Melbourne City FC will be vying for a finals birth when they travel to Newcastle to face the Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night.
How to watch
The match gets underway at 8:15pm (AEDT) on Saturday, 3rd January at McDonald Jones Stadium. Get your tickets here.
You can also keep up with all the action as it happens by following our official Twitter account @MelbCityWFC.
Set the scene for me…
Following a goalless draw against ladder leaders Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park in Round 12, City had their second bye round for the season last weekend.
Patrick Kisnobo’s side went into the bye following a comprehensive performance against the Roar in which the home side was unfortunate not to secure all three points.
City dominated the match in patches but was unable to net the decisive winner.
The home side came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 70th minute when winger Rhali Dobson struck the woodwork following a delightful ball by Jess Fishlock, but it wasn’t to be as City were forced to settle for a point.
Kyah Simon continued her strong run of form this season, as the midfielder continues to lead the W-League for scoring chances created (39) – six more than any other player in the competition.
Alanna Kennedy, Steph Catley, Rebekah Stott and Lauren Barnes worked tirelessly at the back, nullifying the influence of Brisbane’s attacking threats.
Following the match, Kisnorbo said “it’s frustrating not getting the win today, I think both teams battled it out – it was a great game.”
“Obviously we hit the post, I’m not going to say the story of our season – but I thought we dominated to be honest.
“I think the way we conducted ourselves was fantastic, our work rate was ridiculously good.”
Heading into Saturday night’s clash the equation is simple, City win and they secure a finals position. But if they lose or draw, destiny will be out of their control.
The task won’t be easy for City’s Women, who face a Newcastle outfit full of confidence following their 5-1 hammering of Canberra United at McKellar Park.
Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond netted a brace as American import Katie Stengel scored a hat-trick – with both players in great touch there’s no doubt that City’s defence will need to be at their best.
With City in fourth position three points behind the Jets, the team from Newcastle will be determined to keep their place in third.
The last time the two teams met was when City hosted the Jets at AAMI Park in Round 3, with Kisnorbo’s team running out 5-2 winners in one of their best performances of the season.
Despite the result, the manager says there have been too many changes in the competition to reflect too much on past performances.
“When we played Newcastle that was back then, things have changed,” Kisnorbo said.
“I personally think now teams have a sniff that they contain their own destiny and I think it’s going to be quite difficult to be honest.”
With history being history and destiny in City’s own hands, Saturday night’s clash is set to be a thriller.
What’s the team news?
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.Jodie TAYLOR, 10.Jess FISHLOCK, 11.Rhali DOBSON, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 15.Amy JACKSON, 17.Kyah SIMON 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 20.Emily SHIELDS (gk)
Ins: 12.Jodie TAYLOR (return from international duty), 20.Emily SHIELDS (gk) (return from injury)
Outs: 9.Larissa CRUMMER, 23.Melissa HUDSON (GK)
Unavailable: Nil
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 14
Saturday 3 February 2018
Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne City FC
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 8:15pm (AEDT)
