Melbourne City Focused on Redemption Against Western United

Following a tough defeat, Melbourne City is set to regroup and reignite its winning form on Monday night against local rivals Western United. This Melbourne Cup Eve clash marks the season’s third match, and City is eager to boost its record to two wins from three. Though technically an away game, City will play in the familiar territory of AAMI Park, aiming to capitalize on a slightly longer rest period for a powerful performance.

Key Returns and Adjustments in Vidmar’s Extended Squad

Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar has named an extended squad with both promising returns and notable absences. Mathew Leckie, having progressed significantly through training, appears ready for action, bringing an experienced edge back to the lineup. However, City will be without a few players due to injuries and suspensions, including Aziz Behich, who faces a two-game suspension after a contentious incident during the Melbourne Derby.

In addition, Arion Sulemani and Peter Antoniou have been sidelined with calf and foot issues, respectively. Stepping in for Sulemani is newcomer Medin Memeti, who joins Lawrence Wong and Ben Mazzeo in the promoted lineup, providing City with fresh options for Monday night.

Melbourne City’s Round 3 ALM Squad Overview

Vidmar’s lineup balances experienced and emerging talent, aiming for a strong showing against Western United:

Round 3 ALM Squad:

• Goalkeepers: Jamie Young (1), Patrick Beach (33)
• Defenders: Callum Talbot (2), Steven Ugarkovic (6), Nathaniel Atkinson (13), Samuel Souprayen (26), Kai Trewin (27)
• Midfielders: Yonatan Cohen (10), Andrew Nabbout (15), Germán Ferreyra (22), Marco Tilio (23), Andreas Kuen (30)
• Forwards: Mathew Leckie (7), Zane Schreiber (19), Medin Memeti (35), Harry Politidis (38), Lawrence Wong (41), Ben Dunbar (42), Ben Mazzeo (46), Kavian Rahmani (47)

Ins: Mathew Leckie (returning from injury), Medin Memeti, Lawrence Wong, Ben Mazzeo
Outs: Aziz Behich (suspended), Arion Sulemani (injured)
Unavailable: James Jeggo (suspension), Max Caputo (leg), Alessandro Lopane (knee), Jayden Necovski (knee), Harry Shillington (ankle), Peter Antoniou (ankle), Emin Durakovic (hamstring)

Melbourne City’s Next Steps: Path to Reclaiming Early Season Form

With key players returning and adjustments made for injuries and suspensions, Melbourne City is primed for a crucial encounter with Western United. This Melbourne Cup Eve clash offers Vidmar’s side an opportunity to reset and push forward in the league standings. As City heads back to familiar ground, supporters will be eager to see how the team responds after a challenging last match.

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