The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to book a place in the 2018/19 Westfield W-League finals series when they take on fellow top-four rivals Sydney FC at WIN Stadium on Thursday night.
City sat out Round 13 with the bye, following their comprehensive 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets at C.B. Smith Reserve a fortnight ago.
In their last regular season fixture at home, City produced an enthralling performance in front of the home fans. Japanese import Yukari Kinga opened the scoring in the 31st minute from the penalty spot, before captain Steph Catley doubled the hosts lead with a thumping header at the back post – her first goal of the season.
Much-like the first-half, City came out of the blocks firing in the second period. Kinga secured her brace with a neat turn and finish from inside the area, before new signing Hailie Mace made it 4-0 with a composed finish on debut.
For City to qualify for the finals on Thursday night, they will need to beat the Sky Blues by at least five goals, a task that won’t be easy against fierce opposition.
Sydney FC are coming off a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Alanna Kennedy opened the scoring in the 35th minute to give Sydney a 1-0 lead at the break, before Emily Gielnik hit back in the 68th minute with a powerful strike. Less than three minutes later, Chloe Logarzo restored the Sky Blues lead with a fine finish before Victory captain Natasha Dowie earned a share of the spoils with a clinical effort in the 78th minute.
With both teams fighting for a place in the top-four, we’re set for an enthralling contest in Wollongong.
Team news
The extended squad is in ahead of Thursday’s clash. See our Team News.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was in Round 2, when City defeated Sydney FC 3-1 at AAMI Park.
Jasmyne Spencer produced an outstanding performance for the hosts, netting an impressive hattrick in the grand final re-match.
Where and when?
City take on Sydney FC at WIN Stadium on Thursday 31 January, kick-off 7:30pm.
