Round 23: Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar, AAMI Park, Sat 28 March 7.30 pm

[InMyHeart]

Koren to dominate in Midfield 

3-1 win

[SF33]

Well Brisbane lost to WP as expected although the weather cut the match short. BR now play WSW on Wednesday doing two things simultaneously: reduce the games in hand by one, and hopefully tiring the Roar a bit more. If WSW win then the race for sixth spot is back entirely under City's control. If BR win then City still has to rely on BR losing another game somewhere. Ditto if they draw. Although I don't particularly like the thought of getting to sicth spot because the Roar are too exhausted I will take it.

 

It is anyway, isn't it?

 

Even if Brisbane beats West Sydney they move within two points of us with a game in hand. Then we beat them and it becomes five points, with a game in hand to Brisbane. That's in our control, unless I'm missing something. It goes out of our control if we draw and it's a disaster if we lose.

 

In the bad old days, this would be the sort of game that we'd fail to take the three points from. It was a gutsy performance on Saturday, but I refuse to believe in this team, until it wins on Saturday.

 

Hoping that Novillo, Kennedy, Baharudin, Williams and Hoffman (where is he?) are available. Hopefully Melling a chance within a couple of weeks?

 

That would three automatic inclusions to the starting lineup this week, along with our most dangerous bench player. Mooy, Zinni Symeoy and probably Ramsay or Murdocca to miss out, assuming no injuries from the game (fingers crossed).

[rass]

 

Well Brisbane lost to WP as expected although the weather cut the match short. BR now play WSW on Wednesday doing two things simultaneously: reduce the games in hand by one, and hopefully tiring the Roar a bit more. If WSW win then the race for sixth spot is back entirely under City's control. If BR win then City still has to rely on BR losing another game somewhere. Ditto if they draw. Although I don't particularly like the thought of getting to sicth spot because the Roar are too exhausted I will take it.

 

It is anyway, isn't it?

 

Even if Brisbane beats West Sydney they move within two points of us with a game in hand. Then we beat them and it becomes five points, with a game in hand to Brisbane. That's in our control, unless I'm missing something. It goes out of our control if we draw and it's a disaster if we lose.

 

In the bad old days, this would be the sort of game that we'd fail to take the three points from. It was a gutsy performance on Saturday, but I refuse to believe in this team, until it wins on Saturday.

 

Hoping that Novillo, Kennedy, Baharudin, Williams and Hoffman (where is he?) are available. Hopefully Melling a chance within a couple of weeks?

 

That would three automatic inclusions to the starting lineup this week, along with our most dangerous bench player. Mooy, Zinni Symeoy and probably Ramsay or Murdocca to miss out, assuming no injuries from the game (fingers crossed).

 

 

Yep, you're right SF33.

If we win all of our remaining games, we make the finals. The equation is as simple as that.

[Dylan]

Henrique is out

[cadete]

Can see us losing this... 

 

And myself cracking the shits about JVS as I walk out of the stadium.

Edited March 23, 2015 by cadete

[Tony999]

3-0 win in front of 20k.

[japiedog]

3-0 win in front of 20k.

hahahahahahahaha

 

I'll have what your smokin!

[kingofhearts]

If they lose this, they should bring back the wheelie bins and the shit facilities.

[Tony999]

3-0 win in front of 20k.

hahahahahahahaha

I'll have what your smokin!

Sorry, it was a typo.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Meant to say 4-0 in front of 30k

[Dr.Dreas]

it will be a 1-1 draw in front of 8k

[jw1739]

Can see us losing this... 

 

And myself cracking the shits about JVS as I walk out of the stadium.

I'm adopting the same approach as for the Newcastle match - go along, enjoy it, and try to get the lads over the line for a win.

 

In the end the league table reflects performance over the whole season, not just a handful of matches at the end. I'm confident CFG understand that (they have round about 27 million reasons so far to do so), and what transpires at the end of the season will reflect what happened over the whole season, not just the last few weeks of it. 

 

Our own players have admitted that they "didn't turn up" for a couple of matches, and we've seen one, two and even three points thrown away at various times. Just a little bit more focus here and there would have seen us at this point not wondering about sixth place, but whether we will be first or second.

 

We started the season with a completely unbalanced squad, and didn't treat the pre-season appropriately as evidenced by our approach to the FFA Cup. If van 't Schip stays, I hope that there's one thing he - along with the rest of the football department - has finally learned, and that is you have to hit the A-League season running and that every match is ultimately a six-pointer by the time the end of the season arrives. The A-League season is too short to bumble around for half of it before you get some focus and accountability into your football.

 

I think we can beat Brisbane, but IMO they have, apart from fixture congestion, an easier run to the post than we do, so for me our final position is too close to call yet.

[Harrison]

One important fact to remember is the last finals spot is ours if we want it. We don't have to rely on other results to finish sixth. If we win all of our remaining matches, we will finish (mininum) sixth.

Obviously, it isn't that simple, because winning all of our remaining matches will be too difficult I suspect.

Nevertheless, I think it is an importany psychological factor.

[Murfy1]

A little ray of sunshine for City

 

Monday, 23 March 2015

 

Francis Leach

 

 

Our man in Melbourne, ABC football commentator Francis Leach, assesses the resurgent Melbourne City FC's chances of staying in the Hyundai A-League six ahead of their six-pointer with Roar this Saturday.

 

In football there are some things you simply can’t plan for. Just ask Brisbane Roar FC.

 

As it poured misery over the Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Round 22, a little ray of sunshine was seen to peek through the clouds at Melbourne City FC’s Bundoora HQ.

 

Much to the frustration of coach Frans Thijssen, Roar were forced to abandon their pursuit of an equaliser against leaders Wellington Phoenix due to the appalling weather.

 

City’s hard fought win at Sydney FC on Friday night has given them a five-point buffer over Brisbane in 6th spot, though the defending champions have two games in hand.

 

To add to Thijssen’s fury, one of those games looms on Wednesday.

 

His squad will be shorn of crucial players Matt McKay and Luke DeVere who are on Socceroos duty for this midweek game against the struggling Wanderers.

 

Suddenly, Brisbane Roar are chasing hard to keep their title defence alive.

 

In football, misfortune and blind luck are often opposite sides of the same coin.

 

It’s good fortune Melbourne City simply must make the most of.

 

City’s stop-start season seemed to have hit the wall a fortnight ago when it lost to Central Coast Mariners in Gosford then let a lead slip late at Paramatta Stadium to give the Wanderers a rare home success this season.

 

It seemed the same old scenario from City, flattering to deceive and spurning opportunity at the most inopportune moment.

 

A confidence boosting 4-0 win at home over Newcastle Jets was followed up by a 1-0 smash and grab raid at the expense of Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues last Friday night.

 

Suddenly, City’s season had a heartbeat again. 

 

The most attractive thing about Friday night’s performance was City learning to win ugly.

 

For long periods Van’t Schip’s team were under the pump as the Sky Blues went searching for a win that would have taken them top of the table.

 

Mark Janko, in irrepressible goal scoring form, looked most likely to break the deadlock.

 

Yet when the decisive moment came it wasn’t the league’s hottest marksman who provided it, but one of the competition’s forgotten men.

 

James Brown is a mercurial talent. A peripheral figure at City for most of the season, he hadn’t scored for Jon Van’t Schip’s team since joining at the start of the campaign.

 

In fact, Brown’s last goal was in Gold Coast United colours back in 2012.

 

So when he popped up with the winner in this game, it’s fair to say City fans were both surprised and delighted.

 

The win against Sydney FC was only the second time this season City have managed consecutive victories.

 

It’s that lack of consistency and capacity to build momentum that so frustrates the fans. And it needs to change.

 

There are signs though that Van’t Schip’s team are building a reputation for being tough to crack at home.

 

Aside from an “away” loss at AAMI Park at Melbourne Victory in early February, City are unbeaten in their last seven home games. 

 

That growing reputation may stand them in good stead for Saturday night’s crucial clash with a battle weary Brisbane Roar.

 

This game is likely to define the fate of both clubs this season.

 

For City it presents an opportunity to finally build on the hard fought gains of recent weeks.

 

On too many occasions such moments have been squandered.

 

There’s simply no room for excuses this time.

 

http://www.a-league.com.au/article/a-little-ray-of-sunshine-for-city/5ych1gcomv8z14cxbjeaz2pu3

Edited March 23, 2015 by Murfy1

[bellydrum]

It's clearly a conspiracy by the media as they know we crumble under pressure.

 

1.Publish heaps of articles saying we are going to win.

2.Meanwhile put life savings on Roar to win.

3.Buy a tropical island

[dconder13]

what time is the full length march leaving

[Nate]

what time is the full length march leaving

March

[Tony999]

I'm mega pumped for this game. Haven't been this pumped all season as it will potentially decide who takes sixth spot.

[RedAndWhitePride]

I'm mega pumped for this game. Haven't been this pumped all season as it will potentially decide who takes sixth spot.

Which is precisely why we should have one of our biggest non-derby crowds in our history, but we won't.

[Murfy1]

A-League: Melbourne City can secure sixth place with win over Brisbane Roar

 

David Davutovic

 

March 23, 2015

 

 

MELBOURNE City has a golden chance to sew up sixth spot on Saturday when they host a battered Brisbane Roar on Saturday.

 

Marquee star Thomas Broich is one of nine players set to miss the ‘mini-final’ at AAMI Park and is understood to be in doubt for the rest of the season with his ankle injury worse than the club is letting on.

 

Roar’s injury/absentee list could rise, as Frans Thijssen’s side is due to host Western Sydney on a chopped up Suncorp Stadium pitch on Wednesday night.

 

Roar’s leading scorer Henrique has already been ruled out for the rest of the season, with Roar yesterday confirming that he needs knee surgery.

 

Defender Jade North (groin), keeper Michael Theo (groin) also look set to miss on Saturday, while striker Jean-Carlos Solorzano (hamstring) remains in doubt.

 

Four more are away on international duty. Socceroos Matt McKay and Luke DeVere are in Germany while defenders Corey Brown and James Donachie are in Chinese Tapiei with the Olyroos for their Rio 2016 qualifiers.

 

Roar fell five points behind City after Sunday’s farcical scenes saw Wellington claim three points despite only 73 minutes of the match played.

 

A waterlogged pitch saw the match called off, with A-League rules stating that the result stands if called off in the second half. If it was called off in the first half, the match would be replayed.

 

In an almost unprecedented round, 28 players are unavailable due to the FIFA international window, with the A-League’s top two sides hardest hit.

 

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league-melbourne-city-can-secure-sixth-place-with-win-over-brisbane-roar/story-e6frf423-1227275404390

[Melburnian]

We're doomed. It's written in the stars.

[kingofhearts]

We're doomed. It's written in the stars.

Can just imagine the next article about the game

 

"Due to inclement weather Brisbane were not able to travel to Melbourne for the game against city, so they instead have to pick out people from the crowd to fill the team. Theres no way city can lose this"

[silva10]

A little ray of sunshine for City

 

Monday, 23 March 2015

 

Francis Leach

 

 

Our man in Melbourne, ABC football commentator Francis Leach, assesses the resurgent Melbourne City FC's chances of staying in the Hyundai A-League six ahead of their six-pointer with Roar this Saturday.

 

In football there are some things you simply can’t plan for. Just ask Brisbane Roar FC.

 

As it poured misery over the Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Round 22, a little ray of sunshine was seen to peek through the clouds at Melbourne City FC’s Bundoora HQ.

 

Much to the frustration of coach Frans Thijssen, Roar were forced to abandon their pursuit of an equaliser against leaders Wellington Phoenix due to the appalling weather.

 

City’s hard fought win at Sydney FC on Friday night has given them a five-point buffer over Brisbane in 6th spot, though the defending champions have two games in hand.

 

To add to Thijssen’s fury, one of those games looms on Wednesday.

 

His squad will be shorn of crucial players Matt McKay and Luke DeVere who are on Socceroos duty for this midweek game against the struggling Wanderers.

 

Suddenly, Brisbane Roar are chasing hard to keep their title defence alive.

 

In football, misfortune and blind luck are often opposite sides of the same coin.

 

It’s good fortune Melbourne City simply must make the most of.

 

City’s stop-start season seemed to have hit the wall a fortnight ago when it lost to Central Coast Mariners in Gosford then let a lead slip late at Paramatta Stadium to give the Wanderers a rare home success this season.

 

It seemed the same old scenario from City, flattering to deceive and spurning opportunity at the most inopportune moment.

 

A confidence boosting 4-0 win at home over Newcastle Jets was followed up by a 1-0 smash and grab raid at the expense of Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues last Friday night.

 

Suddenly, City’s season had a heartbeat again. 

 

The most attractive thing about Friday night’s performance was City learning to win ugly.

 

For long periods Van’t Schip’s team were under the pump as the Sky Blues went searching for a win that would have taken them top of the table.

 

Mark Janko, in irrepressible goal scoring form, looked most likely to break the deadlock.

 

Yet when the decisive moment came it wasn’t the league’s hottest marksman who provided it, but one of the competition’s forgotten men.

 

James Brown is a mercurial talent. A peripheral figure at City for most of the season, he hadn’t scored for Jon Van’t Schip’s team since joining at the start of the campaign.

 

In fact, Brown’s last goal was in Gold Coast United colours back in 2012.

 

So when he popped up with the winner in this game, it’s fair to say City fans were both surprised and delighted.

 

The win against Sydney FC was only the second time this season City have managed consecutive victories.

 

It’s that lack of consistency and capacity to build momentum that so frustrates the fans. And it needs to change.

 

There are signs though that Van’t Schip’s team are building a reputation for being tough to crack at home.

 

Aside from an “away” loss at AAMI Park at Melbourne Victory in early February, City are unbeaten in their last seven home games. 

 

That growing reputation may stand them in good stead for Saturday night’s crucial clash with a battle weary Brisbane Roar.

 

This game is likely to define the fate of both clubs this season.

 

For City it presents an opportunity to finally build on the hard fought gains of recent weeks.

 

On too many occasions such moments have been squandered.

 

There’s simply no room for excuses this time.

 

http://www.a-league.com.au/article/a-little-ray-of-sunshine-for-city/5ych1gcomv8z14cxbjeaz2pu3

I am amazed that the score stands if you don't complete 90 minutes.

Why not abandon the game and rearrange the fixture?

I know it has helped us, but this is the sort of thing the FFA needs to change.

[jw1739]

I'm with you Silva. Apparently the rule has been there right from the inaugural season of the A-League, but it's IMO a stupid rule. Imagine if the final destination of the Premier's Plate was determined in this way? Even in our case now, if we scrape into the finals by, say, just a point over Brisbane it will be a rather hollow achievement given what happened.

[Melburnian]

The rules a farce. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. It's meant to be a professional sport.

[bt50]

Pretty sure it's the same in the afl too...

Not a big deal IMO, it's a rare situation anyway.

Look at the flip side. Say Wellington were 3-0 up at the same point, they'd be furious the points were taken off them after prettying having the game won.

[kingofhearts]

I bet you if someone had gone down just before they stopped play everyone would've been up in arms about how everyone ignored the players safety.

 

Can't please everybody.

[Tony999]

I'm mega pumped for this game. Haven't been this pumped all season as it will potentially decide who takes sixth spot.

Which is precisely why we should have one of our biggest non-derby crowds in our history, but we won't.

Well I'm bringing my missus (who has been twice this season) and my mum who has not been for probably 20 years which was an NSL game My dad and l have memberships. Everyone should bring a someone!

[malloy]

The rules a farce. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. It's meant to be a professional sport.

I don't think the rule is that bad, the part that is a farce is how little time needs to be passed for it not to be abandoned (45+ from JW's post in the other thread).

If the time requirement was 75+ mins then I think this would be acceptable.

Edited March 25, 2015 by malloy

[jw1739]

By the look of this the rule seems quite common, but is not universal.

 

http://www.askasoccerreferee.com/?p=2224

[NewConvert]

 

 

A little ray of sunshine for City

 

Monday, 23 March 2015

 

Francis Leach

 

 

Our man in Melbourne, ABC football commentator Francis Leach, assesses the resurgent Melbourne City FC's chances of staying in the Hyundai A-League six ahead of their six-pointer with Roar this Saturday.

 

In football there are some things you simply can’t plan for. Just ask Brisbane Roar FC.

 

As it poured misery over the Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Round 22, a little ray of sunshine was seen to peek through the clouds at Melbourne City FC’s Bundoora HQ.

 

Much to the frustration of coach Frans Thijssen, Roar were forced to abandon their pursuit of an equaliser against leaders Wellington Phoenix due to the appalling weather.

 

City’s hard fought win at Sydney FC on Friday night has given them a five-point buffer over Brisbane in 6th spot, though the defending champions have two games in hand.

 

To add to Thijssen’s fury, one of those games looms on Wednesday.

 

His squad will be shorn of crucial players Matt McKay and Luke DeVere who are on Socceroos duty for this midweek game against the struggling Wanderers.

 

Suddenly, Brisbane Roar are chasing hard to keep their title defence alive.

 

In football, misfortune and blind luck are often opposite sides of the same coin.

 

It’s good fortune Melbourne City simply must make the most of.

 

City’s stop-start season seemed to have hit the wall a fortnight ago when it lost to Central Coast Mariners in Gosford then let a lead slip late at Paramatta Stadium to give the Wanderers a rare home success this season.

 

It seemed the same old scenario from City, flattering to deceive and spurning opportunity at the most inopportune moment.

 

A confidence boosting 4-0 win at home over Newcastle Jets was followed up by a 1-0 smash and grab raid at the expense of Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues last Friday night.

 

Suddenly, City’s season had a heartbeat again. 

 

The most attractive thing about Friday night’s performance was City learning to win ugly.

 

For long periods Van’t Schip’s team were under the pump as the Sky Blues went searching for a win that would have taken them top of the table.

 

Mark Janko, in irrepressible goal scoring form, looked most likely to break the deadlock.

 

Yet when the decisive moment came it wasn’t the league’s hottest marksman who provided it, but one of the competition’s forgotten men.

 

James Brown is a mercurial talent. A peripheral figure at City for most of the season, he hadn’t scored for Jon Van’t Schip’s team since joining at the start of the campaign.

 

In fact, Brown’s last goal was in Gold Coast United colours back in 2012.

 

So when he popped up with the winner in this game, it’s fair to say City fans were both surprised and delighted.

 

The win against Sydney FC was only the second time this season City have managed consecutive victories.

 

It’s that lack of consistency and capacity to build momentum that so frustrates the fans. And it needs to change.

 

There are signs though that Van’t Schip’s team are building a reputation for being tough to crack at home.

 

Aside from an “away” loss at AAMI Park at Melbourne Victory in early February, City are unbeaten in their last seven home games. 

 

That growing reputation may stand them in good stead for Saturday night’s crucial clash with a battle weary Brisbane Roar.

 

This game is likely to define the fate of both clubs this season.

 

For City it presents an opportunity to finally build on the hard fought gains of recent weeks.

 

On too many occasions such moments have been squandered.

 

There’s simply no room for excuses this time.

 

http://www.a-league.com.au/article/a-little-ray-of-sunshine-for-city/5ych1gcomv8z14cxbjeaz2pu3

 

I am amazed that the score stands if you don't complete 90 minutes.

Why not abandon the game and rearrange the fixture?

I know it has helped us, but this is the sort of thing the FFA needs to change.

 

 

I don't have an issue with the rules TBH. It is the first time it has happened in 10 seasons so the occurrence is rare in the first place. Secondly this season has had quite a few issues due to Australia hosting the Asia Cup which has meant that compromises have had to be made. Thirdly, it has been a steep learning curve for the FFA, clubs and fans regarding the A-League clubs competing in the Asian Champions league. If the weather had affected Wellington vs anyone else but the roar and WSW, the game could have been re-scheduled. As it is I don't think that the game could have been re-scheduled for the roar as they are playing every 3/4 days (as well as WSW).

by next season this episode would have been little more than a curiosity.

[hakz7]

Thought about our home form and after checking all our scores again, saw that we haven't lost at home in 7 games. Last loss was against Sydney 4 months ago.

Pretty impressive.

[recyclosaurusrex]

Pretty sure it's the same in the afl too...

 

Didn't used to be a rule in the AFL until the St. Kilda/Essendon game at waverly when the lights went out. They replayed the end of that game (with essendon making 8 or 9 changes from memory).

 

 

I'm not fussed on the decision. I think Wellington would have won anyway. Imagine if it had of been called off at half time and then Wellington lost the replay. Is that fair to them? Being 2-1 up when it was postponed? Maybe they could carry the scores across or treat the game as a two legged affair?

[Kinnibari]

A little ray of sunshine for City Monday, 23 March 2015 Francis Leach  Our man in Melbourne, ABC football commentator Francis Leach, assesses the resurgent Melbourne City FC's chances of staying in the Hyundai A-League six ahead of their six-pointer with Roar this Saturday. In football there are some things you simply can’t plan for. Just ask Brisbane Roar FC. As it poured misery over the Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Round 22, a little ray of sunshine was seen to peek through the clouds at Melbourne City FC’s Bundoora HQ. Much to the frustration of coach Frans Thijssen, Roar were forced to abandon their pursuit of an equaliser against leaders Wellington Phoenix due to the appalling weather. City’s hard fought win at Sydney FC on Friday night has given them a five-point buffer over Brisbane in 6th spot, though the defending champions have two games in hand. To add to Thijssen’s fury, one of those games looms on Wednesday. His squad will be shorn of crucial players Matt McKay and Luke DeVere who are on Socceroos duty for this midweek game against the struggling Wanderers. Suddenly, Brisbane Roar are chasing hard to keep their title defence alive. In football, misfortune and blind luck are often opposite sides of the same coin. It’s good fortune Melbourne City simply must make the most of. City’s stop-start season seemed to have hit the wall a fortnight ago when it lost to Central Coast Mariners in Gosford then let a lead slip late at Paramatta Stadium to give the Wanderers a rare home success this season. It seemed the same old scenario from City, flattering to deceive and spurning opportunity at the most inopportune moment. A confidence boosting 4-0 win at home over Newcastle Jets was followed up by a 1-0 smash and grab raid at the expense of Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues last Friday night. Suddenly, City’s season had a heartbeat again.  The most attractive thing about Friday night’s performance was City learning to win ugly. For long periods Van’t Schip’s team were under the pump as the Sky Blues went searching for a win that would have taken them top of the table. Mark Janko, in irrepressible goal scoring form, looked most likely to break the deadlock. Yet when the decisive moment came it wasn’t the league’s hottest marksman who provided it, but one of the competition’s forgotten men. James Brown is a mercurial talent. A peripheral figure at City for most of the season, he hadn’t scored for Jon Van’t Schip’s team since joining at the start of the campaign. In fact, Brown’s last goal was in Gold Coast United colours back in 2012. So when he popped up with the winner in this game, it’s fair to say City fans were both surprised and delighted. The win against Sydney FC was only the second time this season City have managed consecutive victories. It’s that lack of consistency and capacity to build momentum that so frustrates the fans. And it needs to change. There are signs though that Van’t Schip’s team are building a reputation for being tough to crack at home. Aside from an “away” loss at AAMI Park at Melbourne Victory in early February, City are unbeaten in their last seven home games.  That growing reputation may stand them in good stead for Saturday night’s crucial clash with a battle weary Brisbane Roar. This game is likely to define the fate of both clubs this season. For City it presents an opportunity to finally build on the hard fought gains of recent weeks. On too many occasions such moments have been squandered. There’s simply no room for excuses this time.

 http://www.a-league.com.au/article/a-little-ray-of-sunshine-for-city/5ych1gcomv8z14cxbjeaz2pu3I am amazed that the score stands if you don't complete 90 minutes.Why not abandon the game and rearrange the fixture?I know it has helped us, but this is the sort of thing the FFA needs to change.

I imagine cost would be a big part of it. And it's not a common problem. I don't think it's ideal, but it's understandable.

[drewmelbcity]

So we know the Roar are going to be hit hard with player losses this weekend (injury, international duty) but does anyone else know who we can put a strike through for city that will be missing this game (other than Chapman, Mooy) How is Melling looking at this stage?

[SF33]

 

 

 

A little ray of sunshine for City Monday, 23 March 2015 Francis Leach  Our man in Melbourne, ABC football commentator Francis Leach, assesses the resurgent Melbourne City FC's chances of staying in the Hyundai A-League six ahead of their six-pointer with Roar this Saturday. In football there are some things you simply can’t plan for. Just ask Brisbane Roar FC. As it poured misery over the Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Round 22, a little ray of sunshine was seen to peek through the clouds at Melbourne City FC’s Bundoora HQ. Much to the frustration of coach Frans Thijssen, Roar were forced to abandon their pursuit of an equaliser against leaders Wellington Phoenix due to the appalling weather. City’s hard fought win at Sydney FC on Friday night has given them a five-point buffer over Brisbane in 6th spot, though the defending champions have two games in hand. To add to Thijssen’s fury, one of those games looms on Wednesday. His squad will be shorn of crucial players Matt McKay and Luke DeVere who are on Socceroos duty for this midweek game against the struggling Wanderers. Suddenly, Brisbane Roar are chasing hard to keep their title defence alive. In football, misfortune and blind luck are often opposite sides of the same coin. It’s good fortune Melbourne City simply must make the most of. City’s stop-start season seemed to have hit the wall a fortnight ago when it lost to Central Coast Mariners in Gosford then let a lead slip late at Paramatta Stadium to give the Wanderers a rare home success this season. It seemed the same old scenario from City, flattering to deceive and spurning opportunity at the most inopportune moment. A confidence boosting 4-0 win at home over Newcastle Jets was followed up by a 1-0 smash and grab raid at the expense of Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues last Friday night. Suddenly, City’s season had a heartbeat again.  The most attractive thing about Friday night’s performance was City learning to win ugly. For long periods Van’t Schip’s team were under the pump as the Sky Blues went searching for a win that would have taken them top of the table. Mark Janko, in irrepressible goal scoring form, looked most likely to break the deadlock. Yet when the decisive moment came it wasn’t the league’s hottest marksman who provided it, but one of the competition’s forgotten men. James Brown is a mercurial talent. A peripheral figure at City for most of the season, he hadn’t scored for Jon Van’t Schip’s team since joining at the start of the campaign. In fact, Brown’s last goal was in Gold Coast United colours back in 2012. So when he popped up with the winner in this game, it’s fair to say City fans were both surprised and delighted. The win against Sydney FC was only the second time this season City have managed consecutive victories. It’s that lack of consistency and capacity to build momentum that so frustrates the fans. And it needs to change. There are signs though that Van’t Schip’s team are building a reputation for being tough to crack at home. Aside from an “away” loss at AAMI Park at Melbourne Victory in early February, City are unbeaten in their last seven home games.  That growing reputation may stand them in good stead for Saturday night’s crucial clash with a battle weary Brisbane Roar. This game is likely to define the fate of both clubs this season. For City it presents an opportunity to finally build on the hard fought gains of recent weeks. On too many occasions such moments have been squandered. There’s simply no room for excuses this time.

 http://www.a-league.com.au/article/a-little-ray-of-sunshine-for-city/5ych1gcomv8z14cxbjeaz2pu3 I am amazed that the score stands if you don't complete 90 minutes.Why not abandon the game and rearrange the fixture?I know it has helped us, but this is the sort of thing the FFA needs to change.

I imagine cost would be a big part of it. And it's not a common problem. I don't think it's ideal, but it's understandable.

 

 

It's easy for Thijssen and co. to complain, but it's something that wouldn't come up in European domestic fixtures. Leagues in big countries (and leagues that have clubs in multiple countries) will have a ridiculous amount of travel compared to the European leagues that we follow (I think every European country that sits entirely in Europe is smaller in area than New South Wales). Brisbane to Wellington isn't that much closer than London to Moscow.

 

You're damned if you do and damned if you don't. What would the reaction have been if Wellington had to stay in Brisbane, or come back at some stage before the end of the season, played the final 20 minutes and let the Roar slip two past them? Then Merrick and the Phoenix would be furious.

Edited March 24, 2015 by SF33

[Murfy1]

City v Roar: 3 key match-ups

 

Tuesday, 24 March 2015 –

 

Aidan Ormond

 

 

It’s a dog-fight for sixth spot in the Hyundai A-League – which makes Saturday’s City v Roar clash a clear finals six-pointer.

 

Melbourne City FC host defending champions Brisbane Roar FC in a clash that is likely to go a long way to determining which of these two will nab the final spot in the top six.

 

We look at the pivotal match-ups likely to determine the outcome of this Round 23 clash at AAMI Park.

 

 

City's defensive leader Patrick Kisnorbo v Roar striker Andrija Kaluderovic

 

This has all the makings of a cracking – and physical – one-on-one battle.

 

After a slow start Kaluderovic is starting to show he can cut it in the Hyundai A-League as he looks to fill the giant shows of Besart Berisha in Roar’s attack (something Mensur Kurtishi couldn’t do).

 

While not as ferocious as the Albanian, Kaluderovic does have a good eye for goal as he showed with his smart finish against Wellington last weekend.

 

If he is given space and time in and around the box, he will make City pay.

 

As City’s skipper and most experienced defender, the job of shutting Kaluderovic down will fall on the shoulders of Kisnorbo.

 

The ex-Socceroo defender is a winner and likes to lead by example, as seen last week against the Sky Blues. 

 

Kisnorbo appears to be hitting his straps at just the right time with City keeping two consecutive clean sheets.

 

In a match with so many intriguing head-to-head battles, this contrast of styles could be the most important in deciding the outcome.

 

 

City playmaker Robi Koren v Roar number six Luke Brattan

 

Another vital match-up that will go a long way to deciding which team comes out on top.

 

City’s marquee man Koren probably hasn’t reached the heights that saw him playing in the English Premier League just last season.

 

But his big-game experience and class is vital to the home side’s hopes of a win here, especially with Aaron Mooy away on Socceroo duty.

 

Koren is at his best when he is given a license to roam by van ‘t Schip, often finding pockets of space in between the lines of opposition’s midfield and defence.

 

When that occurs he often receives the ball facing goal and can either get a shot in or release his pacy wingers down the flanks.

 

It makes Brattan’s role screening Brisbane defence this weekend even more important.

 

Regarded as one of the best passers of a ball in the Hyundai A-League, Brattan’s ability to shut-down Koren might be more vital on Saturday night.

 

But his range of passing could also be a factor, able to switch the point of attack with a raking cross-field pass which can spring Roar from defence to attack in an instant.

 

Who'll get on top of who and win this crucial battle? We can't wait to find out. 

 

 

City’s defensive mid Erik Paartalu v Roar’s attacking mid Devante Clut

 

Paartalu will always be revered by Roar fans for that last-gasp equalizer in the 2011 grand final and his role in back-to-back championships under Ange Postecoglou.

 

But the 28-year-old defensive midfielder now looms as a massive road-block to Brisbane’s hopes of playing finals football.

 

While Paartalu might be playing a different style to when he was wearing Orange, he has been just as effective for John van ‘t Schip’s side.

 

It’s not just his ability to break up play with an interception or tackle but he can start attacks with an incisive pass and is dangerous at set-pieces with three-goals this season.

 

Paartalu’s main role on Saturday night is likely to be trying to quell the influence of the rising star Clut.

 

With skipper Matt McKay missing on international duty, Clut is likely to play a more prominent role for the visitors in the middle of the park.

 

His form and stunning goals in this year's ACL shows the potential of the former Nike Chance player.

 

Will it be the power and experience of Paartalu or can Clut’s emerging talent win his share of key moments in the game? 

 

Don’t miss a second of this tussle.

 

http://www.a-league.com.au/article/city-v-roar-3-key-match-ups/1eep7n7lk6cnt1hve6kvhrs7u7

[KD.]

Expecting us to win this comfortably tbh.

[Heart of Melbourne]

Josh Kennedy on santo Sam and ed saying he's back this week.

[Heart_fan]

What's our estimates for a crowd this Saturday night?

One would hope we would be able to see 8k for this, but given our season and the usually inability to deliver when we need to, we will see

[Heart of Melbourne]

10k possible given the importance of this game and two wins