Melbourne City FC are set to take on Perth Glory this Friday in the first of City’s two games against the West Australian-based side to round out its W-League season.
Securing positive results in either game will put City in a strong position to overtake Newcastle in seventh place, whilst Perth Glory will be looking to win both games and draw level with City on seven points.
Friday’s fixture will be live on Kayo and the My Football Live app.
The clash
City ended a disappointing run of form with its 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets on Sunday afternoon.
The clash was decided in the first half when Chinatsu Kira finished Tori Tumeth’s back-post cross from a tight angle to net her first goal in City colours.
A debut @WLeague goal for Kira! 👏👏#CmonCity #MCYvWSW #WLeague pic.twitter.com/tmaWjEZEBN
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) March 14, 2021
Her side were then able to defend resolutely in the second half to ensure the team’s first points since its Round 4 win over Melbourne Victory.
With the wheels starting to turn again at either end of the field for City, the side will be confident of securing a result against Friday’s ninth-place opposition.
Miss yesterday's win over Newcastle? 🤔
Don't worry, we've got you covered! Check out all the action from what was a strong performance from your City women. 💪#CmonCity pic.twitter.com/MWYLJfz899
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) March 14, 2021
Perth most recently featured on Tuesday night when they played Melbourne Victory at home, with the final scoreline reading 0-1 in favour of the visitors.
Perth have struggled throughout the 2020/21 campaign, with their early-season fixtures disrupted due to border closures, leaving the Glory to make up their postponed games throughout a packed March schedule.
As a result, Perth will be playing their fourth game in 12 days by the time they face City on Friday night.
City will once again be without goalkeeper Teagan Micah for this fixture while Harriet Withers also is unavailable as she continues her recovery from an ankle injury.
Team News
Rado Vidosic’s extended squad has seen two inclusions from the team that beat Newcastle on Sunday night.
After missing that fixture due to sickness, Hollie Palmer has been included while Teigen Allen has also been added and could return from injury.
Melbourne City FC squad
3.Teigen ALLEN, 5.Tori TUMETH, 6. Noor ECKHOFF, 8.Hollie PALMER, 9. Alex CHIDIAC, 10.Chinatsu KIRA, 11.Rhali DOBSON, 13. Sarah CAIN, 14.Margot ROBINNE, 15. Emma CHECKER (c), 17. Samantha JOHNSON, 18.Leah DAVIDSON, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Lia MULDEARY, 21. Jenna McCORMICK, 22. Naomi THOMAS-CHINNAMA, 23.Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 30.Sophia VARLEY (gk).
**2 to be omitted**
In: 3.Teigen ALLEN (returns from injury), 8.Hollie PALMER (promoted).
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 1.Teagan MICAH (knee), 4.Chelsea BLISSETT (ACL), 12.Harriet WITHERS (ankle), 16.Sofia SAKALIS (ACL).
What was said?
“It meant everything. You work every day to win, nobody is out there training or playing for anything other than that so for us it was the result of a lot of hard work after we felt we’d previously had some dominant performances without getting the results.”
-Captain Emma Checker on the win v Newcastle
Match Details
Westfield W-League – Round 13
Perth Glory vs Melbourne City FC
Dorrien Gardens
Friday 19 March, kick-off 9.35pm (AEDT)
