City’s golden chance for finals fling

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MELBOURNE City is about to embark upon a week that will make or break its finals charge.

Starting Sunday, John van't Schip's men play the competition's three bottom sides in seven days.

Having defeated Adelaide last week, City would have to string together four consecutive wins if it is to claim maximum points against Central Coast (away on Sunday), Western Sydney (away next Wednesday) and Newcastle (home next Saturday).

It's a feat rarely achieved in the A-League, so rare that it has only been done twice this season — by league-leader Perth in rounds 4-7 and fourth-placed Wellington in rounds 11-14.

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Central Coast has been a bogy side for City (nee Heart).

It has only defeated the Mariners once in 14 attempts and in six games at Gosford has lost five and drawn one, scoring just two goals in the process.

But if Patrick Kisnorbo and co can exorcise those demons on Sunday then the rest of the dominoes might topple.

The Wanderers will be playing their sixth match in 19 days next Wednesday owing to their Asian Champions League commitments, while the Jets have hardly given a yelp all season.

"If you have the ambition to make it to the finals then these are the games you have to win," City defender Kew Jaliens said.

Melbourne City's Aaron Mooy on the charge against Adelaide United. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

"No matter what, these are three good opportunities for us to get three points and that's how we'll approach it as well."

Imagine for a second that City does claim three wins in its next three games — sixth place will be its to lose.

A clash with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium the following week would be largely immaterial as the next week, March 28, sees it play Brisbane at AAMI Park in what would be a mini-final.

Leading up to that game the Roar, currently two points behind City in the race for sixth but with a game in hand, play the Wanderers (9th) twice, Sydney (5th) and Wellington (4th) but also have to play an ACL match against Suwon Bluewings (March 18).

It also played in Japan on Wednesday night, defeating Uruwa Red Diamonds 1-0.

The prize for City against Brisbane that night, should it win, could be a near insurmountable gap over the Roar with just four games to play and the promise of finals for just the second time.

CITY 6th 24pts (played 18)

Sunday v Central Coast (A)

Mar 11 v Western Sydney (A)

Mar 14 v Newcastle (H)

Mar 20 v Sydney (A)

Mar 28 v Brisbane (H)

BRISBANE 7th 22pts (played 17)

Sunday v Western Sydney (H)

Mar 15 v Sydney (A)

Mar 22 v Wellington (H)

Mar 25 v Western Sydney (H)

Mar 28 v City (A)

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