R16 vs Melbourne City | Sat 26 Jan | 7.35pm | Westpac Stadium

In a league of only 10 teams, all the teams will soon figure each other out. 

Coupled with the modern sports world of a watching hours of video of your opponents, and there ain't many secrets. 

City ain't special. Their last away game they went down at CCM.

2-0 loss at AAMI earlier this season, seems like an age ago when Nix were at their worst, and still very defence focused. They are a much better unit now. Provided they are not too fatigued with 3 games in a week, I'd go with a narrow win. Draw at worst.

If the wind is blowing again, having played a game midweek in similar conditions will also give them a useful advantage - as pretty foreign for City.

Coaching, cohesion, identity too- lets be honest- we've had some good under performing teams. 

As long as we don't spiral into a losing streak, I feel like the crowds will still come and hope we get over at least 9k today 

(An assumption based on my limited knowledge of the Kiwi culture - P.S. Happy Australia Day ?)

Kopa was one of our best v Syd and very disappointed he isn't starting. He is the only one with any sort of passing range back there.

Perhaps Rudan scared of City threat from corners.

Yep bizarre that Kopa isn't in the starting 11. 

Odd that we have two imports on the bench. I am disappointed in our scouting a bit here. IMHO imports should be starting every game that they are fit. 

I was disappointed not to see Kopa starting. His passing really stood out on Wednesday.

it is definately blowing

COYN

Think it's an even worse decision if windy again.

Has Harry Ngata been on the bottle prior to the pre-game. He can barely string a sentence together. 

Anyone got a stream?

wow -that was a great strike from Williams -hes really found form with us

Williams is good.

Think it was about the third decent dangerous ball Cacace had put into the box already.

Williams for the Cahilltex Socceroos™️

Cacace playing so far forward leaves left a bit exposed

Keep pinching myself that he's only 18 and a Kiwi. He has this almost lethargic way of gliding a defender, very deceptive.

We haven't scored for over 5 minutes. 

They've figured us out.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Need a second. Can't expect Melb to be this bad for the whole 90.

They can. Right now one of the worst sides I've watched this season.

Expect them to plug the gap down Cacace's flank after half time. Though with our midfield dominating in general, it shouldn't make too much of a difference until the team starts to get tired from the press and the midweek fixture.

Great first half. A shame only the one up though, had good chances to grab another.

Cacace absolutely on fire. Good first half Williams, especially the first 20. 

what does the crowd look? holding up ok following wed loss?

Hope you are right. Trouble is they have got players who can conjure a goal out of nothing and I don't have huge confidence in our defence.

Loving the phoenix this year - feel like every time we get the ball in the final third we will challenge the keeper

Honestly should be up by more. I hope we dont come to regret not taking our chances. Only takes a Luke Bratten strike and a De Laet tap in and were behind.

Hopefully we maintain the high press and don't sit back. Need to keep the intensity up and go for that second and third goal.

Would be good to see Burgess get at least 20 minutes at the end too.

I imagine Williams will run his guts out for 15 and then Sheridan will come on.

Crowd looks a bit sparse on telly. Williams on fire. If there was a pen, I wonder who’s take it? Williams? Roy? 

Wots wrong with Roy?

ugh - our passing accuracy on attack...

Singh and Williams killing it but Roy out of touch

Our corners are officially rubbish.

3 hard working games and lotsa knocks.

They have only scored 21 goal so far and right now don't look like  scoring any more.

City pressing us more now..tempo upped by them.

I'm holding you to that!

bloody hell weve gone off the boil in this half