Our City boys have an opportunity to take a must-have three points, go top of the league, and continue to put the pressure on those who sit around us.
With the first half of the season over with a win against the Jets last Friday night, it is truly up to us to start the run home right. This season looks as tight at the top as it has ever been, and it will surely be a photo-finish, unless we can break away early…
It all starts against the Mariners, and here are three reasons why you should be enjoying Tuesday night at AAMI Park:
Home is where the Heart is
The Mariners have really begun to turn themselves around over the past couple of seasons, finishing third in a wonderful turnaround from a three-peat of wooden spoons. While not quite being last, Central Coast are sitting in an unfortunate 10th place.
As well as hoping that their poor form continues, City will be hoping that history repeats itself, as the Mariners have not won away to us since our last season known as Melbourne Heart.
Since that match in 2014 where the infamous Orlando Engelaar carved his named into club folklore, we have become a much different club. One which has become mentally strong, and able to face the pressure of such a record and continue it smoothly.
Atkinson, Metcalfe… then Tilio?
If there was ever a reason to get down tonight, it must be this kid: Marco Tilio.
With a name like that he was always destined to be a baller, but his display against Newcastle was something else! Tearing seasoned defenders apart with his nimble movement, soft touch and unmatched speed, Tilio is certainly doing well padding his resume after that terrific Olympic cameo.
Despite the lack of consistent minutes – which will surely change after that Jets game – Tilio has shown that he has considerable talent. The world is at his feet; the more game time he can get now, the higher that expected transfer fee will be at the end of the season.
The race is on
Despite the fluctuation of matches played across the A-Leagues this season, there seem to be multiple ‘claims to the throne’, with five out of the top seven teams sitting on 18 points.
Though Western United are sitting pretty in 1st, all their wins have come with a narrow one goal lead… precarious, indeed. If we keep up our top scoring run, we have a fantastic chance at having a superior goal difference come the pointy end of the season.
While we have been quite the topsy-turvy side to watch this season, there is no reason why our form can’t hit its stride. We must keep the pressure on the top of the league, surely a no brainer.
Our home is our Heart, let’s get down and support the boys who don the City blue! It promises to be a belter of a match, with both clubs having plenty on the line.
Score prediction: City 3-1 Mariners
Jmac should score