Canberra United will be looking to start the new year in the best possible way when they take on the Western Sydney Wanderers on January 1.
Resilience and Canberra’s infamous fighting spirit returned in their Round 4 draw against Brisbane Roar, and the taste of success has them chasing more.
We saw the start of something special between Allira Toby and Michelle Heyman, who will no doubt be looking for more opportunities to find the back of the net.
There could be New Year’s Day fireworks on the field though, with it set to be a battle between the two sides as they fight for their first win of the season.
“They’re physical, they’ve got some very technical midfielders, we’re coming up against our former team mate Bianca Galic and Clare Hunt has also been instrumental for them in the back line this season,” Canberra United midfielder, Grace Maher said.
“What I think their strength is, is their unity, they want to work as a team and you don’t see someone rescuing the games for them, they just all come out and give what they can.
“Our team has to be up for that battle and that’s how we break them down.
“If we can out-strengthen them and out play them in a way that shows we’re both teams who like to fight, we can put them on their back foot and then they won’t have answers.
Saturday will be the start of a busy week for Canberra, who have to fit in their rescheduled Round 3 match against Perth Glory between this Saturday’s match and their January 8 game against Adelaide United at Viking Park.
That match to take place on neutral territory in Sydney, on January 5.
“Three games in eight days, we see it as an opportunity to get nine points in eight days,” Grace said.
“This is a chance to swing the momentum, all of a sudden you could see yourself sitting quite pretty on the table, so that’s how we see it.
“It will be a physical and mental challenge to turn around so quickly but we’ve shown we have that fighting spirit and we’ll take it all in our stride.”
MATCH DETAILS |
Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United
Saturday, 1 January
5.05pm AEDT
Wanderers Football Park
Watch: Paramount+
