The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they host Canberra United at AAMI Park.
Following a slow start to the season, City are undefeated in their past two league fixtures, after a number of key player inclusions.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side sat out Round 7 with a bye, after they defeated Newcastle Jets 3-1 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 6.
Japanese star Yukari Kinga opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a neat finish from close range, before Tameka Butt doubled City’s lead four minutes later with her first goal in City blue and her 50th in the competition.
American import Katie Stengel closed the gap to 2-1 early in the second-half, but as the home side pushed to find an equaliser City’s Jasmyne Spencer sealed the points with a cracking individual effort from outside the box.
With one win over City already this season, Canberra United will be looking to make it two from two on Saturday evening.
Head Coach Heather Garriock’s side also sat out Round 7 with a bye following their entertaining 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Spotless Stadium.
After a goalless first-half, in-form Matildas international Ellie Carpenter opened the scoring in the 52nd minute before Leena Khamis equalised for the hosts from close range in the 65th minute.
Servet Uzunlar made it 2-1 for Canberra United with a horror own goal which looked to gift the green machine all three-points with five minutes to play, before late drama saw Kylie Ledbrook equalise for Western Sydney, earning the Wanderers a share of the spoils.
With both teams searching for a top-four position on a league ladder that is extremely tight, with three-points separating eighth from second, we are set for a blockbuster clash at AAMI Park.
Last time they met
Canberra United defeated a youthful Melbourne City outfit 2-0 at McKellar Park in Round 1.
A strong second-half performance from the hosts saw them run away with the points following strikes to Rhonda Mulaudzi and Ellie Carpenter.
Team news
Head Coach Rado Vidosic has bolstered his side adding experienced defender Amy Jackson to the extended squad. Full team news available here.
Where and when
City host Canberra United at AAMI Park on Saturday 22 December, kick-off 5:00pm, before City’s A-League side host Melbourne Victory in the annual Christmas Derby, kick-off 7:50pm (AEDT).
