While Melbourne City cannot to win the Premier’s Plate this season, Craig Noone says there is still plenty to play for in the lead up to finals.
City has three games to play and sits 11 points adrift of league leaders Sydney FC – whom they meet on August 1 – with the Wellington Phoenix being the only side who poses a mathematical threat to the Sky Blues.
The next three games will instead act finals dress rehearsals for Melbourne City – who will also meet Adelaide and Western United in the run home – as well as an opportunity for the club to achieve its highest-ever league finish.
”There’s still points to play for and we’re going for that second spot,’’ Noone said.
”I don’t think we can mathematically catch [Sydney FC] but now the main target is to win the Grand Final and get the maximum amount of points from the three games. We know we can secure second if we get maximum points from the three games. We can’t be too worried about other teams, we feel we’ll be ready for the first and look to take the points.’’
City is also in prime position to qualify for its inaugural Asian Champions League, with Wellington not being recognised as a club within the Asian Football Confederation.
The side completes in two-week isolation period on Saturday and will resume it’s campaign on August 1, but will be without Bilbao legend Markel Susaeta as well as potentially Curtis Good – who suffered a hip-strain during the week.
”There’s a good mix of youth and experience so I think there’s a lot of people who can fit into those positions; I think there’s places for everyone,’’ Noone said.
”Lachie Wales is training well and he’s looking forward to getting going. Ramy [Najjarine] is obviously another young lad with a good future ahead of him, he’s working hard so there’s plenty of options.
”Sydney’s had a couple of games and we’ve had a couple of games against each other so we’ll be fresh and ready to go.’’
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