Melbourne City FC will aim to register its third consecutive win when Patrick Kisnorbo’s side face Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium. Here’s all you need to know about Saturday’s contest…
Set the scene for me…
After two consecutive wins, City will travel to Allianz Stadium full of confidence after dismantling early season flyers Newcastle Jets to the tune of 5-2 at AAMI Park on Sunday.
It was a five-star attacking performance from Patrick Kisnorbo’s side, who demonstrated resilience to overcome a shock deficit when Katie Stengel capitalised on two defensive errors to cancel out Kyah Simon’s early strike.
Larissa Crummer demonstrated her poacher’s instincts with a goal on the stroke half-time to level the scores, before adding her second in-between a sensational double from Jess Fishlock as City laid down a marker to the rest of the competition.
It was the performance which had been coming for a long time. Too often in the opening rounds were chances created but not put away, but Sunday’s clash was an indication that City’s powerful front third is beginning to click into gear.
American Ashley Hatch was lively again on the wing and was unlucky not to open her goal-scoring account twice with shots that cannoned off the crossbar, while Crummer continues to move from strength to strength with every match she plays.
Matildas star Simon continued her bright start to life in City colours with another well-taken goal against the Jets. She, along with defender Alanna Kennedy, returns to the Harbour City to face former club Sydney for the first time, who enter Saturday’s clash with a point to prove.
It has been a difficult to the competition for last year’s Semi Finalist’s, with Ante Juric’s side losing all three matches so far this season. With already a quarter of the regular season gone, a win on Saturday would re-ignite Sydney’s season, while the pressure will be on City to continue building momentum with another three points.
What’s the team news?
City will be without first-choice goalkeeper Lydia Williams, meaning veteran shot-stopper Melissa Hudson is in-line to make her first appearance since joining the Club as an injury replacement in Round 2.
Welsh star Jess Fishlock is also missing due to her upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, with Tyla-Jay Vlajnic returning to the extended squad after recovering from her minor knee injury. Hayley Richmond and Emily Kenshole are also in the selection mix, with the squad set to be trimmed to 15 prior to kick-off.
From the Dressing Room
We're ready for Sydney! ?
Hear from @stephcatley about #SYDvMCY as well as @KyahSimon & @AlannaKennedy about taking on their previous side pic.twitter.com/BJTGiCTK5x
— Melbourne City Women (@MelbCityWFC) November 17, 2017
Key Stats
- Melbourne City FC are undefeated in the W-League against Sydney FC (W3 D1), scoring 13 goals across their previous four meetings.
- All three of Sydney FC’s goals this season have come from the penalty spot.
- Melbourne City have seven of the ten most successful passers in the opposition half throughout the entire competition.
How to follow the match
You can keep up with all the match action from Allianz Stadium as it happens by following our official Twitter account @MelbCityWFC.
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 4
Saturday 18 November
Sydney FC vs Melbourne City FC
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Melbourne City FC: 2. Yukari KINGA, 3. Lauren BARNES, 4. Ashley HATCH, 5. Lia MULDEARY, 7. Steph CATLEY (C), 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 11. Rhali DOBSON, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14. Alanna KENNEDY, 15. Amy JACKSON, 16. Sofia SAKALIS, 17. Kyah SIMON, 18. Hayley RICHMOND, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 23. Melissa HUDSON (GK), 30. Emily KENSHOLE (GK)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 18. Hayley RICHMOND (promoted), 19. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC (returns from injury), 30. Emily KENSHOLE (promoted),
Outs: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (unavailable), 10. Jess FISHLOCK (international duty).
Unavailable: 20. Emily SHIELDS (wrist – indefinite)
