Melbourne City FC will aim to continue its undefeated Westfield W-League streak in a blockbuster home clash against Canberra United at CB Smith Reserve on Saturday 10 December, kick-off at 5pm.
The Lowdown
In a clash between two heavyweights of the Westfield W-league, there will be countless high-quality international players littered across both sides when City and Canberra walk out onto Fawkner’s CB Smith Reserve on Saturday.
City have been tested in every league fixture this season, but as champion sides so often do, have managed to grind out results when the going gets tough and extend a proud unbeaten record to 18 matches.
A 2-1 away win over Brisbane last week was perhaps the sternest examination yet. After falling behind for the first time in W-League history, City eventually roared home as goals to Jess Fishlock and Erika Tymrak secured a memorable come-from-behind win.
Fishlock in particular is enjoying a purple patch in-front of goal, with the Welsh midfielder sitting equal top of the Golden Boot standings after backing up her match winning double in the Melbourne Derby with a brilliant strike against the Roar.
Two-time champions Canberra, however, will be more determined than anyone to knock City off its perch.
Joe Montemurro’s side were pushed all the way by a spirited Canberra outfit in a 2-1 win at GIO Stadium last month, who had several chances to score but were unable to find a way past an inspired Lydia Williams in the City goal.
The newly crowned PFA Women’s Player of the Year may hold the key between the posts for City, and will need to be alert to repel a dangerous Canberra attack consisting of Michelle Heyman, Hayley Raso and Jasmyne Spencer.
City will take an unchanged squad into the blockbuster fixture, while Canberra United welcome back returning speedster Spencer and Laura Hughes.
The Blue Ribbon Cup
Both clubs will be competing for the first W-League edition of the Blue Ribbon Cup, which perpetuates the memory and acknowledges the sacrifices of Victoria Police officers killed in the line of duty.
As a precursor to the W-League clash, Victoria Police Womens SC will play a curtain raiser against Ringwood City SC commencing at 2pm, with all Victoria Police members offered free access to the match.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation will be selling merchandise and accepting donations to support their initiatives throughout the community.
A home debut for Yanez
From the Dressing Room
“I’m feeling excited. We have played Canberra before so it’s going to be a tough game but we have the home field advantage and looking for a good crowd, it’s exciting to kind of build on what we have in the last couple of weeks.” – Melbourne City FC goalkeeper Lydia Williams.
Join us at CB Smith Reserve!
You can catch our record-breaking Women’s team in Westfield W-League action against Canberra at CB Smith Reserve, kick-off at 5pm. Alternatively, you can follow all the match action on Twitter on @MelbCityWFC, using the official match hashtag: #MCYvCBR
Match Details
Westfield W-League – Round 6
Saturday, 10 December 2016
Melbourne City FC v Canberra United
Venue: C.B. Smith Reserve
Kick-Off: 5:00PM (Local) (5:00PM (AEDT))
Referee: Katie Patterson
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 3.Lauren BARNES, 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Aivi LUIK, 7.Steph CATLEY (c), 10.Jessica FISHLOCK, 11.Erika TYMRAK, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Melina AYRES, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16.Beverly YANEZ, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 26.Erin HUDSON (gk)
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 9.Larissa CRUMMER (ankle – 3 weeks)
Canberra United squad: 1.Trudy BURKE (gk), 2.Yukari KINGA, 4.Clare HUNT, 5.Jenna McCORMICK, 7.Ellie BRUSH, 8.Hayley RASO, 9.Jasmyne SPENCER 10.Grace MAHER, 11.Michelle HEYMAN, 12.Hannah BREWER, 13.Celeste BOUREILLE, 14.Ashley SYKES, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17.Laura HUGHES, 19.Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20.Georgia BORIC (gk), 22.Stephanie OCHS **two to be omitted**
Ins: 9.Jasmyne SPENCER (return from injury), 17.Laura HUGHES (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 15.Emma CHECKER (knee – 1 week)
