Malaysian Super League: LionsXII vs Sarawak [1-0] Match Highlights

Full Time:
LionsXII 1-0 Sarawak
Khairul Nizam 59'

Youtube Link

Melbourne City: Injured Safuwan Baharudin returns to Singapore

All Photo from Melbourne City

NEWS | Safuwan’s Australian dream was good while it lasted (Melbourne City)

In six league matches, he impressed even though he was largely deployed away from his preferred centre back role, starting as a full back or in central midfield.

Safuwan became the first Singaporean to score in the A-League when his goal sparked a 3-1 comeback win over Adelaide United, before he notched another in a 3-2 defeat by Western Sydney Wanderers.

Melbourne City FC can confirm that it has released Singaporean international Safuwan Baharudin effectively immediately, with the defender ruled out for the remainder of the season with a back injury.

While Safuwan's contract allows him to feature in Melbourne City FC’s final regular season fixture and the Finals Series in 2015, the defender will return home to Singapore in order to arrive for treatment and before the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) transfer window closes next week.

Safuwan, who joined Melbourne City FC in the January transfer window on a short-term contract, played six matches in the Hyundai A-League.

Safuwan has played in a variety of position and has scored 2 goals in 6 games in the A-League. This is a good goal scoring record since he is a defender.

Safuwan who join on a 3-month loan to Melbourne City will return to his former club, LionsXII.

NEWS | Safuwan’s A-League dream is over (TNP)

Singapore football star Safuwan Baharudin’s A-League dream is over, at least for now.

The 23-year-old’s loan spell at Melbourne City has been cut short after he sustained a spinal injury during a 0-0 draw against Wellington Phoenix two weeks ago and he has flown back to Singapore for treatment.

He has also been re-registered with the LionsXII before the April 28 transfer deadline, which means he can play in the Malaysian Super League once he recovers.

"I am disappointed that my injury has forced me to end my stint with Melbourne City," said Safuwan, who was signed following a trial arranged by the Football Association of Singapore.

"But injuries are part and parcel of a footballer’s life. My focus now is on getting treatment for the injury, and making a full recovery."


STATISTICS | Safuwan Baharudin Statistics for Melbourne City (hilmi_official™)

Safuwan Baharudin Melbourne City Stats:

Safuwan Baharudin:
Position: Left Back, Right Back, Right Wing Back, Center Back, Defensive Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder(These are the position he played for Melbourne City FC)
Games Played: 6
Minutes Played: 510 Minutes
Starts: 6 Games
Substitution On: 0
Substitution Off: 1

General:
Passes: 171
Passing Accuracy: 71.3%
Passing Accuracy in opp. Half: 61.4%
Duels Won: 50
Duels Lost: 35
Duels Won Percentage: 58.8%
Aeriel duels won: 16
Aerial duels lost: 4
Aeriel Duels Won Percentage: 80%
Recoveries: 31

Defence & Discipline:
Tackles Won: 18
Tackles Lost: 4
Tackles Won Percentage: 81.8%
Clearance: 28
Blocks: 0
Interceptions: 11
Penalties conceded: 1
Fouls Won: 9
Fouls Conceded: 16
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0

Attack:
Goals: 2
Penalty Goals: 0
Minutes Per Goal: 255
Total Shots on target: 5
Total Shots off target: 2
Shooting Accuracy: 71.4%
Successful crosses: 1
Unsuccessful crosses: 2
Successful crosses percentage: 33.3%
Assists: 0
Chances Created: 3
Penalties won: 0
Offsides: 0

Statistics by Opta Data.

VIDEO | Safuwan Baharudin first goal in the A-League: http://hilmiofficial.blogspot.sg/2015/03/singapore-safuwan-baharudin-scores.html

VIDEO | Safuwan Baharudin second goal for Melbourne City against Western Sydney Wanderers: http://hilmiofficial.blogspot.sg/2015/03/safuwan-baharudin-second-goal-for.html

Source: 1 , 2 & 3

Singaporean Hariss Harun goal for Johor Darul Takzim against Kelantan in the Malaysian Super League

Hariss Harun equalising goal for Johor Darul Takzim sets up the team to a 3-1 win over Kelantan!

Hariss Harun in action for JDT against Kelantan.

Photo: Johor Darul Takzim Facebook Page

Hariss Harun after scoring the equalising goal.

Photo: Johor Darul Takzim Facebook Page

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E4TBEAavlc

Malaysian Super League: Terengganu FA vs Felda United[1-3] match highlights

The match between Terengganu FA against Felda United at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium end with Felda United beating Terengganu FA 3-1!

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L__V776sR-0

Malaysian Super League: Selangor vs LionsXII [4-0] match highlights

Full Time:
Selangor FA 4-0 LionsXII

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec1mSJMFzY4

Safuwan to miss Perth Glory clash

Photo: Straits Times

Singaporean international Safuwan Baharudin is unavailable due to a minor back injury.

“Safuwan also picked up a problem this week so hopefully he can come back and prepare himself for the Reds,” van’t Schip said.

“He’s feeling a bit of tightness in his back and we just have to be careful with that.”

Van’t Schip will look to blood youth this week, with the match against Perth coming at an opportune time for the Dutchman to test the depth of his squad.

“We’ll have a few boys come in, Stefan Mauk will come in, Marc Marino will come in and we’re going to take Nick Symeoy with us so there will be a few [young] boys who will be travelling with us.” van’t Schip said.

Source: http://www.a-league.com.au/article/kennedy-to-miss-glory-clash/1wdg45pcumyt11vqfdazhossi0#bkoR2LvRs6zQzrcQ.99

Singapore in Easier Group A for SEA Games

Photo: Straits Times

SINGAPORE (15 April 2015) – Hosts Singapore have been drawn in the easier Group A of the men’s football event at this year’s SEA Games where they have managed to avoid playing against defending champions Thailand.

In the official draw that was held less than an hour ago, the Singapore team have been placed in Group A against Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines.

There are only five teams in Group A while Group B have six.

Group B have defending champions Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Timor Leste.

28th SEA GAMES GROUPINGS:

GROUP A – Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines

GROUP B - Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Timor Leste

Source: http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/?p=19594

Singapore Under-23 National Team – 30-player Shortlist

AFC Cup 2015: South China vs Pahang FA [3-1] Full Match Highlights

Full Time:

South China vs Pahang [3-1]

South China 3 (CS Kwan 10', LK Wai 52', Jack Sealy 55')
Pahang 1 (Dickson Nwakaeme 62')


‪#‎PahangFA‬ ‪#‎TokGajah‬ ‪#‎AFCCup2015‬

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO9gzu3hyAQ

AFC Cup 2015 (Group Stage): Johor Darul Ta'zim vs Kitchee FC [2-0] Match Highlights

Full Time:

JDT [2] - [0] Kitchee SC
Luciano Figueroa 17'
Safiq Rahim 43' (Pen)

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=52&v=BmS5XPdAGuc

Melbourne City prepare for off-season shake-up

Safuwan Baharudin (left) is one of the Melbourne City players who will be out of contract at the end of the season. Photo: Melbourne City

Melbourne City are just weeks away from a massive off-season cull that will help shape their charge for the 2015/16 A-League title.

As many as 11 players have unclear futures at the club and could leave City following the finals campaign.

And it's the group that has spearheaded City's run to the finals that hang in the balance.

Of the 14 players who contributed in City's bright 0-0 draw with Wellington on Sunday, six have no contracts for next season.
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Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi, veteran stopper Kew Jaliens, utility players Safuwan Baharudin, Paulo Retre and Jonatan Germano, as well as recently arrived French winger Harry Novillo aren't tied down.

The six are joined by five others in an "Out of Contract XI" which would prove a handful for many A-League clubs.

Apart from Robi Koren, all of the club's designated overseas visa players are coming out of contract, giving coach John van `t Schip great flexibility as he looks to build a squad to challenge for next season's premiership.

With just two rounds remaining before the club's finals campaign, made certain by Perth Glory's expulsion, the Dutch coach said he was putting off decisions on whom to cull and whom to keep until season's end.

"It's important, you don't decide it in one day," he said. "We're talking about it and we're looking at it.

"At the moment it's not having our biggest thoughts, we're focussing on the football side on the pitch.

"There's time enough in a few weeks... because then we can really sit down and make decisions that we think are going to hopefully benefit for next year."

Club captain Patrick Kisnorbo was also understood to be out of contract at season's end until van `t Schip revealed the defender had secured another year by passing a trigger-point in his deal.

Kisnorbo hasn't missed an A-League match this season in his best campaign with the club.

The impending shake-up could play out in different ways among the playing group.

Looming unemployment could spur individuals to perform well on the pitch, hoping to earn a new deal.

Or the uncertainty could get to others, putting in lacklustre effort if they feel the die is cast.

With the club on a five-game unbeaten streak, it certainly hasn't affected City thus far.

`MOVING ON' XI: POSSIBLE CITY CASTAWAYS

Forwards: Damien Duff, Mate Dugandzic, Harry Novillo.

Midfield: Jonatan Germano, Massimo Murdocca, Iain Ramsay.

Defenders: Paulo Retre, Rob Wielaert, Kew Jaliens, Safuwan Baharudin.

GK: Tando Velaphi

Safuwan Baharudin

Time is running out for Lions international defender Safuwan Baharudin overseas stint - his loan deal with A-League side Melbourne City Football Club (MCFC) is expected to wrap up this month. 

Melbourne City FC says whether or not Safuwan Baharudin continues to play for them depends on negotiations with their football department and coaching staff.

A Football Association of Singapore (FAS) spokesperson has also confirmed potential talks: "Now that MCFC has qualified for the play-offs, it is likely that they will commence discussions with us over an extension of the loan agreement."

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/melbourne-city-prepare-for-offseason-shakeup-20150413-1mk372.html & http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/safuwan-s-a-league-fate/1783252.html

Coach Aide retains belief at Courts Young Lions despite lack of S.League win

Photo: Straits Times

Aide Iskandar is convinced that his Courts Young Lions side are getting better even though they are still looking for their first win in the 2015 Great Eastern Yeo's S.League season.

Having picked up just one point from their opening three games, the Young Lions had an excellent chance to get kick-start their campaign at the Jalan Besar Stadium last Friday -- only to fall to a 1-0 defeat against Harimau Muda.

It does not get any easier with a tough run of fixtures awaiting them over the next fortnight, starting with Wednesday's trip to the Jurong East Stadium to take on the in-form Albirex Niigata (S).

But Aide believes his young charges are slowly but surely finding their feet as they build towards the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in June.

"I think our performance against Harimau Muda was much better than in the previous game when we were beaten 5-1 by Balestier," he said.

"One of our main focuses was to make things tight at the back and, for the most part of last Friday's game, I felt everything went according to plan.

"The discipline is a lot better, punctuality has improved and you can see the players are now more serious and focused.

"We must respect the opinions and comments coming from the fans because it is fair for them to be demanding results, but I just hope they can be patient with us.

"We are definitely working very hard and I believe this team has the potential do well at the SEA Games."

Aide does have a couple of new injury worries after captain Al-Qaasimy Rahman and Irfan Fandi -- who was deployed in the heart of defence -- both limped off against Harimau Muda last Friday.

Should they both be forced out of Wednesday's game, it would make things even more difficult for the Young Lions coming up against an Albirex side who have looked potent in attack this season.

The White Swans' triumph over Geylang International last Wednesday was their third 1-0 win in succession, but the scoreline failed to reflect how dominant they were throughout the 90 minutes.

In Atsushi Kawata, Rion Taki and Shotaro Ihata, they have a trio capable of winning a game with a moment of magic. And they are not short of supply with Fumiya Kogure and Hikaru Mizuno pulling the strings behind them.

But although Albirex boss Tatsuyuki Okuyama is pleased with his team's recent run of form, he insists they cannot afford any complacency.

"It's good for us to keep on winning but we also want to get better at the same time," he said.

"There is still plenty of room for us to improve.

"One real positive is how well our defence has been doing in the past few games. Now, we also want to get better in attack and put away the chances we create."

Albirex Niigata (S) Probable Lineup: Yosuke Nozawa, Mikiya Yamada, Takahiro Saito, Kento Fujihara, Itsuki Yamada, Hikaru Mizuno, Shun Inaba, Fumiya Kogure, Atsushi Kawata, Rion Taki, Shotaro Ihata. Courts

Young Lions Probable Lineup: Syazwan Buhari, Al-Qaasimy Rahman, Sheikh Abdul Hadi, Amirul Adli, Shakir Hamzah, Shamil Sharif, Safirul Sulaiman, Shameer Aziq, Shahfiq Ghani, Amy Recha, Iqbal Hussain.

Source: http://www.espnfc.com.ng/singapore-s-league/story/2397077/coach-aide-retains-belief-at-courts-young-lions-despite-lack-of-sleague-win

Singapore to face Japan in World Cup Qualifiers

Photo: ChannelNewsAsia

SINGAPORE — The Lions have been placed in Group E along with Japan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Cambodia for the second round 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifiers that will take place from June 11, 2015 to March 29, 2016.

The draw conducted at the Asian Football Confederation in Kuala Lumpur today (April 14) seeded the top eight FIFA ranked Asian countries and split them into eight groups.

Apart from four-time Asian kingpins Japan, these included reigning champions Australia, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

For the first time, the World Cup qualifiers will also serve as qualifiers for the Asian Cup Finals, which will take place at UAE in 2019.

The eight group winners and four best second-placed teams will advance to Asia's final FIFA World Cup qualifying round as well as the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The competition lasts nine months commencing on 11 June 2015 and running until 29 March 2016, with each team playing home and away in a round-robin format across ten matchdays. The third round of Asia's Russia 2018 qualifiers is scheduled to commence in late 2016.

Head Coach, National Teams, Bernd Stange expressed his thoughts on being in Group E: “Our group is a challenging one. Having said that, I am optimistic. I am not underestimating any of our opponents but we must aim to get as many points as possible from our matches. We will prepare ourselves well for the matches, and we look forward to our fans turning up at our home matches to support and get behind the Lions.”

Singapore’s 2018 World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualification Matches

_____________________

11 June 2015

Thursday

Cambodia vs Singapore
_____________________
16 June 2015

Tuesday

Singapore vs Japan
_____________________
3 September 2015

Thursday

Syria vs Singapore
_____________________
8 October 2015

Thursday

Singapore vs Afghanistan
_____________________
13 October 2015

Tuesday

Singapore vs Cambodia
_____________________
12 November 2015

Thursday

Japan vs Singapore
_____________________
17 November 2015

Tuesday

Singapore vs Syria
_____________________
29 March 2016

Tuesday

Afghanistan vs Singapore
_____________________

Asian Zone World Cup qualifiers after today’s draw:

Photo: Asian Football Facebook Page

Source: http://www.todayonline.com/sports/football/spore-face-japan-world-cup-qualifiers & http://www.fas.org.sg/news/2018-world-cup-qualification-groups-asia-drawn

Singaporean international Safuwan Baharudin returns to Melbourne City with a bang!

Photo: Melbourne City

Safuwan Baharudin

Safuwan returns to the starting line up with Melbourne City with a huge impact. As early as the 4th minute, Singaporean international Safuwan directed a header on target. 

Safuwan then bundled over Louis Fenton in the box, conceding a penalty and earning a yellow card in the process.

Safuwan had a sensational chance in the 70th minute a substitute Paulo Retre recycled a corner and the Singaporean drove a low shot on target in a crowded penalty area, but Moss saved and Wellington’s defence scrambled the ball clear.

REPORT: Melbourne City FC 0-0 Wellington Phoenix

Melbourne City FC’s finals hopes are well and truly alive after a 0-0 draw with Wellington Phoenix in an enthralling encounter at AAMI Park in City’s final home match of the 2014/15 season.

Sixth-placed City are now four points clear of seventh-placed Brisbane Roar with two rounds to play, although Roar have one match in hand as the season comes to a nail-biting conclusion.

The draw sees City finish its home fixtures with a run of nine matches unbeaten at AAMI Park, stretching back to November 2014, while its most recent unbeaten form extends to five matches (3 wins, 2 draws), heading into the final two rounds.

With a pairing between City – a finals series hopeful, fighting for sixth spot on the ladder with the Roar - and Phoenix – still a title hopeful, two points behind top spot prior to kick-off - there was plenty riding on Sunday afternoon’s Round 25 clash.

And the match didn’t disappoint, despite the 0-0 score line. In one of the most entertaining encounters of the season, City produced a fast, energetic display, which Phoenix matched with a particularly impressive attacking display.

Fittingly in a 0-0 stalemate, both ‘keepers were arguably best on ground with Wellington’s Glen Moss producing a string of important saves to deny City, while Tando Velaphi was called into regular action and crucially saved Nathan Burns’ first-half penalty to secure his eigth clean sheet in 15 appearances.

With a number of changes to City’s back line, City welcomed Connor Chapman and Safuwan Baharudin back into defence as Kew Jaliens pushed out wide and Jack Clisby and Paulo Retre made way, and City started the match in fantastic fashion with a rejigged line-up.

The home side were certainly on top in the early stages of the first stanza, creating a number of key openings and attempts on Wellington’s goal.

However, it was the visitors who should have opened the scoring from the penalty spot, with Velaphi producing a crucial save as Burns direct his spot-kick into the grateful arms of the Melbourne City stopper.

City’s dynamic start to the match was ignited by an early chance as Jonatan Germano pinched the ball off Alex Rodriguez in midfield and then attempted to chip Moss from 40 metres with an audacious effort.

Despite directing the shot on target, Moss back-pedalled and recovered to save, but it was a sign of things to come as Slovenian marquee Robert Koren fired in a rocket on his left boot, forcing Moss to tip over the bar just a minute later.

Returning to the starting line-up after international duty, Singaporean international Safuwan directed a header on target, before Australian marquee Josh Kennedy had an effort blocked at close range.

Melbourne’s in-form midfielder Aaron Mooy then tried his luck with a looping shot which threatened to squeeze into the top corner in the 11th minute; a shot which required the fingertips of the busy Moss to keep it out, although crossing to an unmarked Kennedy at the back post may have been a more sensible option.

But City were nearly stung with a double blow just quarter of an hour into the enthralling encounter, as Safuwan bundled over Louis Fenton in the box, conceding a penalty and earning a yellow card in the process.

Nathan Burns, one of the league’s most prolific strikers with 13 goals this season, aimed his penalty straight down the middle of the goal, where a thankful Velaphi collected the effort easily.

Fenton continued to cause havoc down the right for Ernie Merrick’s side, first squaring to Krishna who contolled and shot wide, before Burns sent Manny Muscat through on goal, only for the defender to shoot straight at Velaphi.

City threatened only from distance following Phoenix’s more controlled spell in the first half, with Mooy cutting inside from the left on two occasions, only to fire high and wide.

Koren almost handed Phoenix the opener, sending a miss-weighted pass-back towards Velaphi which was intercepted by Burns. The Socceroo advanced on goal but a timely interception by Jaliens prevent a clear sight on goal.

The second half commenced with the same tempo as the first as Novillo smacked a free kick wide just two minutes into the second half, before Mooy found the head of Paartalu six minutes later, but the towering central midfielder could only direct his header straight to Moss.

One minute later and Wellington mounted intense pressure on City for a period of 10 minutes, with Kisnorbo forced into a last ditch block to prevent Krishna breaching the back line and then Velaphi was again called into action, tipping another Burns effort over the bar.

Safuwan had a sensational chance in the 70th minute a substitute Paulo Retre recycled a corner and the Singaporean drove a low shot on target in a crowded penalty area, but Moss saved and Wellington’s defence scrambled the ball clear.

Alex Rodriguez then tested Velaphi with a dipping shot which bounced awkwardly in front of the City custodian as the frantic pace of the encounter continued.

Germano then produced another outstanding save from Moss, before CIty nearly clinched it at the death, with Mooy's free kick in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time finding Paartalu, only for his header to clip the top of the cross bar.

City travel to Western Australia to challenge Perth Glory next Sunday and then finish the season with an ANZAC Day clash against Adelaide United.

Match Details

Hyundai A-League Round 25

Melbourne City FC 0

Wellington Phoenix 0

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Crowd: 6720

Referee: Peter GREEN

Melbourne City FC Line-Up: 20. Tando VELAPHI (GK), 4. Connor CHAPMAN, 5. Erik PAARTALU, 6. Aaron MOOY, 9. Harry NOVILLO (15. David WILLIAMS 58’), 10. Robert KOREN, 13. Jonatan GERMANO, 16. Joshua KENNEDY (25. Jacob MELLING 73'), 24. Patrick KISNORBO, 27. Kew JALIENS (18. Paulo RETRE 62’), 29. Safuwan BAHARUDIN

Substitutes not used: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 18. Paulo RETRE, 25. Jacob MELLING

Yellow Cards: Baharudin 15’, Jaliens 43’, Melling 87'

Red Cards: Nil

Wellington Phoenix Line-Up: 1. Glen MOSS (GK), 2. Emmanuel MUSCAT, 4. Roly BONEVACIA (11. Kwabena APPIAH-KUBI 90+3'), 5. Michael BOXALL, 8. Alex RODRIGUEZ (17. Vince LIA 76’), 9. Nathan BURNS, 10. Michael McGLINCHEY 12. Albert RIERA, 16. Louis FENTON, 21. Roy KRISHNA (7. Kenny CUNNINGHAM 73’), 22. Andrew DURANTE

Substitutes not used: 20. Lewis ITALIANO (GK), 19. Thomas DOYLE

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Source: http://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/article/result-melbourne-city-fc-0-0-wellington-phoenix/emfv86mii7dz1m1oulfbc5anf#eIPfEODx2Gxs7Y3R.99

LionsXII 2-0 Johor Darul Takzim II Match Highlights Including Interviews with Fandi Ahmad

Full Time Malaysia FA Cup Quarterfinals First Leg:
LionsXII 2-0 Johor Darul Takzim II
Khairul Amri 4'
Christopher van Huizen 90+2'

Fandi Ahmad after the match, "This was our worst performance in Jalan Besar(this season)"



Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHyYUMIdFZo

Melbourne City regain key men Safuwan Baharudin at the right time

The return of Safuwan Baharudin, seen here contesting the ball with Central Coast Mariners players, will give Melbourne City a boost. Photo: Melbourne City

Injuries cut deepest at this time of year, with finals looming and a weekly scramble for points, but Melbourne City will get a boost from the return of three important players as they battle for the final spot in the top six.

City have lost key players for long stretches of the season.

Marquee man Robert Koren missed virtually all of the first half of the campaign through injury, only coming into the squad around Christmas. The former Premier League attacking midfielder is really only starting to have a consistent impact now.

Other City players have suffered numerous injuries that have kept them out for weeks at a time: Mate Dugandzic missed a chunk of the season while Josh Kennedy, the tall Socceroo frontman, is a fragile player who has battled a back problem for a long time. It cost him a spot at the World Cup in Brazil when he was one of the last players cut before the deadline for squad announcements had to be made.

The hapless James Brown, who made a comeback only a fortnight ago with the winning goal against Sydney in the 1-0 win that rekindled City's finals charge, has suffered another serious setback. Brown will miss the remainder of the season after injuring an ankle in the recent 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.

But City finally have some good news on the illness, injury, suspension and absence front.

As they battle for the last spot in the top six (assuming Perth Glory don't have 15 or more points deducted for salary cap infractions if they are proven later this week) they will benefit from the return of  Safuwan Baharudin for the final matches of the home and away season and the finals themselves.

SAFUWAN BAHARUDIN
Safuwan is now available, having been away with the Singaporean team on international duty, missing the past few games.

The Asian utility has made a strong impression playing in a variety of roles since joining City after the Asian Cup and has even got himself on the scoresheet. Scoring 2 goals in 5 games as a defender proves that he is also an attacking defender. He may well be considered for a spot in the starting line-up for Sunday's big game with Premiership-chasing Wellington Phoenix.

One win in their last three matches might be enough to secure a finals spot for City. Van 't Schip's side is six points clear of Brisbane, who have a game in hand.

If City can beat either Wellington, Perth or Adelaide over the next three weeks Brisbane would have to win all four of their remaining games to catch and pass them. That's a tall order, given they face Melbourne Victory twice and also have to travel to Korea and China for Asian Champions League games over the next three weeks.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/melbourne-city-regain-key-men-at-the-right-time-20150405-1meste.html
(This is the Edited Version of the article)