The team started the season in good shape, winning their first 3 league matches and scoring 2 goals in each of them. In the last round of the league, because of the suspension of the midfielder Gomulka, Matthew Leckie moved back to play in the midfield, which is a rare operation, but the effect is good, the team took a 2-0 lead in the first half and finally set up a win. There is a detail, this year Melbourne City robbed the opening more obvious, 5 of the 6 goals were scored in the first half, the second half of the attacking efficiency drop is still very obvious.
In addition, the team's goalkeeper, Glover, performed well and is considered to be one of the best playing goalkeepers in the league. This detail shows that Melbourne City's defense is not perfect. In this match, Gomulka returned from suspension, and center back Reyes and Jamieson, who had previously retired from injury, were both named to the roster, but the two may not get a chance to start, especially Reyes, who, after a long period of recuperating from an injury, is not yet in his best shape.
Phoenix had 2 draws and 1 loss in the first 3 rounds of the league, not only haven't won yet this season, but also conceded goals in every game. In the last round of the league, although Phoenix launched a fierce attack in the second half, but the momentum did not score, and finally lost because of the first half of the 3 goals. In this game, Phoenix lineup is still relatively complete, in addition to the long-term injury Rufo injury, center forward Bauer can come back from injury, the first round of the red card received two rounds of suspension of the midfielder Sasser can also be released. Sasser is a very creative player, and his return will undoubtedly improve the quality of Phoenix's offense.
The two teams met once in the pre-season game, when Melbourne City was knocked out by Phoenix. Due to the big difference in the start of the league, Melbourne City is extremely hot in this match, but this one should be a bit cautious, with Phoenix's strong players coming back and the thickness of their lineup, this road game still has a chance to give the hosts trouble.
