Melbourne City host the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon with a chance to consolidate their spot in the top four of the A-League standings.
With Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United facing off at AAMI Park tonight, there will be a huge opportunity presented for John van’t Schip’s team to push clear of one, or both teams, with what on paper looks like one of City’s more winnable fixtures this season.
However, the Mariners will carry some confidence into this contest after a spirited, but incomplete performance in the 3-2 loss against the Reds in Gosford last week.
In this week’s most notable story with relation to the A-League’s glamour outfit, controversy surrounding Harry Novillo’s indiscretions earlier this week were swiftly dealt with by the club, who have confirmed he will not train with the squad while the investigation is ongoing.
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Key Battle – Bruno Fornaroli vs Paul Izzo
The Uruguayan has routinely made opposition defenders look silly since his arrival. ‘El Tuna’ will be afforded opportunities, and the man tasked with the job between the posts is Paul Izzo – a young goalkeeper with a big chance to deny the A-League’s hottest property from finding a route to goal.
The star striker was unable to drag his team over the finish line in the Melbourne Derby last Saturday – the task made all the more difficult following Anthony Caceres’ second-half sending-off, forcing the 28-year-old into more defensive work than usual.
His first-half, however, was sublime, scoring a double that included a contender for goal of the season. Following a rabona to set up the move, Fornaroli collected Aaron Mooy’s disguised pass and chipped the ball masterfully over the helpless Victory goalkeeper.
His rival between the sticks on Sunday has come under criticism as the Mariners continue to concede a raft of goals. The 21-year-old Izzo could give his credentials a huge boost with a commanding display on Sunday.
Team news
For the hosts, the big team news is the omission of Novillo. Young talent Steve Kuzmanovski has been promoted to the first team, presumably to take the Frenchman’s place, while Jacob Melling returns from suspension and should start in place of the suspended Caceres. Central-defender Connor Chapman is still a week or two away following a knee injury.
Mariners coach Tony Walmsley has a full squad to choose from, beside the injured Jake McGing and suspended Roy O’Donovan. Former Melbourne Knights captain Tomislav Uskok has been promoted to the first team, along with young midfielder Adam Berry and young Socceroo, Matthew Fletcher, after a week on the sidelines.
Previous Meeting
City had far too much class for the struggling Mariners when these sides last met in December, winning 5-1 in Gosford in front of 4,514 spectators.
Novillo scored a brace, while Stefan Mauk, Mooy and Fornaroli added singles. Mitch Austin netted a consolation penalty with five minutes remaining.
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Prediction
While Tony Walsley’s men showed some spirit in last week’s loss to Adelaide, and are building towards a more sustainable playing style, it is hard to tip against this current City side.
One non-negotiable in beating City is stopping Mooy. Few teams have managed that feat in season 11, and the midfielder has flourished. The 25-year-old added another two assists to his name, and could add a few more unless Nick Montgomery and co can shut him out – a test as difficult as any in the A-League.
Melbourne City 3 Central Coast Mariners 1
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