Melbourne City FC will be looking to register back-to-back wins and solidify a place in the Westfield W-League top four when they face Brisbane Roar in a blockbuster clash at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
How to watch
The match kicks-off at 4:30pm (AEDT) and will be broadcast live on SBS VICELAND and FOX SPORTS 501.
You can also keep up with all the action as it happens by following our official Twitter account @MelbCityWFC.
Set the scene for me…
City spelled the end to a frustrating three-week period with a 2-1 win over Canberra United at AAMI Park last Sunday.
A dazzling performance from Jess Fishlock led City’s resurgence back onto the winner’s list. The Welsh international opened the scoring with a spectacular strike from 25 yards, before Michelle Heyman equalised for the visitors, pouncing on an error from Lydia Williams.
With 10 minutes of regular time remaining, up stepped Fishlock to secure all three points for City following a perfectly weighted ball into the box by Yukari Kinga.
The Japanese international continues to go from strength to strength at City, combining well with both Fishlock and Kyah Simon.
City’s late winner was a reward for their dominance – as has been the case for most of this season, Patrick Kisnorbo’s side created several chances but failed to capitalise on their opportunities.
Kyah Simon’s hot run of form continues with the Matildas star registering an assist and creating four chances – extending her lead on the competition for chances created (34).
Sunday’s clash also saw Aivi Luik feature in her first game of the season since her return from the Norwegian Toppserien. The 32-year-old looked right at home in the midfield, with her composure allowing the players around her to flourish.
Speaking after the clash, Kisnorbo said: “Aivi [Luik] was fantastic today, she was brilliant.”
“I thought our back four was solid again. There was a lot of contributors that played really well.
“I give everyone a chance to get picked. I needed to change it a bit today,” he added.
“We created a lot of chances but our final ball wasn’t as good as last week. We’ll work on that in training, but the pleasing thing is we’re getting ourselves into dangerous positions.
“We’re there and thereabouts. We haven’t fully clicked yet but I think when we do, it will be a bit scary.”
City currently sit in fourth place on the league table, two points behind the Glory, Jets and Roar on 12 points apiece – increasing the significance of Sunday’s clash.
A win will see Kisnorbo’s side potentially finish the round anywhere between first and third place on the table, but a loss and they risk falling behind the pace of the top three.
Following a hard fought 1-0 win over Canberra United in Round 6; the third-placed Roar will be looking to bounce back following their disappointing 3-0 loss at home to the Newcastle Jets last week.
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 8
Sunday 17 December 2017
Melbourne City FC vs Brisbane Roar
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 4:30pm (AEDT)
