We’re on the road again, headed to Melbourne thanks to JT Sports Tours. Find out all you need to know below ahead of a very important clash.
Quick Look |
Canberra United and Melbourne City will meet for the second time this season as they clash at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne.
United took the chocolates in round one with a convincing 2-0 victory at McKellar Park but City have returned to full strength since then and this battle is shaping up to be a tough one.
Key Bits |
Both teams are languishing in the bottom half of the table, but are separated by only a point and could easily jump into the top four with a win.
Steph Catley returned for a stint in City’s last game and could be a pivotal figure if she gets a run out here again, and the strength of City’s Matildas and international contingent will mean it is a tough task for United.
The match will be Denise O’Sullivan’s last match as a guest player for Canberra United after a strong stint in her first six matches. Heather Garriock and her squad will be hoping to send the Irish star out on a high with three points.
United’s troubles on the road continued as they coughed up a late equaliser to the Wanderers at Spotless a few weeks back and they need to buck the trend with a bumper period of three games in 12 days, including two away matches.
It is hard to assess momentum coming into this match with both teams coming off a bye, but United’s youngsters put in a strong shift against the Chinese National team last Thursday in Brisbane during the bye week.
From the Coach |
On Melbourne City…
“They have all their stars back so they’ve got no excuses. We’ve got our stars as well, so I think it’ll be a great game. We haven’t won on the road this season so it’s important we get that monkey off our back.
“They’re potent up top with so much speed out wide. Add Steph Catley back into the mix who brings a great left boot and great leadership.
“They’re strong across the park, I could go through everything, to be honest.”
“Knowing that we beat them early on builds our confidence, and I think it’ll be in the back of their minds and ours as well. But come Christmas time you just want a win and to be happy!
“This is a vital period for us with three games across the next 12 days going away, home and then away including a big trip to Perth. The next week and a half is so important and the girls know that.”
On Denise O’Sullivan…
“She has definitely been one of our top players so far, she just wreaks havoc in the middle of the park.”
“Off field as well her leadership has been great, leads by example in training and will put an arm around the younger girls to help them out.
“She’s made an immense contribution and it is definitely sad to see her go.
“We don’t need any extra motivation to beat Melbourne city at AAMI Park, but it would definitely be nice to send Denise off with three points for Christmas.
Squads |
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Yukari KINGA, 3.Lauren BARNES, 4.Chelsea BLISSETT, 5.Helen CACERES, 7.Steph CATLEY, 8.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 11.Rhali DOBSON, 12.Adriana JONES, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 15.Amy JACKSON, 17.Kyah SIMON, 22.Jasmyne SPENCER, 23.Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 31.Tameka BUTT, 88.Theresa NIELSEN
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 15.Amy JACKSON (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
Canberra United squad: 1. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 2. Laura HUGHES, 4. Rachel CORSIE (c), 5. Nikola ORGILL, 6. Refiloe JANE, 8. Olivia PRICE, 9. Rhoda MULAUDZI, 10. Paige NIELSEN, 11. Denise O’SULLIVAN, 12. Lauren KEIR, 15. Rosie GALEA, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Maddy WHITTALL, 18. Taren KING, 19. Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20. Shamiran KHAMIS (gk), 21. Ellie CARPENTER
*two to be omitted*
Ins: 12. Lauren KEIR (Promoted), 15. Rosie GALEA (Promoted), 17. Maddy WHITTALL (Promoted)
Outs: 13. Meaghan McElligott (Not Selected)
Unavailable: 3. Natasha PRIOR (Head – Unknown), 7. Aoife COLVILL (Foot – 1-2 Weeks)
Match Details |
Westfield W-League Round 8
Melbourne City v Canberra United
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, 22nd December – 5:00pm kick off
