Western United prepared to make A-League history as Melbourne City aim for bounce back against ladder-leader Sydney FC
Western United will make history on Saturday when it hosts the first ever A-League clash in Ballarat against Wellington as Melbourne City faces its toughest test of the season off the back of a derby defeat.
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Western United has vowed to continue their blue-collar ways as Ballarat prepares to host its first ever A-League game on Saturday.
United coach Mark Rudan hosts his former club Wellington Phoenix for the first time since his controversial exit at the end of last season, after lifting the Kiwis into a rare finals placing.
While Victory has won the hearts of Ballarat fans having signed Brandon Lauton, off the back of title-winning utility Stefan Nigro, who’s since departed, Rudan said locals will be proud of their new club, which sits third.
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“We’ve been very clear on our identity. We said from the get-go that we represent an area of hard working people in the west, and that extends to Ballarat,” Rudan said.
“We know people haven’t had it easy and they appreciate a team that rolls its sleeves up and that’s the team that they’ll see out on the pitch.
“Playing football is important to us, but we’ll continue to fight for everything and in many ways our team epitomises the west. A bunch of big personalities who love to fight, but remain united and proud.”
United must adjust to its new home, after playing its first six home games at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.
The Phoenix clash is the first of four games scheduled for Mars Stadium, with Brisbane Roar, Western United and Melbourne City to follow.
Ballarat fans caught a glimpse of United in pre-season, albeit a heavy-legged team that was in the midst of a punishing pre-season.
It’s a more dangerous United outfit that arrives in Ballarat, although the conditions will take some sting out of what otherwise looms as a tasty battle, with Rudan’s close mate Ufuk Talay presiding over an impressive and improving Phoenix outfit.
WESTERN UNITED v WELLINGTON PHOENIX
Mars Stadium, Saturday, 5pm
TAB Odds: United $2.30, Draw $3.40, Phoenix $3
DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT: WESTERN UTD 2-1
CAN CITY BOUNCE BACK AGAINST LADDER LEADER?
Melbourne City reacted after both thumpings this season, but this is the biggest test of all.
While a 2-1 loss doesn’t constitute a mauling, City was bullied by local rivals Melbourne Victory for much of last week’s derby in a hugely underwhelming display that raises doubts about its big game credentials.
A-League leaders Sky Blues have picked up 25 of a possible 30 points and Sunday’s Jubilee Stadium clash could determine whether City is a serious title contender or, what has thus far been a par for the course, a top four finish.
MORE VICTORY NEWS:
Melbourne Victory cruise to 2-1 derby triumph after Toivonen double
Melbourne Victory marquee Ola Toivonen cleared of serious injury
City coach Erick Mombaerts hinted that veteran street-smart midfielder Rostyn Griffiths could come in to correct last week’s lack of aggression.
Frenchman Florin Berenguer is another who he could consider throwing into the first XI.
It will be the last game for the Olyroos players before they jet off for the Tokyo 2020 qualifiers in Thailand, with Mombaerts needing to make a call on whether to retain Tom Glover or recall Dean Bouzanis before his inevitable January return with Glover destined to join Graham Arnold’s Olympic squad.
Denis Genreau (AC joint) is unlikely to be ready this week despite his miracle recovery, while midfielder Connor Metcalfe is certain to feature for the Olyroos and winger Ramy Najjarine is in contention.
SYDNEY FC v MELBOURNE CITY
Jubilee Stadium, Sunday, 6.30pm
TAB Odds: Sky Blues $2, Draw $3.50, City $3.60
DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT: SYDNEY FC 3-2
OTHER A-LEAGUE MATCHES
ADELAIDE UNITED v WESTERN SYDNEY
Coopers Stadium, Friday, 7.30pm
TAB Odds: Adelaide $2.15, Draw $3.40, Wanderers $3.30
NEWCASTLE JETS v BRISBANE ROAR
Hunter Stadium, Saturday, 7.30pm
TAB Odds: Jets $2.15, Draw $3.50, Roar $3.30
CENTRAL COAST v PERTH GLORY
Central Coast Stadium, Tuesday, 7pm
TAB Odds: Mariners $4, Draw $3.60, Glory $1.87
A-LEAGUE LADDER
Team MP W D L F A D P
1 Sydney 10 8 1 1 24 10 +14 25
2 Melbourne City 10 6 1 3 21 16 +5 19
3 Western United 11 5 2 4 14 12 +2 17
4 Perth Glory 10 4 3 3 18 12 +6 15
5 Adelaide United 9 5 0 4 16 13 +3 15
6 Wellington Phoenix 10 3 3 4 13 14 -1 12
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7 Melbourne Victory 11 3 3 5 11 15 -4 12
8 Western Sydney 10 3 2 5 10 14 -4 11
9 Central Coast 9 3 1 5 9 14 -5 10
10 Brisbane Roar 9 2 2 5 9 15 -6 8
11 Newcastle Jets 9 2 2 5 10 20 -10 8