Top-four chasing Melbourne City will be hoping their formidable home record counts for something when they host Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park in the opening game of Round 24 on Friday night (kick off 7.50pm AEDT).
Warren Joyce’s side are unbeaten in their last nine home games and have kept clean sheets in four of those matches.
The likely return of Caltex Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren from injury is another boost for a City outfit that has been rather out-of-sorts of late.
Saturday’s lacklustre 3-0 defeat at the hands of Western Sydney Wanderers not only saw them lose ground to fourth-placed Wellington Phoenix, but also drop to sixth spot on the ladder.
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If they are to make a play for fourth and earn a home final, this is a fixture City simply must win.
Like their Melbourne opponents, Roar have been in patchy form themselves and fell to Sydney FC 3-1 last Friday evening.
And their away record is horrible, with the Queenslanders winning just once on their travels in the last 14 attempts.
In their two previous meetings this season it’s a win apiece, including City’s 1-0 triumph at AAMI Park back in Round 13.
Key Opta stats
- Melbourne City are undefeated in their last 12 Hyundai A-League games on home soil against Brisbane Roar (W9, D3), having kept a clean sheet in each of their last three such fixtures.
- Brisbane Roar (91) and Melbourne City (89) are two of only three teams (Central Coast Mariners – 90) that have recorded fewer than 100 shots on target this Hyundai A-League season.
- City have attempted an average of 22 dribbles per game this season, more than any other team in the Hyundai A-League.
How to watch
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch Friday night football, with the match kicking off at 7.50pm (AEDT). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Tickets
CLICK HERE to secure your seat at AAMI Park.
