Melbourne City Women’s FC will be aiming to extend its lead at the top of the Westfield W-League table to eight points this afternoon with a win over second placed Adelaide United.
In City’s first game at CB Smith Reserves, both teams will enter the contest as the competition’s in-form sides, remaining undefeated after the opening four rounds.
Last weekend, Joe Montemurro’s squad maintained it 100% start in the Westfield W-League, toppling reigning champions Canberra United 4-2 in Gosford.
Larissa Crummer preserved her lead at the top of the Westfield W-League Golden Boot standings; netting for the fifth time this season on Sunday while PFA W-League Player of the Month, Marianna Tabain is placed second with four.
British trio Jess Fishlock, Jen Beattie and Kim Kim Little all started for the first time together in City colours last weekend, with Little being named as player-of-the-match.
Crummer and fellow Matildas Steph Catley and Laura Alleway will be available for selection after returning from an international camp while Lisa De Vanna has been ruled out through suspension following her second half dismissal against Canberra.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Chidiac is one option Montemurro has at his disposal to replace Lisa De Vanna in the final third.
Fittingly, Chidiac earned her first Matildas cap replacing De Vanna as a second half substitute earlier this year.
Whatever her role may be tomorrow, the South Australian is in line to face her former employers at CB Smith Reserve.
After securing a call-up to the Lady Reds’ squad as 14-year-old train-on, Chidiac impressed, putting pen-to-paper the following year with her first senior W-League contract.
“I’m really looking forward to playing against Adelaide this weekend,” Chidiac said.
“I think it will be a really good game. We’re pretty much approaching it as we do every game.
“We are determined to get the three points but it won’t be easy.”
Saturday will mark Adelaide’s second trip to Melbourne in consecutive weeks.
Jamie Harnwell’s side recorded its biggest ever win at Epping Stadium last weekend, defeating Melbourne Victory 4-0.
Rosie Sutton netted a hat-trick for the visitors, ensuring her side kicked-off its best start to a Westfield W-League season.
Canberra United v Melbourne City
Sunday 8 November 2015
CB Smith Reserve, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 4pm
(Foxtel National Youth League and Westfield W-League double-header)
Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #MCYvADE or listen LIVE on TuneIn Radio: http://melbc.it/1Y9XWm7 #MCYvADL
Melbourne City squad: 1. Brianna Davey (gk), 3. Alex Chidiac, 4. Jennifer Beattie, 5. Laura Alleway, 6. Aivi Luik, 7. Stephanie Catley, 8. Kim Little, 9. Larissa Crummer, 10. Jess Fishlock, 13. Rebekah Stott, 15. Amy Jackson, 16. Beattie Goad, 17. Marianna Tabain, 20. Trudy Burke (gk).
Ins: 1. Brianna Davey (gk) (returns from injury), 18. Anisa Guajardo
Outs: 11. Lisa De Vanna (suspended – 1 week), 36. Erin Herd (omitted)
Unavailable: 2. Monique Iannella (knee – indefinite)
