Tomorrow is a momentous day for the “City Football Group” (CFG), as it is now known, as Manchester City take on sister club Melbourne FC in a friendly match.
The two sides meet as part of Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Australia, which kicked off with a 2-0 victory against Adelaide United only a few days ago as Brandon Barker and Bruno Zuculini made the difference on the day.
The game against Melbourne, who were founded merely 6 years ago in 2009, will be played out in high spirits and I’m sure a celebratory atmosphere- as the occasion acts as more of an opportunity to celebrate how far the “CFG” have come as a project, than for bragging rights.
As for the actual fixture, be sure to look out for what will probably be an experimental Man City XI, packed full of youth and fringe players. Sprinkled in will be the experienced first team heads of Yaya Touré and Samir Nasri too. The likes of EDS hopefuls such as Pablo Maffeo, last time out goalscorer Brandon Barker, Kelechi Iheanacho as well as defender Cameron Humphrey’s, will also likely feature. Easily forgotten Bruno Zuculini and much maligned Brazilian Fernando will also probably be given the nod by Pellegrini.
Turkish striker Enes Ünal, a signing from Bursaspor, will fancy a crack of the whip as he aims to impress in new colours, yet a modest place on the bench will most likely be his fate on the day, as the Chilean manager won’t want to rush things for the new man. There was hope that Raheem Sterling would make his debut against City’s sister club, but Pellegrini has now confirmed that he will not be involved in the fixture.
As for Melbourne City, a team with A-League title ambitions, expect a strong side put out. The likes of the familiar Slovenian and ex-Hull City midfielder Robert Koren will likely make an appearance, as well as Northern Irish defender and ex-Newcastle player Aaron Hughes.
PREDICTION: 2-0 Man City. (Nasri & Kelechi)
