Coming off a hard-fought yet frustrating performance against Brisbane in the Sunshine State, our boys return to Melbourne to face the team that currently occupies last place on the ladder, the Newcastle Jets.
Despite not taking all three points, Coach Erick Mombaerts was somewhat satisfied with how the boys played, highlighting his team's high pressing strategy and its effect in limiting Brisbane to just one shot for the entire second half. Having said that, he did identify mistakes in defensive transition that he would prefer to eradicate. Overall, he was proud of the effort that the team put in.
There will be some definite absentees from the matchday squad this week, with the versatile Scott Galloway set for an extended stint on the sidelines with what appears to be a serious ankle injury. It is unclear at this moment in time as to how long Galloway will be sidelined for.
Another obvious name missing will be Uruguayan Javier Cabrera, who officially departed the club earlier in the week after contributing one goal and four assists across eleven matches in City Blue.
Our Olyroo representatives remain unavailable due to their respective duties in Thailand.
After serving his one-match ban for his red card against Western United, defender Harrison Delbridge looms as a potentially vital inclusion this week. With uncertainty remaining around Richard Windbichler's fitness, having Delbridge back in the team would be highly advantageous, as fielding a recognized central-defensive partnership will play a key role in shutting down the Newcastle attack.
Having signed earlier this morning, the club has indicated that Spanish winger Mikel Susaeta will be made available for selection against the Jets.
The key to securing the win will be our ability to maintain the high press whilst also holding our focus in defensive transition. If those two boxes are ticked then it's very difficult to see how Newcastle will get anything out of the game.
Before our men's side attempts to get back on the winner's list though, our W-League side will aim to further cement their position on top of the ladder following a resounding victory over Canberra United to the tune of four goals to nil.
They'll be striving for a more clinical performance than they produced in Round 1 when they were forced to accept a 1-1 draw with the Jets, our only dropped points of the season thus far.
It's a big day for the football club as they've decided to turn Saturday into a blockbuster double-header to help raise funds for those in need during the current bushfire crisis. It represents an opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of our wonderful firefighters from across the nation who are doing such an admirable job in containing the devastating bushfires that are currently ravaging various parts of the country.
Men's score prediction: Melbourne City 3-1 Newcastle Jets
Women's score prediction: Melbourne City 3-0 Newcastle Jets
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