It feels like forever since we saw our in-form A-League Women's side take the pitch. Thankfully, the wait is over as they meet Wellington in the first match of tomorrow's double-header, looking to make it three wins in a row.
If recent history alone is anything to go by, the City girls may find three wins in a row a difficult task as they haven't achieved that for almost two calendar years. The last time such a streak occurred was the concluding three matches on the way to the 2020 Grand Final triumph over Sydney FC.
But, records break eventually, and realistically, when you consider that this week's opponents have their goals scored and goals conceded tallies equating to one and fourteen, most signs point to a Melbourne City win.
Here are three talking points heading into the game:
Their leaky defence is ripe for the picking
As mentioned above, Wellington has conceded 14 goals so far in their debut season, which means they've got problems at the back.
The last time out against Sydney was their worst outing as all five goals they let in that day came in the first half.
We've got an attack that is currently firing on all cylinders with one player in particular - Hannah Wilkinson - netting a lazy seven goals from her last two matches.
With all due respect to Wellington, scoring multiple goals should not be a problem this week.
A perfect opportunity for a clean sheet
Clean sheets have been elusive for our City girls this season, having managed to keep just one in our four games so far. That said, we've only conceded multiple goals on one occasion, that being against the cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory.
Now, this suggests that, despite our lack of clean sheets, defending hasn't been a huge issue overall, but our defence is facing the equal-worst attack in the competition this week.
A clean sheet looms as very achievable.
Staying in touch with Sydney is vital
Beating Wellington moves us to within a single point of current table-toppers Sydney FC, but it's going to take a ruthless performance to make the Sky Blues look over their shoulder in fear.
Anything of the ilk of a one or two-nil win won't strike fear into Sydney; emulating or bettering what they did to Wellington most recently would be ideal.
Strong performances from the likes of captain Emma Checker, Rebekkah Stott and Hannah Wilkinson will also go a long way to continue to breathe down Sydney's neck.
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