City Views – The Fifth Element
Playing futures are on the line at Melbourne City head to Adelaide to play their final regular season game of the season. Fifth place has been assured and a possible return trip to Adelaide a strong possibility for the first week of finals action. This will be only the second final in club history and definitely an event to saviour.
NOT SO GLORIOUS RESULT
A definitive 3-1 defeat to Perth last Sunday confirmed many supporters fears of just how far away the squad is from the real contenders for the title. Jamie Maclaren finished off his hat trick as the City defence were merely statues struck in awe of the finishing quality. Up the other end City encountered their second on song goal keeper in as many weeks with Danny Vukovic standing firm and producing some great saves. A soft, yet undisciplined second yellow card from Paulo Retre will see him miss this week and possibly cost him a squad in the finals team. David Williams squandered many opportunities in front of goal and once again looked far from top form.
MELLING’S SEASON DONE
Jacob Melling joined the long list of players out the remainder of the season due to a knee injury he suffered in training last week. Melling has been a great addition to the squad managing 14 games during the season after coming from Adelaide. Melling’s rehabilitation has already started for the next season but he will also need to work on his on field discipline before he steps on the pitch in 2015/16. Melling accumulated 8 yellow cards in his 14 appearances in Season 2013/14.
GIVE ROBI A REST
The international marquee tag hasn’t sat well with Robbie Koren all season, and with our fifth position assured this week could be the perfect week to give the midfielder a week off. Substituted after 70 minutes against Perth after yet another workman-like shift Koren went another game without having a real impact. I predicted Koren would have a ‘Broich like’ effect on the league when his signing was announced but sadly it’s been a far less fortuitous season. 2015 has seen Koren play over 1200 minutes of football without finding the scoresheet and a week off could be just the tonic to recharge the batteries for the match weary Slovenian.
IS TANDO A KEEPER?
Over the last few weeks Tando Velaphi has assured his position as number one keeper at the club but still remains unsigned for Season 2015/16. His poor performance against Perth is his only blemish that comes to mind since the Asian Cup break but could be a costly one. With places at a premium for next years squad Velaphi needs to not only impress John Van’t Schip but those in Dubai who pay the keepers wage. Personally I don’t think the club can win a title with a keeper such as Velaphi and if we can’t release Andrew Redmayne from next years contract Velaphi could be on his way out at City.
THE TABLE
No matter what the result Melbourne City will finish the season and play away in the first week of the finals against the fourth placed team.
| 3. | Wellington Phoenix | 46 | +11 |
| 4. | Adelaide United | 43 | +12 |
| 5. | Melbourne City | 35 | -2 |
| 6. | Brisbane Roar | 31 | -2 |
| 7. | Perth Glory | 47 | +9 |
INJURY LIST
James Brown, Jacob Melling, Damien Duff and Ben Garuccio are all out for the season. Rob Wielaert is listed as 2 weeks but would be hard pressed to play again for the club.
Image: Herald-Sun
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