAD COACH WARREN JOYCE’S SIDE IN THE HEART OF MIDFIELD. Upon his arrival, the gaffer highlighted what the midfielder would bring.

“Kearyn will add quality and brings a wealth of experience to the squad, helping maintain the current tough competition for places,” Joyce said.

With Joyce’s support, Baccus has delivered. Since starting in City’s Round 1 win over Melbourne Victory, the midfielder has moved from strength to strength.

“I just needed a change, a fresh start, and I’m just happy Warren gave me that. From day one I have felt comfortable with the boys, with the Club and everything, I’m grateful for being here and now the aim is to win something this year,” Baccus said.

“I’m grateful to Warren for bringing me in, he’s a great coach, what I’ve seen has been unbelievable this far and with the team that we have I really think we can go far this season.

“Everything with Warren is about the finer detail, if you don’t do the right thing you won’t play. He just wants us to work hard, be part of the team and buy into what he says.”

His smooth transition into the squad, combined with the important role he has played for the team, saw him earn and sign a permanent three-and-a-half-year deal with the Club in the early stages of the January transfer period.

Following his signing, the South African-born footballer

acknowledged his delight to remain with the Club and his intentions of winning silverware in City blue.

“It’s been a big couple of months with the Club and now I’m just glad I can officially call Melbourne City home,” Baccus said.

“I want to win something and I think with the team that we have that that’s achievable this year, with the coach especially, anything is possible. Hopefully we can win some silverware and be thereabout challenging for the title.

Baccus will be looking to extend his strong run of form when he plays his former side in Western Sydney. The exWanderer has been prolific in City’s midfield, averaging a pass success rate of 86.5 per cent, showcasing his ability to rarely waste the ball when in possession. His ability to read the play and break down the opposition’s attacking moves has seen him sit in front of the back four, anchoring the midfield.

Playing for the Wanderers, will be Baccus’ younger brother Keanu. Baccus explained his brother’s disappointment in no longer having the ability to line-up next to his older sibling.

“Keanu is a little bit disappointed that I left, but he’s got to stand on his own two feet and be his own man,” he said.

After penning a new deal, Baccus will remain at Melbourne City until at least the end of the 2021/22 Hyundai A-League campaign.

KEY STATS - KEARYN BACCUS A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

14

KEY PASSES

8

PASS SUCCESS

87%

INTERCEPTIONS

29

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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 Central Coast 2 Melbourne City 1

Round 14 Melbourne City 0 Perth Glory 0

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 TUESDAY 22 JANUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v WESTERN SYDNEY

Y-LEAGUE SPURN GOLDEN CHANCE 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.

Melbourne City FC's Y-League side lost the chance to have their Grand Final qualification fate in their hands on Sunday, conceding a late equaliser to Perth Glory at C.B. Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

A frantic opening 25 minutes saw five goals between the sides with City leading 3-2 thanks to a double from the dangerous Moudi Najjar and Ramy Najjarine while the visitors remained in touch from a brace to Daniel Stynes.

The hosts had a number of chances to extend their lead - the best through Luke Duzel late in the game and would eventually pay the price for not taking their opportunities. A 90th minute corner was met by Kristian Popovic at the back post to earn the visitors a share of the spoils.

City’s draw sets up an entertaining finish to Conference A. Not only will City need to defeat Adelaide United in Adelaide in the last round, but they will also be relying on top-of-the-table Brisbane Roar to drop points to Melbourne Victory in order to qualify for the Foxtel Y-League Grand Final.

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 Melbourne City 3 Perth Glory 3

Round 10 Fri 25 Jan, 4.30pm Marsden Complex

CITY INSIDER TUESDAY 22 JANUARY

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v WESTERN SYDNEY

MELBOURNE CITY FC

WESTERN SYDNEY

HEAD COACH: WARREN JOYCE

HEAD COACH: MARKUS BABBEL

1 18 42

MARK BIRIGHITTI EUGENE GALEKOVIC JAMES DELIANOV

1 20 40

DANIJEL NIZIC VEDRAN JANJETOVIC NICK SUMAN

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

4 5 13 21 24 34

JOSH RISDON BRENDAN HAMILL TASS MOURDOUKOUTAS TAREK ELRICH RAUL LLORENTE PATRICK ZIEGLER

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

6 8 10 17 18 22 28

KOSTAS GROZOS JORDAN O'DOHERTY ALEXANDER BAUMJOHANN KEANU BACCUS MARK TOKIC RASHID MAHAZI ROLY BONEVACIA

19 23 27 30 37

LACHLAN WALES BRUNO FORNAROLI FLORIN BERENGUER MOUDI NAJJAR GIANLUCA IANNUCCI

7 9 11 16 19 23 27 49

NICK FITZGERALD ORIOL RIERA BRUCE KAMAU JAUSHUA SOTIRIO MARK BRIDGE LACHLAN SCOTT KWAME YEBOAH ABRAHAM MAJOK

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

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

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

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 18 SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY KICK-OFF 7.50PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY