Melbourne City FC will aim to make it two wins on the bounce when Patrick Kisnorbo’s side take on the unbeaten Newcastle Jets in a blockbuster Remembrance Round double header at AAMI Park. Here’s all you need to know about Sunday’s clash.
See you at the match!
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For those playing at home, the match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 501 and SBS VICELAND. You can also keep up with all the action as it happens by following our official Twitter account @MelbCityWFC.
You can't miss Sunday's #RemembranceRound Double Header! ? https://t.co/XOrk2OchM9
➡ Kids Go FREE!
➡ Free GA ticket for RSL and ADF Card Holders pic.twitter.com/MJtZN1Mil3— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) November 9, 2017
Set the scene for me…
Another W-League blockbuster awaits fans at AAMI Park. City will be looking to build on last week’s impressive display in the Melbourne Derby, where Rebekah Stott’s 82nd minute winner secured her side’s first three points of the season.
It was the perfect response to a disappointing Round 1 defeat against Perth Glory, and while Patrick Kisnorbo’s side dominated their opponents from the first whistle, it was his side’s defensive solidity which played a key role in securing a morale-boosting win.
That stability was underpinned by the return of Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who starred on her return with a string of fantastic saves to keep Victory at bay, including two stunning stops to deny goal-bound headers from Ga Eul Jeon and Laura Alleway.
.@lydsaussie ?: "We need to build on our momentum and put in another good performance on Sunday."
? https://t.co/z20lOGfE0Z pic.twitter.com/5Gz4kkb1dK
— Melbourne City Women (@MelbCityWFC) November 9, 2017
Alanna Kennedy’s partnership with Lauren Barnes in the heart of defence continues to move from strength to strength, with the duo nullifying the threat posed by Victory’s in-form striker Natasha Dowie.
But ironically, it was a former Newcastle star who ultimately provided the breakthrough. Forward Rhali Dobson, who made nearly 70 appearances for the Jets across eight seasons, was electric off the bench in her debut and made a telling contribution with a pin-point cross for Stott’s late winner.
Now facing her former side for the first time, Dobson will aim to pick up from where she left off against a Newcastle outfit who have emerged as the competition’s dark horse after an impressive start to the season.
The Jets enter Sunday’s clash brimming with confidence after notching back-to-back wins over Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers, conceding only one goal in the process.
Facing the reigning champions at home, however, is a different challenge altogether, and Sunday’s clash at AAMI Park will be a real litmus test of the Jets’ title credentials. It sets the scene for another pulsating encounter and an exciting start to City’s second double header of the season.
What’s the team news?
City will be without versatile defender Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, who is set for a week on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Youngsters Hayley Richmond and Sofia Sakalis are both inline to replace Vlajnic after being promoted to the extended squad, which will be reduced to 15 prior to kick-off.
Goalkeeper Emily Shields is the only long-term absentee as she continues to recover from a serious wrist injury sustained in the warm up against Perth Glory in Round 1.
From the dressing room
Excited for another double header at @AAMIPark? @lydsaussie is!
We do it all again on Sunday! ? https://t.co/RBDz1Gn9B4 pic.twitter.com/c9Oiz0ZgZN
— Melbourne City Women (@MelbCityWFC) November 10, 2017
Lest We Forget
Our players visited the @ShrineMelbourne ahead of Sunday's #RemembranceRound double header at AAMI Park. ? https://t.co/XOrk2NUGnz pic.twitter.com/SCnT0pNZyJ
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) November 9, 2017
Watch our W-League stars with a Double Header Membership!
Are you City to the Core? Watch our W-League and A-League stars light up AAMI Park this season with our new Double Header Membership.
Secure your seat to our three remaining double-headers at AAMI Park and two home W-League matches at CB Smith Reserve – because nothing beats being there.
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 3
Sunday 12 November 2017
Melbourne City FC vs Newcastle Jets
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 4:30pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City FC: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (GK) 2. Yukari KINGA, 3. Lauren BARNES, 4. Ashley HATCH, 5. Lia MULDEARY, 7. Steph CATLEY (C), 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Jess FISHLOCK, 11. Rhali DOBSON, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14. Alanna KENNEDY, 15. Amy JACKSON, 16. Sofia SAKALIS, 17. Kyah SIMON, 18. Hayley RICHMOND, 23. Melissa HUDSON (GK)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 16. Sofia SAKALIS (Promoted), 18. Hayley RICHMOND (promoted),
Outs: 19. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC (knee – 1 week)
Unavailable: 20. Emily SHIELDS (wrist – indefinite)
