[VIDEO] Sydney FC vs Melbourne City: A-League highlights, live scores, blog

MATCH RESULT

FULL TIME: DRAW – SYDNEY FC 1, MELBOURNE CITY 1.

The crowd certainly got what they were coming for, with David Villa striking home with his first shot on target. Did Melbourne City and Sydney FC deserve to walk away with a draw? That one will long be debated, but my what a game.

In weeks to come we will just see Melbourne City and Sydney FC sharing the points, in a game where both City and FC would regret some missed opportunities. So it goes in football.

MATCH PREVIEW

Two clubs with significant back-room changes face off as Sydney FC take on Melbourne City in Round 1 of the A-League. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).

Melbourne City make their first A-League appearance since siding with European backers Manchester City, with many running a keen eye over the squad in the hope that this season could bear tangible successes.

We got a quick glimpse of the new Melbourne squad in their most recent FFA Cup showings, however there’s still one man – a marquee man at that – which we’re still yet to see on the Australian domestic stage.

Of course I speak of Spanish sensation David Villa – the former Barcelona front man, on loan from fellow ‘City’ partners the MLS’s New York City.

As is the case with Villa’s arrival, this fixture marks the dawn of a new era – the arrival of a new international star after the departure of another.

Sydney FC will face up to the rejuvenated Melbourne side without arguably the A-League’s finest ever player – Alessandro Del Piero. ADP called it a day at the end of last season’s campaign, and Sydney will thus have to alter their style of play in accordance.

As well as ringing in former Socceroo Alex Brosque as the new club captain, the Sky Blues will also mark the overhaul in personnel as Bernie Ibini and Shane Smeltz take their place in the first XI.

But despite the loss of Del Piero, Sydney FC look a more balanced team heading into the 14-15 season, and should pose more of a title threat come the season’s end.

To be there with the best when the whips are cracking, they’ll have to get off to a strong start this season – something they failed to do last time around, losing four of their first five fixtures.

It’s always hard to pick a winner in the opening weeks of the A-League – regardless of who is taking what pitch.

Sydney do look to have more threat in front of goal, and should be too good for the travelling City – but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll grab the three points.

Going off their performance versus FFA cup entrants Sydney United, there still look to be some cracks in the Sydney FC defence. Coach Graham Arnold may work these out as the season progresses, but I’m backing the new boys to make a contest of this one.

Prediction
2 – 2