Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners return to action on Wednesday night in AFC Champions League and AFC Cup
Matchday Agenda
AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Melbourne City v Buriram United
Date: Wednesday, November 8
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Kick-off: 8pm AEDT
Broadcast: Paramount+ WATCH HERE
In his first game in charge, new City head coach Aurelio Vidmar orchestrated a crucial victory in the Isuzu UTE A-League over Sydney FC. Now he turns his attention to the ACL, and a clash with Thai giants Buriram United.
Vidmar is no stranger to Thai football having coached Bangkok Glass and Bangkok United, as well as BG Patham United where he won the Thai Champions Cup in 2021.
As Vidmar and City prepare to host Buriram – led by ex-Newcastle Jets head coach Arthur Papas – the new City head coach is hoping to bring his successful history in Asia’s top club competition to new colours as Melbourne City look to claim a record 3rd straight win in the AFC Champions League.
Vidmar says spirits are high in the City camp after the club’s first win of the Isuzu UTE A-League season; he’s watched over his side’s last ACL game – a 2-0 win over Buriram away from home on October 25 – and says he’ll be making only minor tweaks to the approach for that fixture in order to keep things simple for the playing group.
AFC CUP
Bali United v Central Coast Mariners
Date: Wednesday, November 8
Venue: Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium
Kick-off: 11pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play
Pressure is mounting on the shoulders of Mariners Football Manager Mark Jackson after a disappointing start to his side’s Isuzu UTE A-League Championship defence. Three consecutive losses is the equal-worst start from a defending Champion (Brisbane Roar 2014-15); the Mariners lost many of their stars to overseas clubs after last season’s Grand Final win over Melbourne City, including Jason Cummings, Nectar Triantis and Samuel Silvera – not to mention head coach Nick Montgomery and assistant Sergio Raimundo.
It’s been back to the drawing board for the Mariners, who now need to ensure a decent start to the AFC Cup campaign does not go to waste. The Mariners travel to Indonesia to take on Bali United on Wednesday night having recorded two convincing wins and one shock defeat to Terengganu FC; Jackson’s side sit just one point clear atop Group G.
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