Melbourne City FC will be vying for a spot in the Westfield W-League top four when they face Perth Glory in a blockbuster six-pointer at the City Football Academy on Sunday afternoon.
How to watch
With the match originally scheduled to be a double-header with the Club’s men’s team, Sunday’s match will take place at the City Football Academy, with kick-off at 4:30pm.
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 bounced back from Round 8’s disappointing loss to the Brisbane Roar, as Jess Fishlock’s late heroics inspired her side to a 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers on New Year’s Day at ANZ Stadium.
City dominated possession and therefore controlled proceedings for much of the 90 minutes, but struggled to trouble Jada Whyman between the Wanderers goal.
Of City’s 15 shots on goal, five were from outside the area and three were on target.
Fishlock was again a standout performer, as Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Rebekah Stott impressed.
England international Jodie Taylor made her City debut off the bench in the second period and showed glimpses of her ability in an impressive cameo where she combined well with Fishlock.
Captain Steph Catley was solid at left-back in her milestone match, as she reached 100 W-League appearances.
The Wanderers defence put up a gallant effort, but were ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.
Yukari Kinga picked up the ball in the middle of the park, deep in City’s attacking half, before sweeping it out to Kyah Simon on the right wing.
Simon whipped in a perfectly placed ball that found Fishlock between two Western Sydney defenders, the Welshwoman then made no mistake from close range to seal all three-points for the away side.
City’s late winner sets up a mouth-watering clash against the fourth-placed Perth Glory on Saturday afternoon.
Patrick Kisnorbo’s side sit one place below the Glory on the league ladder, with only goal difference separating the two sides.
The Glory will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 2-0 defeat at home against Brisbane last Friday night.
The reliable pairing of Alanna Kennedy and Lauren Barnes will come up against the dynamic duo of Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill in what is set to be an enthralling contest between the two sides.
In their one previous meeting this season the Glory defeated City 4-1 at nib Stadium in Round 1, a result that Kisnorbo’s side will be looking to overturn at home.
With only five rounds remaining in the regular season, Saturday’s clash sets up a huge six-point match between last season’s Grand-Finalists as they both vie for a spot in the top-four.
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 10
Saturday 6 January 2018
Melbourne City FC vs Perth Glory
Venue: City Football Academy, Melbourne
Kick-off: 4:30pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Yukari KINGA, 3.Lauren BARNES, 4.Ashley HATCH, 6.Aivi LUIK, 7.Steph CATLEY (C), 9.Larissa CRUMMER, 10.Jess FISHLOCK, 12. Jodie TAYLOR, 11.Rhali DOBSON, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16. Sofia SAKALIS, 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 23.Melissa HUDSON (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 9. Larissa CRUMMER (promoted), 16. Sofia SAKALIS (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 20.Emily SHIELDS (wrist – indefinite)
