Recently, Melbourne City's athletic performance has not been satisfactory, with two consecutive draws against their opponents, until Wednesday's victory in the Melbourne Beatdown, which cleared the gloom. This victory is expected to bring a significant boost to the team's morale.
In my opinion, since the departure of former leader Kisnopoulos last November, the players have not been able to consistently perform at the same high level as earlier and consistency has been lacking. This is a key issue that current leader Vidushi needs to address. For him, the priority is to make sure that the whole team is mentally prepared for every game, as the team is still at the top of the league.
However, I think the team's performance in the Melbourne Beatdown was the best in recent times. Central midfielder Aiden O'Neill has been in fine form this season, not only playing a key role in the midfield, but also earning plaudits for his power, passion and personal qualities. His two goals in this campaign have fully proved his value, and his presence undoubtedly creates a huge threat for the opponents. Also, Aiden O'Neill was recently selected for the Australian national team for the first time, and I'm sure he's full of confidence at the moment.
But Wellington Phoenix are not idle. Despite suffering back-to-back losses in their last two league games, they have continued to perform well throughout the season. Striker Oscar Shawada, one of the most threatening scorers in the AFL, has scored an amazing 13 goals in his last 16 games despite only joining the AFL this season. Having played in the AFL as a player, I know how difficult it can be to adapt quickly, and I've been impressed with Shavada's performance.
Clariff's ability to both solo on the left and create chances for his teammates makes the Wellington Phoenix's attacking line strong enough to cause Melbourne City a lot of trouble. Therefore, I predict this match will be a huge effort from both sides and could end in a 1-1 draw.
