Melbourne City FC will be looking to cement their spot in the Westfield W-League top-four when they face Melbourne Victory in a blockbuster Melbourne Derby at Epping Stadium on Sunday.
How to watch
The Melbourne Derby kicks-off at 4:30pm (AEDT) on Sunday, 14 January at Epping Stadium.
The match will also be available to watch via a live stream on the Fox Sports Website – click here for information on how to watch the match.
You can also keep up with all the action as it happens by following our official Twitter account @MelbCityWFC.
Set the scene for me…
Fresh off a comprehensive 3-0 win over Perth Glory in Round 10, City are back in the Westfield W-League top-four and have the chance to strengthen their position with only three regular season games remaining.
Last Sunday’s six-pointer against the Glory was a must-win clash for Patrick Kisnorbo’s side, who proved to be equal to the task. City’s win sees them leapfrog Perth into fourth place on the table, and move three points clear of their Western Australian rivals.
City’s Women produced a flawess first-half display, which saw them take a 3-0 lead into the half-time break.
American import Ashley Hatch netted the opener for the home side after meeting Yukari Kinga’s perfectly weighted through ball. Steph Catley proved to be the architect behind the goal after she dispossessed Matildas forward Sam Kerr on the half way line before finding Jess Fishlock.
City would go on to double their lead in the 34th minute, when Tyla-Jay Vlajnic secured her first goal of the season with a perfectly placed finish after Kyah Simon found her expertly – Simon registering her fourth assist for the season, the equal most in the competition.
Kinga secured the win eight minutes later when she pounced on a loose ball in the box, she too registering her first goal for the season.
Fishlock was again a standout performer for Kisnorbo’s side, with the Welsh international playing a vital role in the midfield. The midfielder was inches away from hitting the scoreboard, cannoning two magnificent strikes from 25 yards into the crossbar.
City’s team defence was a feature throughout the afternoon – led by Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Lauren Barnes and Rebekah Stott at the back; City suffocated Perth with their team press and starved the Glory of any meaningful opportunities in front of goal.
Aivi Luik played a crucial anchoring role throughout the afternoon, allowing her attacking teammates to flourish before her.
City will be looking to achieve a similar outcome when they face local rivals Melbourne Victory in the Melbourne Derby on Sunday.
A win will ensure that City keeps the chasing pack held at bay, with the possibility of moving up the league ladder depending on the weekend’s results.
Victory will be looking to respond from last week’s 2-1 defeat to Brisbane Roar, where the Melbourne side were denied a share of the spoils by an 80th minute Celeste Boureille strike.
In the previous meeting between the two sides this season, City were 1-0 winner’s courtesy of an 81st minute Rebekah Stott strike.
City will be looking to take their opportunities in front of goal and extend their winning streak on Sunday as they look to secure a top-four place, kick-off 4:30pm.
Match Details
Sunday 14 January 2017
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City FC
Venue: Epping Stadium, Epping
Kick-Off: 4:30pm (Local) (4:30pm (AEDT))
Referee: Lara Lee
Assistant Referee 1: Laura Moya
Assistant Referee 2: Danielle Anderson
Fourth Official: Joanna Charaktis
Broadcast: Live stream coverage on foxsports.com.au/live from 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)
